ADHD Testing

ADHD diagnosis

An ADHD diagnosis should only be made by a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. He or she will make a clinical decision following a comprehensive clinical evaluation, which can include, but is not limited to:

1. Psychiatric Evaluations
2. Self-reports by use of validated rating scales
3. Objective ADHD test such as QbTest or QbCheck

Based on information gathered during a clinical comprehensive evaluation, a diagnosis is made when the child or adult’s ADHD symptoms meet the criteria as set out in a medical classification system such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th edition (DSM-5). The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD are currently as follows:

1. Inattention

Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, are inappropriate for developmental level, and negatively impact directly on social and academic/occupational activities. Symptoms are:

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
  Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
• Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
• Is often easily distracted
• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and negatively impact directly on social and academic/occupational activities. Symptoms are:

• Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
• Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
• Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
• Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
• Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
• Often talks excessively.
• Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
• Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

In addition, the following conditions must be met...

• Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
• Several symptoms are present in two or more setting, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
• There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
• The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).
• The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.

Based on the types of symptoms, three kinds (presentations) of ADHD can occur...

Combined Presentation: if enough symptoms of both criteria inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present for the past six months

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: if enough symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity, were present for the past six months

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: if enough symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not inattention, were present for the past six months.

Call Alevea Mental Health or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about ADHD Testing.