How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a confirmed ADHD diagnosis isn't as simple as taking a test online or rating scale. The process involves an evaluation of psychological and medical aspects.
Doctors look over family and medical history including past tests as well as old school records. They also talk to parents, teachers, and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are typically inherited.
Symptoms
ADHD can be diagnosed when a person is struggling to stay on task and pay attention to the details or to start and finish tasks that require attention. But, there are many other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as anxiety and depression. It is important to determine the correct diagnosis. A thorough evaluation will help determine whether the symptoms are related to ADHD or another disorder.
A mental health professional with expertise in adult ADHD or a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist with expertise in ADHD can conduct an evaluation. They will ask questions and speak to the person about their symptoms and how long they've been occurring frequently, how often, and how serious they are. They will also ask about the person's family and medical history and also about their work and school activities.
It is crucial for a doctor about any issues that may arise that a person may be facing like financial issues or trouble in relationships. They might also have to speak to the person's teacher or employer about any problems they have had with the performance of the individual at work or in school. The doctor will also interview parents, and may have to interview other adults such as teachers and coaches, nannies or coaches.
During the examination, the provider will take the medical history of the patient and do physical. The physical exam is used to identify conditions such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders which may be a symptom of ADHD. They will also examine any relevant records, like the person's employment and educational background.
The practitioner will also conduct a psychological or behavioral test. Main Page could include a checklist of symptoms or a rating scale that measures how the individual is feeling about certain actions. They can also use cognitive or learning disabilities tests to determine if a person is suffering from a disorder that resembles ADHD like a learning difficulty. They'll also ask the person about their lifestyle and lifestyle, including whether they're experiencing stress situations or if they suffer from any other medical conditions that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They will also ask about the person's ability follow instructions and work with other people.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of ADHD interfere with many areas of life for children as well as adults. They can cause problems at school and work as well as poor performance in extracurricular activities and tensions in relationships. They also contribute to problems in driving and managing finances. Finding a medical professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD is the first step in receiving a precise diagnosis. Your child's doctor may perform a screening, or you may want to look for a psychiatrist who specializes in mental disorders.
The first thing that a doctor will do is question the person about his or her behavior. In general the doctor will inquire for symptoms that have been present for at minimum six months. This will ensure that the symptoms are consistent and that they have remained consistent throughout the time. The examiner will use a rating scale designed to assess the symptoms of ADHD for instance, the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale), or the DSM-5 (the official manual for diagnosing psychiatric disorders).
In addition to examining current difficulties, the specialist will typically review the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health problems. The specialist may also examine the person's academic and driving history along with family and relationship issues. The examiner wants to know the person's lifestyle and if he or she is a drug or alcohol addict.
To diagnose ADHD, the doctor must be convinced that the symptoms cannot be better explained by another disorder. In general, the symptoms should be present in two or more situations and persist for at minimum six months. The symptoms must also be debilitating, and not triggered by any other disease.
To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist may administer one or more tests of focus, such as the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA test is administered by computer and involves watching visual stimuli, such as letters or shapes that appear on the screen. The user watches the images, and presses the button when they spot the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to determine the difficulty of an individual to complete attention-related tasks.
Treatment
Someone who has symptoms of ADHD will usually be examined for the disorder by a mental health professional. This will consist of a physical examination, a review medical and family histories and a mental assessment. The evaluation will include questions about symptoms and their impact on an individual's functioning and functioning, as well as the standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as other psychological testing.
The clinician will also interview the patient and his significant other, if appropriate. This is not a test of honesty, but to find out more about the patient's experiences and behavior. It is normal for people with ADHD to have trouble recalling details from their childhood. It can be useful to conduct interviews with adults who have been with them for a long period of time. This can help the doctor rule other conditions out which may trigger similar symptoms.
The evaluator may interview the child's teachers and parents. This is particularly important if a child is experiencing issues at school. The evaluator may also ask about the child’s social life and how their home and school environment is structured. This is important, as the social environment is an important source of stress for people with ADHD.
The physician will use the same rating scale with adult patients. However it is more sophisticated. It is used to collect research data about symptoms. In some cases, an examiner may use computerized testing in order to screen for ADHD symptoms. The most widely used test is called the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of test on computers, the continuous performance test (CPT), is a measure of the ability of an individual to hold attention for a set amount of time.
The evaluator determines if the individual meets the ADHD diagnostic criteria as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). This means that the individual has had six or more established symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity for at least six months and the symptoms have significantly impacted their social, academic and occupational functioning.
Medication
If your child or teenager is diagnosed with ADHD, medication will probably be part of the treatment plan. The stimulant medication is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream and offers quick relief of symptoms. These drugs must, however be used with caution. A high dose of stimulants can cause heart issues or addiction. The medications that are released slowly into the body such as atomoxetine and guanfacine are safer, but they don't work in the same way as stimulants. These drugs might not be a viable option for children with some medical issues such as Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is an important part of the treatment plan for adults with ADHD. Therapists can assist people in learning better organizational skills and discover strategies to improve their work and social interactions. A therapist could teach the client how to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners to stay on track. Therapists can also help people with ADHD learn to manage their emotions better and find ways to cope with stressors in their lives.
For adults who suffer from ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist can conduct tests that test for anxiety, depression learning disabilities, depression and other disorders that can appear similar to or coexist with ADHD like seizures or a thyroid disorder. Psychologists can conduct a physical exam and examine the patient's medical history, family history and behavior.
Some therapists employ computers to test adults for ADHD symptoms. The test evaluates a person's ability to maintain attention and resist impulsive impulses by showing visual targets on a computer screen. The test is designed to measure the cognitive performance of a person and can be utilized in conjunction with self-report questionnaires to give the clinician an objective assessment of the patient's response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is now available that can determine how the body of a person will process medications. The test can be used to help doctors choose the best drug and avoid side effects for each patient. However, this kind of test is expensive and not easily accessible. A medical professional is the most reliable way to determine ADHD in an individual.