ADHD Evaluation
To determine if someone is ADHD an evaluation is needed. A diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms that started prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with work, school or social interactions.
Rating scales are commonly used instruments to assess ADHD. The CAARS-L-S is a self-rating instrument that has been proven to be valid. The version that is a observer (CAARS-L O) also has good validity.
Symptoms
Many children have trouble sitting still or waiting for their turn, are anxious and act impulsively. If these issues interfere with a child's daily functioning, and cause them to struggle at home, school and in their daily activities and in their relationships, then they may meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Health professionals use the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) guidelines to determine if they are a victim of ADHD. Symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and affected the person's life in more than one setting including at working and at home. They must also affect academic, professional or social success.
The physician will ask the patient about their current symptoms and if they started before the age of 12. A thorough mental health history will be conducted. The provider will talk to the person's parents, teachers, and other people who know them well about their current behaviour and previous school experiences. The doctor will also look for indications that other illnesses or conditions could be causing the person's symptoms, including learning disorders, mood disorders, thyroid issues and head injuries.
Symptoms of ADHD are divided into three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In adolescence a person may suffer from symptoms that shift from one subtype to another, depending on their age and environment.
In the subtype of inattention one may have trouble with paying attention to details, making careless mistakes or staying focused on tasks and activities. A person may have difficulty following directions or paying attention to specifics or remembering information. This type of ADHD is more prevalent in children.
The hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD is less common in young children. Someone may have a hard time knowing the boundaries of social interaction or waiting their turn during games or conversations. They might interrupt others frequently or engage in risky behavior like using drugs or engaging in unsafe sexual activities.
The combined subtype of ADHD is more prevalent in adulthood and teens. People with this presentation have at least six symptoms from each of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. They might lose some of their hyperactivity as they age, but continue to be afflicted by inattention and restlessness.
Family History
Parents with ADHD are more likely to pass the disorder on to their children. But, genetics alone are not able to determine whether or whether a child will suffer from the disorder. A person's environment can also determine how likely he she is to have mental health conditions, and how these symptoms manifest in their daily lives.
A doctor can use a family background of ADHD to determine the likelihood that a child is likely to suffer from the disorder. The disorder can impact performance at school and work and create problems with relationships. If a child has a parent or a sibling who suffers from the disorder, the doctor may recommend testing to determine if medications can help improve the functioning at home and in school.
If the child is diagnosed with ADHD If a doctor diagnoses ADHD, he or she can help him or her manage the symptoms through psychotherapy or medication. If a child suffers from severe ADHD then he or she could be qualified to receive special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or a Section 504 plan. Learning to be a better student, behavioural training and instruction in study skills and changes to the classroom layout and alternative teaching techniques could enhance a child's ability to learn.
Researchers are committed to identifying the underlying cause of ADHD and identifying more effective treatments. Therapy may include behavior modification, parent education and medication. It is important to educate students and parents on the condition to decrease stigma and increase awareness. This will also help encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
The way in which ADHD manifests varies 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 particular pattern in their family histories as well as the development histories. This profile is different from the non-referred samples of ADHD individuals and appears to be influenced by gender. In one study, a routine interview was used to obtain information about family and developmental history. Also, rating scales were used to assess disorder-specific features.
Physical Examination
During the physical exam, the examiner will observe 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 professionals. It can include observations, palpation and auscultation, which are methods of rubbing and listening to the patient. It should be done in a comfortable environment, with privacy and quiet whenever possible. The examiner should use appropriate lighting and make the room dark during certain sections of the test. They should also provide water and other beverages.
Adults are frequently diagnosed with ADHD by primary care doctors or mental health professionals. They can refer the patient to a psychiatrist or clinical psychology to conduct a thorough evaluation. The evaluation could also involve interviews with the person as well as their family members, close friends and work colleagues, as well as an examination of medical and psychiatric history and psychoeducational tests. The tests are usually focused on working memory as well as executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial abilities (related to space) and reasoning.
It is crucial that the person being examined be able to openly discuss their symptoms and experiences with their health care professional. The provider will likely ask questions about the way that the symptoms impact the person's health and well-being at home, at school or at work, as well as relationships and hobbies. what is an adhd assessment will also want to rule out other ailments that could cause similar symptoms, like mood disorders, learning disorders or head injuries. They may also be thyroid problems.
Inattention ADHD can cause people to have trouble being still waiting for their turn, or concentrating on conversations or tasks. They might also forget particulars. They are easily distracted by activities that are not priority or other events such as a phone call, TV show or a conversation. They may have trouble organizing their stuff, keeping track of deadlines, or being constantly 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.
In general, people suffering from ADHD have more issues in the areas of concentration and attention than in hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are more susceptible to anxiety and depression as well as difficulty learning. They are more likely to be injured due to their impulsiveness, or inability to organize their lives. They may also have problems with substance abuse and self-medication, such as alcohol and drugs.
Psychological Testing
To establish a diagnosis of ADHD, a patient will be required to undergo psychological testing. This helps healthcare professionals determine whether cognitive disorders could compound the issue and make it more difficult to treat. It also enables them to identify other mental health issues that may be associated with ADHD.
Psychological tests can include intelligence, memory and attention and language assessment. They can also comprise a broad spectrum scale that screens for psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. In some cases psychologists will inquire from family members, colleagues, and friends about the person's behaviour. This is referred to as a collateral interview and it can be very useful in establishing a clear picture of the symptoms.
A patient could be given an examination of neuropsychology such as TOVA. The test consists of both auditory and visual tests. The test is conducted by looking at two simple geometric shapes and clicking a microswitch whenever they see the figure. The test measures the ability to pay attention and how quickly they respond to visual cues.
The clinician will ask about the person's daily routine and how the symptoms impact their work and school. They'll be looking to find out whether they frequently forget appointments, lose things or have trouble following through 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 must wear comfortable clothes and should not wear jewelry. A medical history will be taken, and the clinician will search for indications of anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD.