Many are curious about how clinicians screen and test for ADHD. Those signing up to complete the testing want to know what they should be expecting. Broadly speaking, there are three main steps to an ADHD evaluation. There is an intake appointment, the actual testing itself, and then a feedback session where they review results with you.
What is the Purpose of an ADHD Intake?
There are dozens of things that get covered and explored in the intake appointment, but the primary purpose of the intake is to determine if there is enough to justify and warrant moving forward with the testing. Many people have some symptoms, but medical criteria need to see six or more inattentive symptoms and/or 6 or more hyperactive symptoms. Providers also need to explore whether there is a negative impact on the client’s life and if there are symptoms going back to middle school or earlier, which are also criteria for diagnosis. The other big point of an intake is to look for differential diagnoses. Many things can look like ADHD. Providers are screening for medical conditions or medications that could produce symptoms. They will explore substance abuse such as marijuana which can create inattentive symptoms. Even more common are mental health issues. Depression can often mimic inattentive symptoms and anxiety can mirror both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. All of these variables and several others need to be evaluated to see if it makes sense to move forward with the testing.
What Kind of Tests Are Done for ADHD Testing?
Over the past decade or so there has been a higher standard set for ADHD testing. Self-report questionnaires or online tests are frowned upon these days. Misdiagnosis, over-diagnosis, and having people on controlled substance prescriptions without justification has driven the standard to demand neurocognitive level testing. Research evidence has shown impairments in working memory and processing speed relative to global cognitive functioning. In order to make these assessments psychologists are measuring several areas of brain functioning which cannot be done online. Most testing will also solicit collateral input from family and friends and conduct a few other tests for differential mental health issues. This testing often takes 1.5-3 hours in the office and is hands on and interactive with the psychologist.
What Will I Learn During the ADHD Feedback Session?
The purpose of this meeting is to review the results of the testing with the client. Providers will generally review all the different tests and the results of each test. The provider will tell you if all these results culminate in a diagnosis of ADHD or not. If there is no diagnosis, they will talk with you about other probable sources of symptoms and ways to treat them. If there is an ADHD diagnosis, they will talk with you about behavioral strategies and medicinal options for treating ADHD and answer any questions you may have.
If you want to get AHD testing, IPC has psychologists who do testing and psychiatrists that can provide medication management for ADHD. Feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment for testing. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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