Psychological diagnosis-ADHD
Psychological diagnosis is a several-stage, complex process of collecting information on the functioning of the person under examination, their subsequent analysis and interpretation. A diagnosis of ADHD can be made only after ruling out other possible causes that make coping difficult. For this reason, it requires the use of many standardized tools and the inquisitiveness of an experienced diagnostician. So what does the diagnostic process consist of? When is it worthwhile to go for diagnostics? You can read about it in this article.
Diagnosis ADHD - when and why?
As humans, we naturally differ in terms of temperament, energy level, ability to concentrate or impulsiveness. Psychological content on social media encourage us to be vigilant in self-observation, naming and categorizing our emotional states or experiences. This can be a tremendous resource and aid, for example. in seeking tailored support. However, it carries the risk of of pathologizing (i.e., giving morbid meaning to) natural human experiences.
One of the symptoms of ADHD are difficulties with concentration such as losing objects, forgetting appointments or insufficient focus on a task. Many people experience this during periods of periods of fatigue, stress, over-stimulation or sleeplessness. It is understandable, that under certain conditions we happen to lose our keys, put off tasks for later, or "drift off with our thoughts" during a meeting. This may indicate the need to rest or make changes to the daily routine, and not not necessarily about the existence of a disorder.
Symptoms clinically relevant
The attention of an experienced diagnostician will be drawn to will be symptoms that are clinically significant - that is, those that significantly impede the patient's daily functioning and/or have affected the course of his or her life. When the goal is to be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD or rule it out exclusion, these may include, for example:
- Frequent forgetting to pay Bills or taxes, the consequences of which were, for example, fines or power outages,
- Frequent loss of important items and documents, such as keys and ID cards,
- Forgetting appointments appointments, which translates into difficulties at work or in personal life,
- Difficulty in completing Tasks started, resulting in repeated failure to meet deadlines at work or studies and mounting backlogs,
- Excessive impulsiveness in Decision-making (e.g., spontaneous spending, changes in plans), which results in financial problems or relationship tensions,
- Difficulty in refraining from interrupting others or interjecting in conversations, which affects the quality of relationships interpersonal relationships and is sometimes perceived as a lack of attentiveness or respect,
- An inner sense of restlessness or "being in constant motion," making it difficult to rest, relax or focus on a one activity for an extended period of time,
- Frequently changing and abandoning Hobbies, which makes it difficult to achieve long-term goals and realize one's potential potential,
- Violent, hard-to-control Emotional reactions (e.g., outbursts of anger) that lead to conflicts at work or in close relationships,
- Difficulties in organizing daily responsibilities (e.g., planning, prioritizing), leading to a feelings of chaos and overload, despite attempts to organize activities,
- Difficulty in performing routine and uninteresting activities, e.g., cleaning, doing laundry, which results in a Decreased quality of life.
Compensation symptoms
Adults with untreated ADHD often employ a number of compensatory mechanisms to conform to the to the norms and demands of society. These strategies can sometimes be very costly emotionally and energetically. In this case, despite seemingly good functioning, for example, at work, a person may experience difficulties in many areas of life. It may look like this:
- Excessive perfectionism in Performing tasks, leading to spending a disproportionate amount of time on details, at the expense of punctuality, rest and work-life balance personal life,
- Excessive preparation for duties Responsibilities (e.g., checking multiple times, taking detailed notes), which masks concentration difficulties, but is associated with high levels of fatigue and tension,
- Avoiding taking on tasks out of Fear of being wrong or judged, which may look like a lack of motivation, but in fact actually masks a difficulty in getting started and regulating attention,
- Hiding difficulties by "being always prepared" (e.g., arriving much earlier, checking everything in advance), which from the outside looks like high organization, but involves constant tension,
- Suppression of impulsivity and Expression of emotions in social situations, at the expense of high cognitive effort, Which leads to rapid exhaustion and the need to "unwind" after time, such as. In front of family members.
The purpose of diagnostics is that the person examined receives adequate help and information on how to take care of himself on a daily basis. Therefore, differential diagnosis is key - the mere presence of the aforementioned difficulties still requires verification of how long they have been observed and whether there may be another cause for their occurrence.
Most important is intelligence
The basis of psychological diagnosis is a detailed interview covering all areas of the subject's functioning: work, interests, relationships etc. It is also necessary to gather information about the developmental past of the of the patient and his life history. If possible, an objectification of information obtained during the interview. The diagnostician then contacts relatives of the person being diagnosed - for example, parents, siblings or a partner. In addition to obtaining answers to key diagnostic questions, interview is also an opportunity for the diagnostician to observe how the patient communicates, how he functions in conversation, or which topics are difficult for him. A relationship is then established in which the specialist, with empathy and curiosity accompanies the examinee in going through difficult, painful and sometimes embarrassing topics. It's ultimately a conversation about what in life doesn't look like what one one would like and what many people find difficult to accept in themselves.
Tests neuropsychological
In the diagnostic process, an important role is played by neuropsychological tests, which allow an objective assessment of the functioning of such areas as attention, working memory, impulse control or the speed of information processing. They are not intended to confirm or rule out ADHD on the basis of a single result, but to capture the characteristic cognitive profile. They make diagnosis more precise precise, and therapy suggestions can be more tailored to the needs of the individual individual.
They usually take the form of simple exercises, such as. repeating a list of words, arranging blocks or patterns, solving simple logic tasks, or responding to stimuli (e.g., clicking when you see a a particular symbol). They are solved on a piece of paper and/or by computer.
It is necessary, however, that the test results be interpreted in relation to the interview and observation. Therefore, it is advisable that diagnostics be carried out entirely by a single diagnostician.
Opinion diagnostic
After several meetings with the diagnostician, solving the tests and completion of questionnaires, an opinion is drawn up - a final document summarizing the entire examination process. It contains a description of the reported difficulties, the results of the tests conducted and their interpretation. Its essence is not only statement of the symptoms and disorders present, but first of all presenting the psychological profile of the patient. A reliable opinion should also include a description of strengths, such as creativity, energy or ability to think outside the box, which can be a valuable resource for the patient in the therapeutic process This document is a practical tool that helps to organize further steps: selecting the appropriate forms of treatment, support or therapy. It is also intended to serve patient to better understand himself and organize his life in such a way that (in those areas where possible) it fits the the needs and capabilities of his nervous system.
Diagnosis ADHD - the role of the psychiatrist.
With the diagnostic opinion, the patient goes to consultation with a psychiatrist, who, after reading it once with an analysis of the patient's mental state and general medical situation general medical situation of the patient makes a final decision on the diagnosis of ADHD. After diagnosing ADHD, he discusses with the patient possible methods of treating the symptoms. The most common is psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, the choice of which depends on the daily challenges the patient faces. The moment the ADHD diagnosis is confirmed can evoke different feelings. Sometimes there is diagnosed there is relief that they can finally explain their way of functioning and begin to re-learn themselves. In others, there may be also uncertainty, sadness or questions about what comes next and how this information will affect their daily lives. Getting a diagnosis can be the starting point for making real changes. Understanding one's way of functioning allows not only to reduce the difficulties you are experiencing, but also to use your strengths more fully and lead a more orderly, satisfying life. In this process, you can count on the support of a psychologist, psychotherapist and psychiatrist, as well as self-help support groups for people with ADHD.
Margaret Wozniak
Psychologist, psychotherapist
