An ADHD diagnosis can help in choosing the right medications and therapy for children and adults. It forms a reference point for measuring and reviewing the effectiveness of the interventions. The information yielded by diagnostic tests can be useful in discussing necessary assistance with family, teachers, and employers. Here are some of the steps involved in ADHD testing:
Initial Screening
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is usually completing a short survey or talking with a medical or mental health professional. This assists doctors in deciding whether a more thorough assessment is needed. Standard ADHD testing involves questions regarding the presence of current symptoms, how long they have been present, and how they affect the client’s daily life. The screening may contain questions about attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
The screener might inquire about problems in the workplace, classroom, or at home. They will ask about any previous diagnoses or treatment for the same or any other condition. It is also helpful to determine whether the client has a family history of ADHD or other mental health issues. The screening process takes a minimal amount of time, but it can have a significant impact on determining changes that could improve an individual’s quality of life.
Medical History Review
Healthcare providers will ask about previous or current health conditions that may be affecting the client. The provider asks questions about medications, allergies, and family history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or any similar disorders. Some medical issues are common with certain mental health conditions. During this review, the healthcare provider will also inquire about the client’s present symptoms and how they are affecting the individual’s day-to-day activities and overall health. They explore the impact of ADHD on areas like sleep, diet, substance use, and physical activity.
Symptom Rating Scales
During the diagnosis, providers may use symptom rating scales. These tools encourage the client to complete questionnaires with predetermined questions concerning their behavior and mental state. Parents and teachers may also complete the rating scales to give their supplementary input. The questionnaires often include topics related to inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and executive dysfunction.
Some rating scales are unique to ADHD, while others are more comprehensive and assess general behavior and emotions. The clinicians then categorize the results and compare the answers to those of the appropriate age bracket. This data is used to assess whether symptoms are severe enough to warrant an ADHD diagnosis.
Cognitive Tests
The most common neuropsychological tests for ADHD involve measuring different cognitive functions. They usually start with assessing the client’s attention span using visual or auditory prompts. Memory tests include asking the client to recall sequences or patterns. Working memory tasks assess working memory capacity, while executive function tests look into planning, organizing, and problem-solving abilities.
Providers may measure the client’s verbal fluency by presenting the examinee with words in certain categories. Other tests assess the participant’s working memory based on their ability to mentally manipulate information. More visual-spatial skills could be evaluated by having the client solve puzzles or identify patterns.
Behavioral Observations
When making behavioral assessments, a clinician observes an individual in various areas to gauge their behavior. They may watch the client in their home, school, or workplace to assess their behavior around others. The observer monitors the child or adult in various settings to identify discrepancies in inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Healthcare providers also observe the types of gestures the individual makes when following instructions or performing a task. The observer looks for things like squirming, excessive blushing, speaking out of turn, or having difficulty staying still. They evaluate the individual’s capacity to concentrate on work and the performance of tasks.
Physical Examination
A physical examination for ADHD includes evaluating blood pressure, pulse rate, and body temperature for unusual patterns. The doctor examines the individual’s reflexes and coordination and discusses any changes in the skin or signs of co-existing diseases and conditions. The physician could examine the eyes and vision for any issues that could be connected to ADHD. They may also complete a short neurological examination.
Get Professional ADHD Testing
Healthcare practitioners are trained to distinguish between ADHD and other disorders with similar symptoms. They will assess your needs and provide individualized care based on your condition and symptoms. Visiting a specialist to undergo the official testing process may help individuals eliminate the stress and uncertainty surrounding ADHD. Contact a mental health professional today to learn more about ADHD and how to get tested.
