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How to Get an Accurate Assessment of ADHD A lot of adults who undergo an assessment for ADHD might exaggerate falsely or even feign symptoms. Several studies (Marshall and co Citation2016; Suhr et al, Citation2008) show that around 27% of people undertaking a comprehensive ADHD assessment have a false diagnosis. Self-report ADHD behaviour rating scales are adequate in sensitivity but not specific. A more robust approach involves combining clinical interview information with neuropsychological tests and/or performance-based measures. Diagnostic Criteria If you're concerned that you might be suffering from ADHD, it's important to seek out a professional assessment. 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 a formal diagnosis is to set up an appointment with a certified health care provider who can perform an assessment. Your practitioner will ask you questions about your current problems and review your medical history. They will also inquire about your symptoms as a child and as an adult. Psychology and psychiatry professionals 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 a checklist of symptoms. The guidelines require that symptoms be present for at minimum six months, and that they cause significant impairment in at minimum two aspects of daily functioning. For children and adolescents the symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12. Adults should have experienced symptoms since their childhood. To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must not be more easily explained by a different mental disorder (including mood disorders or anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, personality disorders). It's important for people with suspected ADHD to discuss their concerns honestly and openly during a confidential interview with the assessor. Based on the circumstances of the individual it could be required for him or her to disclose personal information about unsafe lifestyle choices to their assessor. It's also beneficial to solicit the opinions of others who know the person well, such as family members, former teachers, religious and scout leaders, coaches and employers. The evaluator will use one of the many 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. They are based on research which has proven that these symptoms are more than just “normal” behavior. Clinical Interview The clinical interview is a crucial component of the ADHD battery. It aids the therapist to comprehend the main symptoms and how they affect different areas of life. adhd assessments uk iampsychiatry helps the therapist identify if other disorders are present that can mimic or even exacerbate ADHD such as depression and anxiety disorders. The therapist will go over the patient's developmental, family, and medical background to determine how their ADHD symptoms have affected their lives in the past and in the present. The therapist will evaluate how the symptoms impact the patient's social, academic, or occupational functioning. They will also check for any comorbid conditions that could cause the symptoms of the patient as many adults suffering from ADHD have a high percentage of comorbidity with both depression and anxiety disorders (Friedrichs, Igl, Larsson and Larsson, Citation2012). A number of studies have proven that the use of behavioral scales alone do not provide enough information to accurately determine the presence of ADHD However, they do have high accuracy and sensitivity to distinguish legitimate symptom presentations from those that are not. The addition of cognitive tests to a behavioral ADHD rating scale battery substantially increases the accuracy of diagnosis, and combining these measures will give you the highest diagnostic accuracy. It is vital that the therapist talk to the individual in a honest and open manner. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition, and therefore hide details during a clinical interview. This can seriously impair the quality of the evaluation and could result in an inaccurate negative or underestimation of ADHD symptoms. The therapist should ask about the individual's experiences in various environments such as home, school, and work. They should also inquire with the person about their interpersonal relationships, including their relationship with their spouse or partner. Ideally, the clinician should interview both the patient and their loved ones so that they can discuss the impact of the individual's symptoms on their lives together. If this isn't possible, then the therapist should make use of a checklist to document the individuals' symptom experiences. Neuropsychological Tests A medical professional who conducts a neuropsychological assessment may test your memory, thinking skills and other aspects of your cognitive performance. The tests can be done on a computer or with pencil and paper at the doctor's. They may include tests on memory that require repetition of the words or numbers. They also test your ability to understand written words as well as draw pictures. Other tests test how fast you process information, how well identify people or objects and how fast you tell if two items are similar (visuospatial ability). The psychologist will look at your medical history to determine what injuries or illnesses could be causing the problems you're having. They will also ask you about your mood, mental health and any anxiety or depression you've had. They might interview other family members, friends, or coworkers to gather more details about your conduct and experiences. A neuropsychologist will provide you with various tests, and will also examine your responses to those tests in relation to other people who have taken the identical tests. This is known as normative comparison and is a crucial aspect of the examination. This helps your doctor determine if you are performing better or worse than people who took the same test. If your doctor believes you are suffering from a medical issue then the results of the neuropsychological tests will help them determine the best way to treat it. They can use them to discern between normal changes in cognition due to aging and the actual decline in cognitive capacity that might be caused by an illness or disease such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. The results can be used to inform future treatments, like speech or occupational therapy. They can help your provider identify the areas you're lacking in and what strengths could be able to compensate and allow them to focus on developing those skills. They can be used to assess how well you respond to a brand new non-invasive brain stimulation technique or pharmacological treatment such as deep brain stimulation or transcranial magnet stimulation. Family History The symptoms of ADHD can be difficult for the sufferer to control. They can cause difficulties at work or in school and can cause tension in relationships. Finding out that you have ADHD can aid in getting help. The diagnostic process is time-consuming, but it's worth it. A certified health care professional or physician can assess whether a person is suffering from the disorder by obtaining information from a variety of sources. These include the symptom checklist and standardized scales for assessing behavior as well as a detailed record of the person's past and present functioning as well as information from family members or other significant others who are familiar with the individual. You should find an expert doctor who is experienced in evaluating and treating adult ADHD. You can find an expert at your local mental health center or at your school, or even your primary care doctor. You can also seek an appointment from a person you are comfortable with. The health history of your family members can be crucial for diagnosing ADHD. The disorder is often seen in families, and it's typical for children of parents who suffer from the disorder to be diagnosed with the disorder as well. Your health care provider will be interested in knowing if any family members have the condition or have been treated for it. A medical professional could inquire about your family's lifestyle, diet and genetic background. They'll also want to know whether anyone has suffered from any serious illnesses. This can help them rule out other conditions out, like depression or anxiety. The criteria for determining ADHD is that the symptoms of the disorder result in significant impairments in at least two areas of the person's daily life. It could mean the loss of employment due to forgetfulness or inattention, trouble keeping up with homework or paying bills, or issues in relationships. It can also be a challenge to stay on track, having impulsive behavior or spending working hours. Certain people suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms by using the combination of medication treatment, diet, and exercise. If not treated, the symptoms could remain a problem in a person's day-to-day functions and create problems for their families and personal lives. The good news is that treatment for ADHD can be extremely effective for both children and adults.