How to Get an Accurate Assessment of ADHD
Many adults undergoing an assessment for ADHD may falsely exaggerate or even feign symptoms. Several studies (Marshall and colleagues, Citation2016; Suhr et al, Citation2008) indicate that about 27% of people going a comprehensive ADHD assessment make an invalid diagnosis.
Self-report ADHD behavior rating scales have adequate sensitivity but low specificity. A more robust approach involves combining clinical interview information with neuropsychological testing and/or performance-based measures.
Diagnostic Criteria
If you think you might have ADHD If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is recommended to 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). To obtain a diagnosis that is formal you must first schedule an appointment with a qualified health professional. Your doctor will review your medical history and inquire with you about the current issues. He or she may also ask about your symptoms when you were an infant, and later as an adult.
Psychologists and psychiatrists employ guidelines issued by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), in determining if someone suffers from ADHD. These guidelines, which are known as diagnostic criteria, function as an inventory of symptoms. The criteria requires that symptoms have been present for at minimum 6 months and result in significant impairments in at least 2 areas of daily functioning.
Children and adolescents must be symptomatic before the age of 12. For adults, they must be evident from early childhood. The signs of ADHD in adults must not be explained by any other mental disorder, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders or dissociative disorders.
In a confidential interview it is crucial that those with suspected ADHD talk about their concerns openly and honestly. Based on adhd assessments could be necessary to provide personal information to the evaluator regarding risky lifestyle behavior. The idea of asking for opinions from people who know the individual well is also beneficial. This includes relatives, former teachers and religious leaders as well as scouts, coaches and employers.
The evaluator utilizes one of a variety of 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. They are based on research showing that these symptoms are more than "normal" behavior.
Clinical Interview
The clinical interview is a crucial element of the ADHD battery. It assists the therapist in understanding the primary symptoms of adult ADHD and how they affect different areas of life. It also helps the therapist to determine whether other disorders might be present that mimic or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, for example, anxiety and depression disorders.
The therapist will look over the patient's medical, developmental and family history to determine the impact of ADHD symptoms on their lives, both in the past as well as in the present. They will then evaluate the extent to which symptoms affect their social and academic or occupational performance. They will also search for any comorbid conditions that could cause the symptoms of the patient, since many adults with ADHD have a high rate of comorbidity that includes depression and anxiety disorders (Friedrichs, Igl, Larsson, & 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 good sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing valid from invalid symptom presentation. The accuracy of diagnosis can be significantly improved by adding cognitive tests to the behavioral ADHD rating scale battery.
It is essential that the therapist interviews the patient in an open and honest manner. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel embarrassed or embarrassed about their condition and hide details during a clinical interview. This could seriously impact the quality of the test and lead to an under-estimation or false-negative.
The therapist should ask about the person's experiences in different settings like home, school, and work. They should also inquire with the individual about their interpersonal relationships, including their relationship with their spouse or partner. The clinician should interview the patient and their loved ones to discuss the effect that the symptoms of the individual affect their lives. If this isn't possible, the therapist may make use of a checklist to help identify the individual's symptom experiences.
Tests for neuropsychological testing
A doctor who is performing a neuropsychological assessment may test your memory and thinking skills and other aspects of cognitive functioning. These tests are often given with pencil and paper in the doctor's office, but can also be conducted using a computer. Memory tests may be included for example, the repetition of a list or numbers. They can also test your ability to understand written words and draw images. Other tests assess how quickly you process information and how well you can identify people or objects and how quickly you can discern if two objects are the same (visuospatial skills).
The psychologist will examine your medical history to see whether any injury or illness might be the cause of the issues you're experiencing. They will also ask you about your mood, your mental health, and any anxiety or depression you may have experienced. They might also interview family members, coworkers or even your friends to find out more about your personality.
A neuropsychologist will provide you with various tests and examine the results of those tests compared to other people who have taken the identical tests. This is an important aspect of the test. It's called a normative comparison. This lets your doctor know whether you're performing better or worse than other people who took the same test.
If your doctor believes you are suffering from a medical issue, the results from the neuropsychological tests can help them determine how to treat it. They can use the results to distinguish between normal cognitive changes that occur as we age and the actual cognitive decline due to an illness like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's.
The results can be used to inform future treatment options, such as occupational or speech therapy. They can help your doctor determine what areas you're lacking and what strengths can compensate for them, so they can focus on developing those skills. They can be used to evaluate how well you respond to a new noninvasive brain stimulation technique or pharmacological treatment like transcranial or deep brain magnet stimulation.
Family History
ADHD symptoms aren't easy to manage. They can cause tension in relationships and create problems at work or school. Finding out that you have ADHD can make it easier to get assistance. The process of diagnosis can take time however it is worth it. A qualified health care provider or doctor can determine if someone has the disorder by analyzing information from multiple sources. These include the symptom checklist and standardized scales for assessing behavior, a detailed history of current and past functioning as well as information from relatives or other significant others who are familiar with the person.
It is essential to find a healthcare provider who has experience evaluating and treating adults with ADHD. You can find an expert at the local mental health center or at your school. You can also seek an appointment from a trusted person.
The family health history of your parents can be important for diagnosing ADHD. It's not uncommon for children of parents who have the disorder to also be diagnosed. Your doctor will want to know if any family members suffer from the condition or have been treated for it.
A health care professional may inquire about your family's diet, lifestyle, and genetic background. They'll also ask whether anyone has suffered from any serious illness. This can help them rule out other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
The standard for determining ADHD is that the symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of one's life. Impairment can be the loss of employment due to forgetfulness or inattention difficulties with homework or paying bills, or problems in relationships. It could also be a problem staying on task at work, spending impulsively or risky behavior while driving.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are able to manage their symptoms using the combination of medication or diet, therapy, and exercise. If they don't receive treatment, symptoms may persist to disrupt a person's day-to-day functions and cause issues for their family and personal lives. The good news is that ADHD treatment can be highly effective for both children and adults.