Types of ADHD Testing
There are many ways people get tested for ADHD. They are not all the same. Some methods of testing are better (more thorough) than others. In this article I will simplify the different ways in which you can get tested for ADHD so you can decide which method might be best for you.
Why Get Tested for ADHD?
Getting tested for ADHD is important. Self diagnosing is not sufficient nor should it be done. If you suspect you may have ADHD, you should always be tested by a trained professional to ensure other issues (i.e. physical health problems) aren’t overlooked. Additionally, proper testing ensures appropriate treatment.
Who Can Test for ADHD?
It’s a misconception that only a psychologist can test for and diagnose ADHD. There are many mental health professionals who are qualified to test and diagnose ADHD. One of those types of professionals are LCSW’s.
There is no standardized method for testing and diagnosing ADHD, which is an issue. Every provider will have a different method for diagnosing. Some providers will conduct a thorough and comprehensive testing while others will conduct a bare bones assessment. Many patients don’t know the difference though which is not good.
It is our thought at PRGRS Therapy, that testing should be as comprehensive as possible without overdoing it. Testing can get quite costly.
To learn more about our ADHD Testing methods check out this page. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation today to learn more.
What Does an ADHD Test Involve?
Testing for ADHD is typically comprised of many parts. Some of these parts include tests, measures, self report scales, diagnostic interviews, neurological tests, and there may even be labs drawn to rule out any medical issues. This list is not exhaustive, but includes many of the common methods of testing.
Three Categories of Testing
For the sake of simplicity, I will break down testing into three categories:
Basic Testing (Minimal)
Comprehensive Testing (Medium)
Neuropsychological Testing (Extremely comprehensive)
Basic Testing (Minimal)
Some people go to see their primary care doctor and talk about symptoms of ADHD and walk out with a diagnosis 15 minutes later. Similarly, some people schedule a brief consultation with a psychiatrist, answer a few questions, and walk out with a diagnosis of ADHD. People should not be given a diagnosis of ADHD after a single encounter with a provider.
There are self-report measures and brief screeners that providers commonly use. One of these reports is called the ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale). It is a powerful and simple-to-use tool to determine if people may have ADHD. However, it should only be the gateway to more comprehensive testing. Unfortunately, many providers use this as a conclusive test.
Comprehensive Testing (Medium)
In between basic testing and extremely comprehensive neuropsychological testing is what we call comprehensive testing. This is what we do at PRGRS Therapy.
Comprehensive testing begins with a brief report like the ASRS to ensure additional testing is actually required. From there a series of measures and tools are conducted with a client. At PRGRS we conduct several tests to measure executive function impairment, symptomology in childhood, as well as measures for family members to complete on behalf of the client. Additionally, we conduct a thorough interview (about 2-3 hours) built around the DSM V criteria for ADHD. We also require clients to see a PCP to rule out common medical issues that may overlap with ADHD. This comprehensive testing method allows us to diagnose with confidence and allows us to supply clients with required forms, letters, and reports they may need for work or school.
Contact us today to schedule a free 15 min consultation to learn more about our ADHD testing.
Neuropsychological Testing (Extremely comprehensive)
This type of testing requires significant time and is often very expensive. This type of testing is conducted by a psychologist and is often used to rule out other issues such as autism, dementia, and other neurological issues. Although these types of evaluations are extremely thorough, they are inaccessible for many people due to time and cost. Moreover, they are not necessary for many people, and may in fact be overkill. This is why we offer our assessments at PRGRS Therapy. They are high quality, comprehensive assessments without being excessive.
