How to Get an Accurate Assessment of ADHD
Many adults undergoing an assessment for ADHD could be exaggerating falsely or even fabricate symptoms. A number of studies (Marshall and colleagues, Citation2016; Suhr et al, Citation2008) show that around 27% of people taking a thorough ADHD assessment make an invalid symptoms presentation.
Self-report ADHD behavior rating scales are sensitive but are not very specific. A more robust approach is combining clinical interview information with neuropsychological tests and/or performance-based measures.
Diagnostic Criteria
If you suspect you have ADHD, you should seek out professional help. 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 set up an appointment with a trained health care provider who can perform an assessment. Your practitioner will ask you questions about your current problems and review your medical background. The doctor will also inquire about your symptoms as a child and 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), when assessing whether someone has ADHD. These guidelines for clinical practice, also known as diagnostic criteria, function as a checklist of symptoms. The criteria 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 evident before age 12. For adults, they should be evident from the beginning of childhood. The signs of ADHD in adults cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or dissociative disorders.
It is essential for people with suspected ADHD to discuss their concerns candidly and honestly during a confidential conversation with the evaluator. Depending on a person's situation it could be necessary to provide personal information to the evaluator regarding dangerous lifestyle habits. It is also beneficial to seek the opinions of others who know the person well like relatives and former teachers, religious and scout leaders, coaches and employers.
The evaluator will use 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 which has proven that these particular symptoms are more than "normal" behavior.
Clinical Interview
The clinical interview is an important part of the ADHD battery. It helps the therapist understand the primary symptoms of adult ADHD and how they impact different areas of life. It also helps the therapist identify if other disorders are present that mimic or exacerbate ADHD, such as anxiety and depression disorders.
The therapist will go over the patient's developmental, family and medical history to determine how their ADHD symptoms have affected their lives in both the past and in the present. The therapist will determine how the symptoms affect the patient's academic, social, or occupational functioning. They will also look for any comorbid conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms as many adults with ADHD have a high percentage of comorbidity between depression and anxiety disorders (Friedrichs, Igl, Larsson and Larsson Citation 2012).
Numerous studies have demonstrated that behavioral rating scales on their own are inadequate to fully identify the presence of ADHD however they have a high specificity and sensitivity in determining valid symptom presentation from non-valid. The addition of cognitive tests to a behavioral ADHD rating scale battery substantially improves the accuracy of diagnosis, and using a combination of these measures will give you the highest diagnostic accuracy.
It is essential that the therapist conduct the interview with the patient in a candid and open manner. It is not unusual for adults suffering from ADHD to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their problems, so they might hide information during the interview. psychiatrist adhd assessment can seriously affect the quality of the test and lead to an under-estimation or false-negative.
The therapist should inquire about the individual's experiences in various settings like school, home, and work. They should also ask the person about their interpersonal relationships, such as their relationship with their spouse or partner. The therapist should talk to the patient as well as their family members to discuss the impact the symptoms of the patient have on their lives. If this isn't possible the therapist can use a checklist for the individual's symptom experiences.
Neuropsychological Tests
A health care provider who does a neuropsychological evaluation can test your thinking abilities, memory and other aspects of your cognitive performance. 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 also test your ability to understand written words and draw images. Other tests assess how quickly you process information and how well you can recognize objects or people and how quickly you can determine if two things are the same (visuospatial abilities).
The psychologist will review your medical history to determine what injuries or illnesses may be causing the issues you're having. They'll also inquire about your mood and mental health, including any depression or anxiety you've had. They might interview other family members or friends to learn more about your personality and experiences.
A neuropsychologist can provide you with a variety of tests, and compare your results with the responses of others who took the same tests. This is an important aspect of the test. It's called an normative comparison. 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 aid your doctor in deciding what to do if they believe you may have a mental issue. They can distinguish between normal cognitive changes due to aging and a decline in cognition that could be caused by an illness or disease, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
The results can be used to guide future treatments, like occupational therapy or speech therapy. They can assist your therapist determine what areas you're weak in and what strengths can help you overcome them, so they can focus on developing those skills. They are also useful to determine how well you're reacting to any new pharmacological treatment, or non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, 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. The diagnosis of ADHD can make it easier to seek help. The process of diagnosis can be time-consuming, but it's worth it. A qualified health care professional or physician can assess whether someone is suffering from the disorder based on data 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 other significant others who are familiar with the person.
It is recommended to find a doctor who has experience in evaluating and treating adult ADHD. You can find an expert at your local mental health clinic or at your school. You can also request an appointment from someone you are comfortable with.
The health history of the family is important in diagnosing ADHD. The condition tends to run in families, and it's typical for children of parents who suffer from the disorder to be diagnosed with the disorder as well. Your doctor will ask you if you have any family members who suffer from the disorder or if they've been treated.
A medical professional will ask about your lifestyle, diet and the genetic background of your family. They'll also want to know whether anyone has experienced serious illnesses. This will aid in ruling other illnesses out, like anxiety or depression.
The criteria to determine ADHD is that the symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of a person's existence. The impairment could be the loss of employment due to inattention or forgetfulness. It could also mean difficulties in relationships, difficulty paying bills or completing homework. It could also mean difficulty keeping on track at work, impulsive spending or risky driving habits.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are able to manage their symptoms with a combination of medication as well as diet, exercise and therapy. If they don't receive treatment, symptoms may continue to interfere in the day-to-day activities of a person and cause issues for their families and personal lives. The good news is that treatment for ADHD can be highly efficient for children as well as adults.