How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as simple as taking an online test or using an evaluation scale. The process requires an evaluation of both psychiatric and medical.
Doctors look over family and medical histories which include old school records and past tests. They also interview parents, teachers, and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are usually inherited.
Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that can be identified when a person struggles to stay on task, pay attention to details, or start and finish tasks that require attention. However, a lot of people suffer from other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD which includes depression and anxiety. This is why a precise diagnosis is so important. A thorough examination will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another disorder.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist that has experience with ADHD in adults or has a background in adult ADHD can conduct an assessment. They will ask the patient questions and talk about their symptoms. They will also discuss how severe they are and how long it's been since they first started and how often they occur. They will also ask about the person's family history and medical history, as well as their work and school life.
It's important for a doctor to be aware about any problems that a person may be facing for example, financial problems or issues with relationships. The doctor may also wish to speak to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've had with the person's performance in the classroom or at work. The doctor will talk to parents, and may need to interview other adults, such as teachers and coaches, nannies or coaches.
During the examination, the provider will take the patient's medical history and perform a physical. The physical exam can be used to check for conditions such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders that may resemble symptoms of ADHD. They will also examine the individual's education and work history, as well as any other pertinent documents.
The provider will also perform an assessment of the psychological or behavioral. This could be a checklist of symptoms or a rating scale that reflects how the individual feels about certain actions. They may also take tests for cognitive and learning disabilities to determine if a person suffers from a learning disability or other conditions that be similar to ADHD. They'll also ask the person about their lifestyle, including whether they are in stressful situations or have any other medical conditions that can increase ADHD symptoms. They will also inquire about the person's ability to follow directions and interact with other people.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect both adults and children in many different areas of their lives. The symptoms include trouble at work and in school as well as poor performance in extracurricular activities, and strained relationships. They also contribute to problems in driving and managing money. The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is finding a medical professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD. Your child's doctor may perform an assessment, or you may want to look for an expert psychiatrist who is specialized in mental disorders.
The specialist will first interview the patient about their behavior. In general the doctor will inquire for symptoms that have been present for at least six months. This ensures that the symptoms are consistent and they have persisted over time. The examiner will employ an assessment scale to assess the symptoms of ADHD. This could be the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5.
In addition to asking about current issues, the doctor will typically review the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health issues. They will also review the person's academic and driving history as well as family and relationship issues. The examiner is interested in knowing the person's habits and whether they are a drug or alcohol addict.
To diagnose ADHD, the doctor must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by a different disorder. In general, the symptoms must be present in more than one environments and be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be debilitating and are not triggered by any other health condition.
The doctor may conduct one of the tests for attention, such as the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA test is administered using a computer and involves observing visual stimuli such as the shapes or letters that appear on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli and presses a button when or she sees the correct letter. The TOVA program then calculates scores that show the level of difficulty the person has in focusing on tasks that require attention.
Treatment
A mental health professional will assess a person who has symptoms of ADHD. This will involve an extensive physical examination, an examination of medical and family history and a psychiatric evaluation. The examination will include questions about symptoms and their impact on a person's functioning, the standardized ADHD behavior rating scales and other psychological testing.
The doctor may also speak with the patient's significant other If appropriate. This is not a way to test honesty, but to find out more about a patient's experiences and behaviors. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with recalling the details of their childhood and it is helpful to speak with others who have been around the person for a long time. This can help the clinician identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
For children who are evaluators, they will typically interview the child's teachers and parents. This is particularly important when a child is having issues at school. The evaluator can also inquire about the child's life in the social world and how their school and home environment are structured. This is important because the social environment is the primary source of stress and difficulties for individuals with ADHD.
The doctor will employ the same scale of rating for adult patients. However, it is more sophisticated. It is used to gather research data on symptoms. In some cases the examiner might employ computerized testing to test for signs of ADHD. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ADHD-RS is the most frequently used test. It was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. Continuous performance test (CPT) is a different type of test using computers that assesses the attention span of an individual.
For young adults and adolescents, the evaluator will also examine whether or not the individual is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for ADHD. 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 is diagnosed with ADHD, medications will likely be part of the treatment plan. The stimulant medication is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream and provides quick relief of symptoms. However, adhd testing adults must be administered with care. Too much stimulant can lead to heart issues or addiction. The drugs that release slowly into the body like atomoxetine and Guanfacine are more secure however they don't perform quite as quickly as stimulants. These drugs may not be a viable option for children suffering from certain medical conditions like Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is an important element of the treatment plan for adults who have ADHD. Therapists can help people learn better organizational skills and find ways to improve their work performance and social interactions. Therapists can teach the client how to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners in order to keep on track. Therapists can also help adults suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions better and discover ways to cope with stressful situations in their lives.
For adults with ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist may administer tests that test for anxiety, depression learning disabilities, depression and other disorders that could appear similar to or coexist with ADHD, such as a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. Psychologists can also conduct a physical exam and review the person's medical history, family history and their behavior.
Certain therapists utilize computer tests to test adults for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses a person's ability to maintain focus and resist impulses by showing visual targets on the computer screen. The test measures the cognitive abilities of a person. It can be used with self-report questions to provide the clinician an objective assessment of the patient's response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is available which can reveal how the body of a person will metabolize medications. The test can be used to assist doctors in choosing the right drug and avoid side negative effects for every patient. This type of testing can be costly and is not widely accessible. The most reliable way to diagnose ADHD is to consult an experienced medical professional.