How to Get an Accurate Assessment of ADHD
Many adults undergoing an assessment for ADHD might exaggerate falsely or even fabricate symptoms. Several studies (Marshall et al Citation2016; Suhr et al, Citation2008) indicate that about 27% of those taking a thorough ADHD assessment have a false symptoms presentation.
Self-report ADHD scales for assessing behavior are adequate in sensitivity but not specific. Combining clinical interview data with neuropsychological testing and/or performance based measures is a more reliable approach.
Diagnostic Criteria
If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD, you should seek out professional assistance. 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). The first step to get a formal diagnosis is to set up an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional who can perform an assessment. The doctor will go over your medical history and ask you about your current problems. He or she might also ask about your symptoms when you were a child, and then as an adult.
Psychologists and psychiatrists follow the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), in determining if someone suffers from ADHD. These guidelines for clinical practice are known as diagnostic criteria, and they are similar to the list of symptoms. The criteria require that symptoms are present for at least six months and that they cause significant impairment in at minimum two aspects of daily living.
For children and adolescents the symptoms must be present before 12 years of age. Adults must have experienced symptoms since the age of a child. The symptoms of ADHD in adults cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or dissociative disorders.
During a confidential interview It is essential that those who are suspected of having ADHD talk about their concerns honestly and openly. Depending on the person's circumstances, it may be essential for them to provide personal information regarding risky lifestyle behaviors to his or her evaluator. The idea of asking for opinions from people who know the individual is also helpful. This includes relatives as well as former teachers and religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches and employers.
The evaluator will employ one of several commonly used questionnaires to evaluate 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 show these symptoms are not "normal" behaviors.
Clinical Interview
The clinical interview is a vital component of the ADHD assessment battery. It helps the therapist to understand the core symptoms and how they impact different aspects of life. It helps the therapist determine whether other disorders are present that mimic or exacerbate ADHD like anxiety and depression disorders.
The therapist will look over the patient's family, developmental, and medical history to determine how ADHD symptoms have affected their lives both in the past and the present. They will then assess the extent to which symptoms impact their academic and social or occupational functioning. They will also check for comorbid conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms as many adults suffering from ADHD have a high rate of comorbidity with both depression and anxiety disorders (Friedrichs, Igl, Larsson and Larsson Citation2012).
A number of studies have proven that behavioral rating scales alone are inadequate to fully identify the presence of ADHD However, they do have high specificity and sensitivity in determining valid symptom presentation from non-valid. Adding cognitive tests to the behavioral ADHD rating scale battery substantially increases the accuracy of diagnosis, and combining these tests provides the greatest diagnostic accuracy.
It is essential that the therapist interview the individual in an open and honest manner. It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to be embarrassed or ashamed of their problems, so they may hold back details during the interview. This can seriously impair the accuracy of the assessment and could result in an inaccurate negative or underestimation of ADHD symptoms.
The therapist should inquire about the person's experiences in different environments like home, school, and work. They should also inquire about the individual's interpersonal relationships as well as their relationship with their partner or spouse. In the ideal scenario, the therapist should interview both the individual and their loved ones to discuss the impact of the person's symptoms on their lives. If this isn't possible the therapist can make use of a checklist to help identify the person's symptoms.
Neuropsychological Tests
A doctor who is performing an assessment of neuropsychological functioning could test your thinking and memory skills, as well as other aspects of cognitive functioning. These tests are usually administered with a pencil and paper at the doctor's office but can be performed on computers. They could include memory tests that require repetition of a list of words or numbers. They also test your ability to understand written words as well as draw images. Other tests measure how quickly you process information, how well identify objects or people and how quickly you tell if two objects are identical (visuospatial ability).
The psychologist will look at your medical history to determine what injuries or illnesses may be causing the issues you're having. They'll also ask about your mood and mental health including any anxiety or depression you've experienced. They may also interview others in your family or friends to gather more details about your personality and experiences.
A neuropsychologist may offer you a variety of tests, and then compare your responses with the responses of others who took the identical tests. This is referred to as normative comparative and is a crucial part of the assessment. It lets your doctor determine if you're performing worse or better than other people who have taken the same test.
The results of the neuropsychological test can help your doctor decide what to do if they believe you have a mental problem. The results can be used to differentiate between normal cognitive changes that occur with age and real cognitive decline caused by an illness like Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's.
The results can be used to guide future treatment options, such as occupational therapy or speech therapy. Your therapist can analyze the results to determine which skills are weak and what strengths could compensate for those weaknesses, so that they can focus their efforts to improve the skills. They can also be helpful in assessing the extent to which you're responding to any new 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 cause tension in relationships and cause problems at school or at work. Finding out that you have ADHD can help you get help. The diagnostic process may take time, but is well worth it. A licensed health professional or physician can determine whether someone is suffering from the disorder by analyzing information from multiple sources. These include the symptom checklist as well as standardized scales of behavior as well as a detailed record of past and current functioning, and information from family members or significant others who are familiar with the person.
It's important to find a healthcare provider with experience in evaluating and treating adults with ADHD. You can locate a specialist at your local mental health center or at your school. You can also ask for a referral from a trusted person.
The family health history is important in diagnosing ADHD. The disorder is often seen through families, and it's common for children of parents who suffer from the disorder to be diagnosed with the disorder as well. Learn Alot more will ask if there are any family members who have the disorder, or if they've been treated.
A health care professional may inquire about your family's lifestyle, diet and genetic background. They'll also want to know if anyone has had any serious illnesses. This can help them rule out other conditions out, like depression or anxiety.
The criteria for determining ADHD requires that the symptoms of the disorder cause significant impairment in at least two areas of the person's daily life. The impairment could be the loss of a job due to forgetfulness or inattention, trouble keeping up with homework or paying bills, or difficulties in relationships. It could also mean difficulty staying on task at work, impulsive spending or risky driving habits.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms using a combination of medication as well as diet, exercise and therapy. If not treated, the symptoms could persist to disrupt a person's day-to-day functions and cause problems for their family and their personal lives. The good news is, ADHD treatment can be extremely effective for both children and adults.