How do they test for adult onset ADD/ADHD?!
Question:
How do they test for adult onset ADD/ADHD?
I'm 20 years old and after struggling in college and fitting so many descriptions of ADD/ADHD, I'm finally going to get tested. I've heard of some of the tests for children but I was wondering how they do the testing for adults?
Answers:
There are diagnostic critieria that must be met that come from what is called the DSM-IV. Some areas to be assessed are impulsivity, and concentration. There are specific pencil and paper tests that can be given for screening - Connor's for example as well some computer tests such as the TOVA, and Continuous Performance Testing I believe. Family background is looked at - is there someone in your immediate family that has it, or someone - yourself that had a learning disability. A learning disability is not ADHD, but can co-occur with it. Sometimes a WAIS (inteligence test) can be administered as there are certain parts of that test that can point towards attentional and concentration problems.
A good book to read is called "Driven to Distraction" which is writen by a psychiatrist with ADHD and another is called "You mean I'm not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?" by Kelley and Ramundo. They deal with adults who have ADHD.
Hope this helpful, and I wish you well.