What can I learn from an attention deficit disorder test?

An ADHD/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder test can give you valuable insight into the root cause of inattention, hyperactivity, disorganization, or other concerns associated with attention disorders. Getting a diagnosis requires the experience of a trained professional. Still, online screening tests can help you determine if you should seek help from someone qualified to assess attention and executive function disorders. Keep reading to learn more about ADHD, attention deficit disorder tests, and how these disorders are managed and treated.  

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder has been increasingly diagnosed in adults over the last several years. This disorder is associated with symptoms like not being able to focus, excessive movement in inappropriate settings, and potentially harmful impulsive actions. The effects of the condition can cause problems in social relationships, school or work performance, and personal well-being.

The condition has three main subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined.

Predominantly inattentive subtype

This subtype is characterized by difficulty staying on task and staying organized. To meet the criteria for the inattentive subtype, an adult must experience at least five of the following indicators frequently:

• Is easily distracted and frequently makes careless mistakes
• Has problems maintaining focus on tasks that require sustained attention, like lectures or long reading passages
• Struggles to focus on conversations and may forget what others have said
• Has difficulty following through on instructions and frequently abandons tasks before completion
• Struggles to organize tasks, including difficulty with time management and workspace cleanliness
• Avoids tasks or duties that require sustained mental effort
• Often loses items like keys, wallet, cell phone, or eyeglasses
• Forgets to complete daily tasks or attend appointments

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive subtype

This subtype is defined by both hyperactivity and impulsivity. Hyperactivity refers to excessive movement and energy, trouble sitting still, and excessive talking. Impulsivity refers to making decisions or actions that have not been thoroughly thought out. To meet the criteria for the hyperactive/impulsive subtype, an adult must experience at least five of the following criteria:

• Often fidgets with their hands or feet
• Difficulty staying seated
• Struggles to do leisure activities quietly
• Always seems in a high-energy state, like driven by a motor
• Difficulty restraining themselves from speaking
• Often interrupts others or has trouble waiting to speak in conversations
• Often takes over the tasks of others to finish them themselves
• Has difficulty waiting for their turn, such as when waiting in a long line

Combined subtype

The combined subtype is diagnosed when criteria for both the hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention subtypes are met. A person can still experience symptoms from one subtype without meeting diagnostic criteria. For example, a person who meets six criteria for the hyperactive/impulsive subtype and three for the inattentive type would not meet the requirements for the combined subtype. 

Depending on the results of their clinical evaluation, they might be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype, but managing challenges related to inattention would likely still be part of their treatment goals.

How are attention disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosing any mental health condition requires a thorough evaluation from a qualified, licensed professional. Online screening tools can be helpful as a first step toward a complete evaluation, and many people identify their need for an assessment based on the results of a screening test. While screening tests may provide helpful clues, they cannot replace the experience and training of a licensed professional.

If you're interested in completing a screening assessment before visiting with a professional, you can try this one from ADD.org or this one published by Mental Health America. Remember that the results of these assessments are not conclusive. If you get a positive result, it can be beneficial to seek the guidance of a qualified professional.

If you decide to visit a professional to get a diagnosis of ADHD, you'll undergo a process of consultation and testing using evidence-based tools that go beyond the information collected by online screening tools. The clinician's expertise is important, and seeking a professional with advanced training in assessing attention disorders can be worthwhile to your long-term mental health and well-being

The consultation

At the beginning of the assessment, the clinician will collect information related to your medical, social, family, and educational histories. Since some symptoms of ADHD must be present in childhood for it to be diagnosed in adulthood, they will likely ask several questions about challenges you experienced when you were young. The clinician may ask about your academic performance to see if you struggled to finish schoolwork and about your home life to determine if attention problems may have impacted familial relationships. 

The clinician will also ask about your concerns and reasons for seeking an evaluation. Most people seek an assessment because attention problems are impacting them negatively. The clinician will ask you questions to identify in which areas of your life in particular you’re experiencing challenges. They may also inquire about your strengths and how you have managed these challenges so far.

