How to Get an Accurate Assessment of ADHD
Many adults undergoing an assessment for ADHD might exaggerate falsely or even feign symptoms. According to several studies (Marshall, et. and. Citation2016 Suhr, et. and., Citation2008) approximately 27% adults undergoing a comprehensive ADHD evaluation show no signs of the disorder.
Self-report ADHD scales for assessing behavior are adequate in sensitivity, however, they are not specific. Combining clinical interview information with neuropsychological tests and/or performance based measures is a more reliable approach.
Diagnostic Criteria
If you think you might have 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 in getting an official diagnosis is to schedule an appointment with a trained health professional who will perform an assessment. Your practitioner will ask you questions about your current problems and review your medical history. The doctor will also ask about your symptoms when you were a child as well as as an adult.
Psychologists and psychiatrists use guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association, published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine 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 be present for at least six months and they result in significant impairment in at minimum two aspects of daily living.
For adolescents and children, the symptoms must be evident before 12 years of age. For adults, they must be evident from early childhood. For an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must not be explained better by a different mental disorder (including mood disorders or anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, personality disorders).
It is essential for people with suspected ADHD to express their concerns candidly and honestly during a confidential interview with the evaluation. Depending on the person's circumstances, it may be necessary for him or her to divulge personal information regarding unsafe lifestyle choices to his or her evaluation. It's also beneficial to seek the opinions of those who know the individual well like family members and former teachers as well as religious and scout coaches, leaders and employers.
The evaluator will employ one of several standardized questionnaires to rate 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. They are based on research that has shown that these particular symptoms are more than just "normal" behavior.
Clinical Interview
The clinical interview is a crucial component of the ADHD assessment battery. It assists the therapist in understanding the main symptoms of adult ADHD and how they affect various life domains. It also helps the therapist identify if other disorders are present that are similar to or worsen ADHD such as depression and anxiety disorders.
The therapist will look over the patient's medical, developmental and family history to determine the effects of ADHD symptoms on their lives both in the past and in the present. The therapist will assess how the symptoms affect the patient's academic, social, or occupational functioning. They will also look for comorbid conditions that might explain the patient's symptoms as many adults with ADHD have a high incidence of comorbidity between anxiety and depression (Friedrichs, Igl, Larsson, & Larsson Citation2012).
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the scales for behavioral ratings aren't enough to identify ADHD. However, they can be used to distinguish valid symptoms from ones that aren't. Incorporating cognitive tests into the behavioral ADHD rating scale battery substantially increases the accuracy of diagnosis, and combining these tests provides the greatest diagnostic accuracy.
It is important that the therapist conducts the interview with the individual in an open and honest manner. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition, and consequently hide details during a clinical interview. This can severely affect the accuracy of the test and lead to an under-estimation or false-negative.
The therapist should inquire about the individual's experiences in various environments such as home, school, and work. They should also ask the individual about their personal relationships, such as their relationship with their spouse or partner. The ideal scenario is for the therapist to interview both the person and their loved ones to discuss the impact of a person's symptoms on their lives together. If this isn't feasible, the therapist can utilize a checklist of the individual's symptom experiences.
Neuropsychological tests
A health care provider performing a neuropsychological assessment could test your memory and thinking abilities, as well as other aspects of cognitive functioning. The tests can be done on a computer, or with a pencil and paper at the doctor's. They could include memory tests like repeating the words or numbers. They can also test your ability to read and draw images. Other tests examine how quickly you can process information as well as how well you recognize objects or people and how quickly you can discern if two objects are similar (visuospatial skills).
The psychologist will look over your medical history in order to determine if a disease or injury is causing problems. They'll also inquire about your mood and past mental health including any anxiety or depression you've had. They may also ask family members, coworkers or even your friends to find out more about your behavior.
A neuropsychologist will give you various tests and examine your responses to those tests compared to other people who have taken the identical tests. This is a crucial part of the assessment. It's referred to as an normative comparison. This helps your doctor determine whether you're performing better or worse than other participants who have taken the same test.
The results of the test for neuropsychological disorders will aid your doctor in deciding what to do if you may have a mental issue. assessment of adhd can help distinguish between normal cognitive changes due to aging and the actual decline in cognitive capacity that could be the result of an illness or disease, like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
The results can be used to help guide the future treatment plan, such as occupational or speech therapy. They can help your provider figure out what skills you're weak in and what strengths could compensate for them, so they can focus on building the skills you need. They are also useful in assessing the extent to which you're responding to any new pharmacological treatment, or noninvasive brain stimulation technique like transcranial magnetic stimulation or deep brain stimulation.
Family History
ADHD symptoms aren't easy to manage. They can cause issues at school or at work and can cause tension in relationships. Finding out that you have ADHD can help you get assistance. The process of diagnosis can be time-consuming but it's well worth it. A qualified health care professional or physician can assess whether a person is suffering from the disorder by gathering information from multiple sources. These include the symptom checklist, standardized behavior rating scales as well as a detailed record of past and current functioning and information from relatives or significant others who are familiar with the individual.
You should seek out a doctor with experience in evaluating and treating adult ADHD. You can find an expert at your local mental health center, your school or your primary care doctor. You can also seek an appointment from a person you trust.
The family health history of your parents can be important for diagnosing ADHD. It is not uncommon for children of parents who have the disorder to also be diagnosed. Your doctor will inquire if you have relatives with 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 want to know if anyone has had any serious illness. This can help them rule other conditions out, like anxiety or depression.
The standard for determining ADHD is that the symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of one's life. The impairment could be due to the loss of a job due to inattention or forgetfulness. It could also be difficulties in relationships, difficulty paying bills or keeping up with homework. It could also mean difficulty staying on task at work, excessive spending or risky driving habits.
Some people with ADHD can manage their symptoms with a combination of medication as well as diet, exercise and therapy. However, without treatment, the symptoms may persist to disrupt the person's daily routine and cause issues in their family and personal lives. The good news is that treatment for ADHD can be extremely effective in both children and adults.