How to Test For Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD screening is a bit different from the screening for children. The person you choose to screen for ADHD should adhere to the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association, and be aware of the ways that adults suffering from ADHD struggle.
The assessment should last between one and three hours. The examiner will ask questions, employ ratings scales, and look for other conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD.
Medical Evaluation
A person with ADHD is troubled in a variety of settings such as at school, home or at work. They may have difficulty completing tasks, keeping commitments or getting along with others. They may also suffer from depression, addiction issues or difficulty with learning. They suffer daily when they don't receive the care they require. A thorough medical evaluation can help find the right treatment.
A medical examination can be conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. People can also ask for a referral from family members, friends or other healthcare professionals. Before scheduling an appointment, check with your insurance company to confirm that any of these specialists are covered by your plan. Also, check if the specialist you are considering has extensive experience with treating adults with ADHD.
The main objective of the evaluation is to determine if the person's symptoms match the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The professional will interview the patient or their parents, and review the person's family history. The professional will also examine the individual's health, lifestyle and development. They will employ ADHD ratings scales, which are a questionnaire that allows the individual to answer specific questions regarding their symptoms. The evaluator also interviews at least one of the independent sources such as teachers, friends or co-workers.
It is essential to recognize any other conditions that may mimic ADHD. Depression, anxiety disorders, and learning disabilities are just a few of the most frequent coexisting disorders. The evaluator will review these disorders in depth to determine if they are present.
The evaluator will assess how the symptoms of ADHD affect the life of the person. They will assess the impact of ADHD on relationships, work and school. They will also examine the extent to which symptoms affect the person's ability to complete routine tasks and activities.
A person has to be experiencing significant problems in two different settings like school or at work, in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must be a significant disruption. The evaluator must also be able to confirm that the symptoms aren't caused by a different disorder like depression or anxiety.
Psychological Evaluation
A professional ADHD evaluation will usually include psychological tests in addition to a thorough physical examination. A highly regarded mental health specialist will employ standard questionnaires to assess the symptoms of ADHD sufferers to those who do not have it. The clinician may also interview the person who is being assessed, their significant other, and request feedback from other independent sources. The examiner will go over the history of a person's life, including childhood development, academic performance, and work performance. They will also examine the relationship between marital and family members as well as any drug or alcohol use.
The psychologist or other mental health professional conducting the assessment will also use standardized behavioral rating scales that are designed to address the symptoms of adult ADHD. The person conducting the assessment is likely to utilize the Conner Adult Symptom Inventory, the Derogatis Psychiatric Rating Scale and other tests specifically designed for people suffering from ADHD. He or she may also use various tests of intelligence to assess cognitive abilities. These include the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCS) as well as the Stroop Test, and the Continuous Performance Test. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they can identify cognitive issues that could be contributing to the person’s ADHD symptoms. They could also hinder with their performance at work, school, and home.
For some who go through a comprehensive ADHD assessment can be emotionally and even psychologically cathartic. They may feel heard and acknowledged for the first time, even if they have not yet received a concrete diagnosis of ADHD. This type of psychological testing can help to reduce stigma associated with the disorder and also increase awareness of ADHD symptoms and their impacts on daily life.
Often untreated ADHD can lead to a range of medical and mental health issues, including mood disorders (anxiety and depression) and substance abuse. These co-occurring issues can impact executive function and can make it difficult to discern the clinical picture with that of a psychiatrist or other mental health professionals doing the assessment. A professional can identify and distinguish these issues through an extensive and thorough evaluation in order to provide an accurate and precise diagnosis of ADHD.
Behavior Rating Scales
Many of the comprehensive assessments of adults who are suspected of having ADHD include standardized behavioral rating scales. These assessments are based on research comparing the behavior of people with and without ADHD to aid in determining whether the patient is suffering from symptoms of the disorder. The person who is undergoing the evaluation and their significant others (such as spouses, employers or co-workers) are asked to evaluate the presence of particular behavior patterns that are targeted. These ratings are not diagnostic in themselves however they are valuable sources of objective information to aid in the evaluation process.
A symptom is evaluated by a Likert scale ranging from between 0 and 5, with a lower score indicating more symptoms and a higher score indicating more severe ones. The symptom is typically anchored in some way like the frequency of the symptom (did not occur, occurred more than once or has been occurring on a daily basis, or is occurring on a continuous basis) or the severity of the symptoms (minimal or minimal impact on daily functioning, significantly interferes with the daily functioning).
It is recommended that multiple informants take part in the rating. This increases the reliability by allowing the evaluator and the informant to compare scores. Rating scales are quick to use and are very easy to use for an individual.
A clinician can also ask the person being assessed about their symptoms and experiences over a longer time period that is not required for the online ADHD test. For example a therapist or a doctor might conduct a lengthy interview with the patient that delves into their personal and family history to gain a complete picture of their behavior patterns.
It is crucial that the evaluator is not just looking at whether the individual exhibits symptoms of ADHD however, they must also look at other possible reasons for their behavior. Other explanations could be physical health issues like depression or bipolar disorders mental health issues like anxiety, and other causes of impulsive behaviors such as alcohol or drug use.
Family History
Medical professionals will also need to be aware of if you have a history of ADHD. They'll want to know if any of your first-degree family members were diagnosed with ADHD (a child, parent or sibling). You and other family members may be interviewed about your childhood and memories. The doctors will want to determine if you were able to manage your behavior or if it got out of control.
additional hints will inquire about any other health problems that you or your family have. They will be interested in knowing whether you or any family members suffer from asthma, diabetes or other ailments that can affect your breathing and heart rate. They also have to know how old your family members were at the time they were diagnosed with these health problems. This information is crucial because it will be used to determine if there's a genetic predisposition for these health issues.
Your doctor will also need to know if you've ever had a drink or used drugs. This is crucial because those who are dependent on alcohol or drugs are more likely to develop an underlying condition called ADHD. The doctor will use this information to help decide if you are a candidate for the diagnosis of ADHD.
After analyzing all the information from your medical and psychological assessments, the doctor will decide if you have ADHD. The doctor will explain your symptoms and explain how they impact your life. The doctor may also suggest the treatment plan that may include psychotherapy or medication.
If your doctor has determined that you suffer from ADHD, it is important to choose a specialist. You may receive an appointment through your primary care doctor, or you can search for an expert in the online directory of your health insurance plan.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis and treatment can help you reach your goals in life. With the right support you can accomplish anything you put your mind on.