Next, you’ll likely answer questions about your social life and interpersonal relationships. Inattention and hyperactivity can significantly impact social skills, and the clinician will want to know if you are having trouble making and maintaining social, romantic, and professional relationships. You’ll also be asked about your medical history to rule out medical conditions that could be contributing to inattentive or hyperactive behavior

A thorough history is part of every psychological evaluation and may be included in the clinical interview. Most clinical interviews used to assess concerns related to inattention and hyperactivity are structured to evaluate those areas specifically. The clinician will likely ask pre-determined questions to see if you are experiencing any of the features of attention disorders in your daily life— how often you feel restless or "on the go," for example. 

After the consultation, most clinicians will likely have a reasonable idea of whether you meet diagnostic criteria. However, a thorough evaluation requires that a clinician back up their clinical judgment with objective proof from an empirically validated ADHD test.

Testing

Based on the results of your consultation, the clinician will likely select multiple tests designed to assess your overall functioning and check for specific concerns. There are many tests available, and which tests are used is determined by the clinician's judgment and expertise. There isn't a one-size-fits-all assessment process for attention disorders; diagnoses are based on a combination of interviews, testing, and the judgment of a trained professional

The tests used in clinical settings are scientifically validated and reliable. They are often norm-based, meaning that they allow a clinician to compare the scores of their patient with a "typical" score that a person who does not meet diagnostic criteria would likely achieve.

Here are some of the most common assessment types used in the evaluation of attention disorders:

• Symptom rating scales are questionnaires completed by the patient and, in many cases, those close to them. The questions assess features related to attention disorders, and rating scales are often used to supplement the findings of the clinical interview.
• Cognitive assessments are used in many psychological evaluations. While they don't specifically assess attention-related concerns, they can help rule out other conditions that may impact school, work, and social functioning
• Broad-spectrum scales are rating scales that screen for social, emotional, and psychological problems. They are useful for identifying other conditions that may affect overall functioning, such as autism spectrum disorder.  
• Continuous performance tests are a relatively recent innovation in psychological assessment. These tests are computer-based, and the software challenges test-takers to sustain their attention for a prolonged period.

Diagnosing and treating

At the conclusion of the evaluation, the clinician considers the information obtained through interviews and testing to determine if diagnostic criteria are met. Regardless of whether a clinical diagnosis is warranted, the clinician will likely still provide the following:

• An explanation of assessment results and what they mean in the context of your life
• A list of accommodations based on assessment results designed to help you address your concerns
• Referral to a medical professional to determine which medication you may find helpful
• A treatment plan designed to address concerns noted during the evaluation or a referral to another professional for ongoing help managing concerns

Online therapy for ADHD

Whether you receive a diagnosis of ADHD or not, it can be helpful to find ways to manage your symptoms. With online therapy, you can access the support and encouragement you need right from your home. You can get help for concerns related to inattention, hyperactivity, or anything else affecting your overall well-being. With an online therapy service such as BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed professional who has experience with ADHD and other related disorders. They can recommend different strategies and coping skills for managing your symptoms and let you know when you may want to seek an in-person evaluation for a diagnosis. With the option to talk with your therapist through phone calls, video chats, or in-app messaging, you can tailor your therapeutic experience according to your preferences, needs, and comfort. 

The efficacy of online therapy for ADHD

Those experiencing symptoms of ADHD or who have been diagnosed with the disorder could benefit from online therapy. Online therapists follow the same diagnostic process and use the same evidence-based tools as traditional therapists. Research into the efficacy of online options like teletherapy indicates that, for most conditions, it is just as effective as in-person options. In a comprehensive assessment of six different randomized controlled trials, researchers found that online interventions were more effective than a waiting list condition in improving attention deficit and social function of adults and children with ADHD.

Takeaway

Professionals in clinical settings use tests that assess symptoms related to attention, focus, and hyperactivity to provide objective data about concerns pertaining to mental health conditions. While online screeners are available for attention disorders, they are not conclusive diagnostic tools. A comprehensive evaluation performed by a qualified professional is required to determine if a screening instrument's results are accurate. During an evaluation, the clinician will ask several questions about your social life, career, and medical history. They will also use standardized testing instruments to obtain objective data related to your concerns. Speaking with an online therapist could be a helpful first step if you’re feeling hesitant about your need for an attention deficit disorder test. They can offer their professional opinion about the symptoms you’re experiencing and recommend ongoing care as needed.