How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as easy as taking online tests or using an assessment scale. The process involves a medical and psychological evaluation.
Doctors look over family and medical histories including school records from the past and tests from the past. They also interview parents as well as teachers and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often seen within families.
Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that can be identified when a person has difficulty to stay on task, pay attention to details or begin and complete tasks that require attention. But, there are many other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, including depression and anxiety. This is why a precise diagnosis is so crucial. A thorough examination can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another disorder.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist that has experience with ADHD in adults or has a background in adult ADHD can conduct an evaluation. They will ask questions and talk to the person about their symptoms, how long they've been exhibiting them frequently, how often, and how severe they are. They will also inquire about the family and medical history and also about their work and school activities.
It's important for a doctor about any issues that a person may be facing for example, financial problems or problems with relationships. They may also need to speak with the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've experienced with the individual's performance at work or in school. The doctor will also interview parents, and may also need to interview other adults such as teachers, coaches, nannies, or coaches.
During the examination the doctor will review the patient's medical history and do physical. The physical exam is used to determine if a person has a medical condition like thyroid disorders or seizure disorder which may be a symptom of ADHD. They will also review the person's educational and work history as well as any other relevant documents.
The provider may also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. This could be a checklist of symptoms or a rating scale that reflects how the person feels about certain behaviors. They can also use tests for cognitive or learning disabilities to determine if a person suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD, such as an issue with learning. They will also ask about the person's life and lifestyle, for example, if they are in a stressful circumstance or suffer from any other health issues which could cause ADHD symptoms worse. They will also inquire about the person's ability to follow directions and interact with others.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of ADHD interfere with many areas of life for children and adults. These symptoms include difficulty at work and school, poor performance during extracurricular activities, and troubled relationships. These issues can also affect the driving experience and financial situation. Finding a health professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD is the first step to receiving a precise diagnosis. The doctor of your child can conduct the test or you could decide to seek out a psychiatrist that specializes in mental illness.
The first thing a specialist will do is interview the patient about their behavior. Generally, the doctor will ask about the symptoms for at least six months. This will ensure that the symptoms are consistent and they have remained consistent throughout the time. The examiner will utilize a rating scale to assess the symptoms of ADHD, such as the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale), or the DSM-5 (the official guideline for diagnosing mental disorders).
The specialist will also inquire about any current difficulties and look over the patient's medical background, including any family history of ADHD. He or she will also review the person's driving and academic history, as well relationships and family issues. The examiner will also want to know about the lifestyle of the individual including whether he or she has any drug or alcohol abuse problems.
To diagnose ADHD, the doctor must be convinced that the symptoms can't be better explained by a different disorder. In general, the symptoms should be present in more than one situations and persist for at least six months. Furthermore, the symptoms should be debilitating and not due to any other condition.
To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor may conduct one or more tests of attention, like the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA test is conducted by computer and involves observing visual stimuli, such as letters or shapes appearing on the screen. Read Homepage is able to watch the stimuli and presses a button whenever he or she recognizes the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to determine the level of difficulty a person has with tasks that require attention.
Treatment
A mental health professional will examine the symptoms of ADHD. This could include a physical examination, a review family and medical histories, and a mental evaluation. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and how they affect the individual's performance. It will also include standardized ADHD behavior ratings scales and other psychological tests.
The clinician will also interview the patient as well as his significant other, if applicable. The purpose of this is not to assess honesty, but to get a better understanding of the patient's experiences and behaviors. It is normal for people who suffer from ADHD to have trouble recalling details about their childhood. It can be helpful if you interview people who have known them for a lengthy period of time. This information can help the clinician rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
For children who are evaluators, they will typically interview the children's teachers and parents. This is especially important in the event that a child is experiencing difficulties at school. The evaluator can also inquire about the child's life in the social world and how their home and school environment is structured. This is important since the social environment is the primary source of stress and problems for those with ADHD.
The clinician will use the same rating scale for adult patients. However it is more sophisticated. It is used to collect research data about symptoms. In some cases the examiner might utilize computerized testing to check for signs of ADHD. The most frequently used test is called the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. Continuous performance test (CPT) is a different kind of test using computers that assesses an individual's attention span.
The evaluator will determine whether the individual is in compliance with 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 is diagnosed with ADHD, medications will likely be part of the treatment program. Stimulant medication is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, and offers quick relief of symptoms. These drugs must, however be taken with care. Too much of a stimulant can lead to addiction or heart problems. Medications that release into the body over time, like atomoxetine or guanfacine, are safer but don't work as quickly as stimulants do. These drugs might not be an option for children suffering from some medical conditions like Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is another part of a treatment plan designed for adults with ADHD. Therapists can help people learn better organizational skills and discover strategies to improve their work performance and social relationships. For example, a therapist could help a person learn to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners to keep them on the right track. Therapists can help people with ADHD manage their emotions and figure out ways to manage stressors.
For adults who suffer from ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist may administer tests that screen for depression, anxiety, learning disabilities and other disorders that can be similar to or coexist with ADHD such as a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. Psychiatrists can conduct a physical exam and examine the patient's family history, medical records and their behavior.
Some therapists use computer tests to test adults for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses the ability of a person to keep focus and resist impulses by showing visual targets on a computer screen. The test evaluates the cognitive capacity of a person and can be used in conjunction with self-report questions to give the clinician an objective assessment of the patient's response to treatment.
A newer genetic test method can be used to determine how the body will metabolize medication. The test can be used to help doctors choose the best drug and avoid any adverse side consequences for each patient. However, this type of test is costly and not easily accessible. The most reliable method to determine ADHD is by an experienced medical professional.