ADHD Evaluation
An evaluation is required to determine whether a person has ADHD. The diagnosis is by analyzing the symptoms that began before 12 years of age and interfere significantly with school, work or social interactions.
Rating scales are often used to measure ADHD. The CAARS-L-S is a self-rating instrument that has been proven to be valid. The observer version of the CAARS-L:O has also been proven to be valid.
Symptoms
Many children have difficulty sitting still or waiting their turn, are anxious and behave impulsively. If these issues interfere with a child's daily functioning, and cause them to suffer at home, school and in their daily activities and in their relationships, they may be diagnosed with ADHD. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 guidelines are used by health care providers to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and affected the person in more than 1 setting, including at home and at work. They must also interfere with academic, professional or social performance.
To diagnose ADHD, the provider will ask about the person's current symptoms and whether they began before the age of 12. A thorough mental health history is compiled. The doctor will discuss with the person's teachers, parents and other people who know them well about their behavior and past school experiences. The provider will also search for indications that other conditions or illnesses may be causing symptoms, including mood disorders, learning disorders, thyroid problems and head injuries.
Symptoms of ADHD are divided into three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In adolescence, a person's symptoms can change between one type and the other depending on their age and the demands of their environment.
In the subtype that is inattentional the person may have difficulty with focusing on particulars, making mistakes or staying focused on tasks and activities. A person may have difficulty following directions, paying attention to details or retaining details. This kind of ADHD is most common in young children.
The hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD is less common in young children. They may have difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction, or waiting for their turn during games or conversations. They may interrupt others often or engage in risky behaviors like using drugs or engaging in unsafe sexual activity.
The subtype that is combined is more prevalent in adults and adolescents. People with this presentation have at least six symptoms from each of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. They may lose some of their hyperactivity as they age however, they continue to be afflicted by inattention and restlessness.
Family History
Parents with ADHD are more likely to pass on the disorder to their children. Genetics alone can't tell whether or the child will be affected by the disorder. The environment a person is in can affect the likelihood they are to develop mental health issues and how they show up in their lives.
A family history of ADHD can aid a physician in assessing the possibility that a child has the disorder. The disorder could make it more difficult to perform at school or at work, and can cause problems with relationships. If the child has a parent or a sibling with the condition, a doctor might recommend testing to determine whether medication can improve functioning at home and in school.
If an individual child is diagnosed with ADHD, the doctor can help him or her manage symptoms with psychotherapy or medication. If a child is diagnosed with severe ADHD they could be eligible for a Section 504 or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act plan. Students can enhance their learning abilities by implementing behavioral training, study skills classroom adjustments, and other teaching strategies.
Researchers are committed to identifying the root cause of ADHD and identifying more effective treatments. In addition to medications therapies, treatments can include behavior modification as well as parent education. It is important to educate students and parents on the condition in order to reduce stigma and increase awareness. This will also help encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
The way in which ADHD manifests differs by gender, and it can appear different for girls and boys. For example, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is more common in males than in females, while inattentive ADHD is more commonly seen in girls.
In several studies, it was observed that families with ADHD have a certain pattern in their family histories as well as the development histories. This profile is different from non-referred samples of ADHD people and is believed to be influenced by gender. In what is an adhd assessment , data was obtained through an interview conducted by a clinical professional. Scales of rating were utilized to assess disorder-specific characteristics.
Physical Exam
During the physical exam, the examiner will see how the patient moves and look for signs of injury or illness. The examination can be performed in many ways and by different people, including physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. It can include observations, palpation and auscultation, which are techniques of touching and listening to the patient. It should be conducted in a calm and comfortable setting with privacy and quiet whenever possible. The examiner should make use of appropriate lighting, darken the room during certain portions of the examination and provide water and other beverages.
In adults, primary healthcare providers and mental health professionals frequently diagnose ADHD. They may refer the individual to a psychiatrist or clinical psychology for a thorough assessment. The evaluation could also involve interviewing the person, their family members, close friends and work colleagues and reviewing medical and psychiatric history, and psychoeducational testing. The tests typically look at working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) as well as spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.
It is crucial for the person being examined to discuss their symptoms and experiences openly with the health care provider. The doctor will likely inquire about the way that the symptoms impact the person's health and well-being at home, school or work as well as their relationships and interests. The provider will want you to rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include mood disorders, learning problems, and head injuries.
Inattentive ADHD can cause people to have difficulty staying still waiting for their turn, or focusing on tasks or conversations. They can also lose details. They can be easily distracted by activities that are not of a high priority or external events, such a phone conversation, TV show, or a telephone call. They may have trouble organizing their things and not being able to keep track of deadlines or getting late to appointments. People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may fidget or have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, blurt out answers before they are finished or have trouble waiting to take turns in games.
ADHD is more common in those who are impulsive and hyperactive than those with attention and concentration problems. They are more likely to experience difficulties with learning and experience depression or anxiety. They are more likely to be injured due to their impulsiveness or inability to organize their lives. They could also be suffering from issues with addiction to substances and self-medication, like alcohol and other drugs.
Psychological Testing
A person suffering from ADHD must undergo psychological tests to establish the diagnosis. This enables healthcare providers to identify cognitive impairments that could compound the problem and complicate treatment. It also allows them to determine other mental health issues that may co-exist with ADHD.
Psychological tests could include memory, intelligence, attention and language assessments. They may also include broad-spectrum scales that screen for psychiatric problems like depression and anxiety. In some instances a psychologist may ask family members, colleagues, and friends about the person's behaviour. This is known as a collateral or a secondary interview and can be extremely helpful in creating a clear picture of the symptoms.
A patient may also be given a neuropsychological test such as TOVA which is comprised of auditory and visual tests. The test requires the participant to look at two simple geometric shapes and then click on a microswitch every time they see them. The test measures how well a person is able to pay attention and respond to visual cues.
The doctor will also inquire about the individual's work and school performance and how conditions affect their daily activities. They'll be interested in knowing whether they frequently forget appointments, lose things or have difficulty executing on their plans. They'll ask about their relationships and if they have trouble managing their emotions.
The doctor will then perform an examination of the body. The patient should wear comfortable clothing and should not wear jewelry. A medical history will be taken and the clinician will look for indications of anxiety or depression which may be co-existing with ADHD.