What Is ADHD? 3 Tips To Understanding an ADHD Evaluation

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is known as ADHD.  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is a handbook used by healthcare professionals as a guide for mental health disorders.  According to the DSM-5, ADHD is a “persistent pattern of inattention and or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” A certain number of symptoms must be met in the areas of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity to be diagnosed with the disorder.  Some of the common symptoms include poor attention to detail, difficulty in daily tasks, fidgety, forgetful sustaining attention, easily distracted, restless and impulsive. A very helpful description of ADHD by Dr. William Benninger describes ADHD as a disorder of performance not skill; doing what you know, not knowing what to do; and it is the when and where not the how or what.  

Please note that completing an ADHD screener from a pediatrician is not sufficient to determine if your child meets the criteria for the complexities of the disorder.  In order to be properly diagnosed with ADHD, it is highly recommended that the child and parents participate in ADHD testing. The evaluation and testing is conducted by a psychologist. The testing can provide the parent with a much better understanding of your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and how to provide the support that your child needs at school and at home.  

The first part of an ADHD evaluation will include a clinical interview with the parents and the child.  A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment is suggested in order to understand various aspects of the child such as developmental history, sleep, medical conditions, family history of ADHD, social, behavioral and substance use.  

The second part of the ADHD evaluation is completing comprehensive questionnaires that are critical in measuring important factors to better understand the layers of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as other potential areas of concern.  One of those factors that are measured by these tests is named executive functioning. Important components of executive functioning include self control, self regulation, motivation and working memory. Another important factor to assess in the testing is called working memory also known as “mental workspace”.  Working memory helps facilitate the ability to control attention and resist distractions while completing a task that requires sustained effort. 

Furthermore, the questionnaires are administered to the child, parents and teachers.  It is very important to have multiple data points to determine if your child truly meets the criteria of ADHD.  The child is also provided with other questionnaires to rule out any other concerns such as anxiety and depression.  Once the questionnaires are completed, the psychologist will score the tests and provide the results in a written report.  The last appointment, a feedback session is when the psychologist provides the parents and the child with testing results and comprehensive recommendations.   

If you have any questions, please contact me to schedule a free initial consultation.