How to Get an Accurate Assessment of ADHD
Many people who are undergoing an assessment for ADHD might exaggerate falsely or even fabricate symptoms. According to several studies (Marshall and. al., Citation2016, Suhr, and. al., Citation2008), about 27% adults undergoing an extensive ADHD assessment show no evidence of ADHD.
Self-report ADHD scales for assessing behavior are adequate in sensitivity but not specific. A more robust approach involves combining clinical interview information with neuropsychological testing or performance-based measures.
Diagnostic Criteria
If you're concerned you might have ADHD, it's important to seek out a professional assessment. An accurate diagnosis can help you decide what treatment options are available and determine whether your symptoms meet criteria for a specific subtype of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined). To receive an official diagnosis, you must first make an appointment with a skilled health professional. Your practitioner will ask you questions regarding your current health issues and review your medical background. They will also inquire about your symptoms as a child and as an adult.
Psychiatrists and psychology employ guidelines issued by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), when assessing whether someone has ADHD. These guidelines, which are known as diagnostic criteria, are similar to a list of symptoms. The guidelines require that symptoms be present for at minimum six months, and that they cause significant impairment in at least two settings of daily functioning.
For children and adolescents The symptoms must be present before age 12. Adults must have experienced the symptoms since the age of a child. To be diagnosed with Recommended Resource site cannot be explained better by a different mental disorder (including mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, personality disorders).
It is essential for people who are suspected of having ADHD to express their concerns candidly and honestly during a confidential conversation with the assessor. Depending on the person's circumstances it might be essential for them to disclose personal information about risky lifestyle behaviors to their assessor. The idea of asking for opinions from people who know the individual well can be beneficial. This includes family members as well as former teachers and religious leaders and scouts, coaches and employers.
The evaluator utilizes one of the many common questionnaires to assess your symptoms. These rating scales, which are often referred to as narrow-band scales, focus on assessing the core ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These scales are based on research that have shown these symptoms are not "normal" behaviors.
Clinical Interview
The clinical interview is an essential part of the ADHD battery. It aids the therapist to understand the core symptoms and how they affect different aspects of life. It also helps the therapist identify whether there are other disorders that are similar to or worsen ADHD like depression and anxiety disorders.
The therapist will review the patient's family, developmental and medical history to determine how ADHD symptoms have affected their lives in both the past and in the present. They will then determine the extent to which symptoms interfere with their academic and social or occupational functioning. They will also look for comorbidities that could explain the patient's symptoms as many adults with ADHD have a high rate of comorbidity between anxiety and depression (Friedrichs, Igl, Larsson and Larsson Citation 2012).
A number of studies have proven that behavioral rating scales on their own are not sufficient to determine the presence of ADHD, although they do have good accuracy and sensitivity to distinguish valid symptom presentation from non-valid. Adding cognitive tests to a behavioral ADHD rating scale battery substantially increases the accuracy of diagnosis, and utilizing a combination of these measures will give you the highest diagnostic accuracy.
It is important that the therapist interviews the individual in an open and honest manner. Adults with ADHD may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition and avoid discussing their condition during a clinical interview. This could seriously impact the quality of the test and lead to an underestimation or false negative.
The therapist should inquire about the individual's experiences in various environments like home, school and at work. They should also inquire about the individual's interpersonal relationships, including their relationship with their partner or spouse. The therapist should sit down with the patient and their family members to discuss the impact the symptoms of the patient affect their lives. If this isn't feasible the therapist must make use of a checklist to document the individuals' symptom experiences.
Neuropsychological tests
A health care provider performing a neuropsychological test may test your thinking and memory skills, as well as other aspects of cognitive functioning. These tests can be conducted on a computer or with pencil and paper at the doctor's. Memory tests are also available, such as the repetition of a list or numbers. They can also measure your ability to comprehend written words as well as draw images. Other tests measure how quickly you process information, your ability to identify people or objects, and how quickly can you tell if two objects are the same (visuospatial ability).
The psychologist will look at your medical history to determine whether any injury or illness could be causing the problems you're experiencing. They'll also ask about your mood and past mental health including any depression or anxiety you've suffered from. They may interview relatives, coworkers, or friends to learn more about your behavior.
A neuropsychologist can offer you a variety of tests, and then compare your results to the responses of others who took the identical tests. This is called normative comparison, and it's a critical element of the test. This allows your doctor determine if you are doing better or worse than other people who took the same test.
The results of the neuropsychological test will help your doctor decide what to do if you may have a mental issue. They can discern between normal cognitive changes that are a result of aging and a decline in cognition that may be the result of an illness or disease such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
The results can be used to help guide future treatments, like occupational therapy or speech therapy. Your therapist can use the results to determine what skills are lacking and what strengths can compensate for the weaknesses, so they can concentrate their efforts on improving these skills. They are also useful for evaluating how well you're responding to the latest pharmacological treatment or noninvasive brain stimulation technique such as transcranial magnetic stimulation or deep brain stimulation.
Family History
ADHD symptoms aren't easy to manage. They can strain relationships and create problems at school or at work. The diagnosis of ADHD can make it easier to receive help. The process of diagnosis can take time, but is well worth it. A qualified health care professional or physician can determine if someone has the disorder by analyzing information from a variety of sources. These include the symptom checklist, standardized behavior rating scales as well as a detailed record of the person's past and present functioning as well as information from family members or significant others who know the person well.
You should find a doctor with experience in evaluating and treating adult ADHD. You can look for an expert at your local mental health center or at your school, or even your primary care doctor. You can also request an appointment from someone you are comfortable with.
Your family health history is crucial in diagnosing ADHD. It's not uncommon for children of parents with the disorder to be diagnosed. Your doctor will ask if there are any family members who have the disorder, or if they have been treated.
A medical professional could ask about your family's diet, lifestyle and genetic history. They'll also ask whether anyone has suffered from any serious illnesses. This will aid in determining if they have other illnesses, like depression or anxiety.
The criteria to diagnose ADHD is that the symptoms of the disorder result in significant impairments in at least two areas of the individual's life. The impairment could be the loss of employment due to inattention or forgetfulness difficulties with homework or paying bills, or problems in relationships. It could also be a problem keeping on track at work, excessive spending or reckless driving.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms through a combination of medications diet, exercise, and therapy. However, without treatment, the symptoms may remain a problem for the person's daily routine and cause problems in their family and personal lives. The good news is that treatment for ADHD can be highly effective for both children and adults.