Tests for ADHD in Adults

At times, we all fall victim to the many distractions that surround us. Most of can eventually get back on track, but for some, getting focused is almost impossible. Many adults are suffering from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disorder marked by symptoms that include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. According to a 2006 study of 3,000 18- to 44-year-olds in the United States, the disease once deemed a childhood disorder was found in approximately 4 percent of adults. Diagnosing the disorder is a complicated process, so it is best to know what to expect. Once diagnosed, there are many proven methods for dealing with adult ADHD.

The Comprehensive Evaluation

• A person concerned with ADHD issues should seek help from a health-care professional experienced in ADHD issues. This will typically be a licensed mental-health professional such as a psychologist. Each clinician differs in his method of diagnosing the disorder, but it is crucial that the clinician take a comprehensive approach. In seeking a diagnosis, you can expect to have a diagnostic interview with the clinician, participate in standardized behavior rating scales, take part in psychometric testing and receive a medical evaluation.

The Diagnostic Interview

• There are two purposes to the diagnostic interview. First, the clinician is looking to obtain a detailed history of the individual. This history is obtained through use of standardized questions that cover a broad range of topics. The clinician will then analyze the results and determine the impact that ADHD symptoms have had on the individual's life. The second purpose of the diagnostic interview is to determine whether any other psychological disorders exist along with ADHD. It is important to treat all diagnosed conditions because failing to treat one condition may impede any chance of progress in the other condition. The clinician will also ask about academic, work and family history in order to grasp the full picture of an individual. The clinician may even ask the individual to bring a spouse or other significant other in order to obtain additional information.

Standardized Behavior Rating Scales

• Standardized behavior rating scales will likely be a part of the comprehensive evaluation. The ADHD checklist found in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Ed. is an example of a standardized scale that is commonly used. Other standardized behavior rating scales that may be used are the Copeland Symptom Checklist for Adult ADHD, the Wender Utah Rating Scale and the Brown Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale. These are typically given to the individual to complete on her own. The clinician may use one or more of these standardized tests to aid in diagnosing adult ADHD.

Psychometric Testing

• Psychometric testing, while not used to diagnose adult ADHD, will likely be used by the clinician in order to determine how the presence ADHD impacts an individual. Psychometric testing includes tests that assess intelligence as well as personality. Clinicians will choose which tests are appropriate based upon the individual.

Medical Evaluation

• Medical examinations are necessary to rule out the possibility of any medical reasons for the symptoms. If the individual seeking help has not had a physical examination within the last year, the clinician will likely order one.

Conclusion

• After the comprehensive evaluation is complete, the clinician will review the data and write a report. Finally, the clinician will provide the individual with treatment options available to those suffering from adult ADHD, as well as go over the treatment options for any other disorders uncovered during the process.