How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
Getting a confirmed ADHD diagnosis isn't as easy as taking a test online or rating scale. The process includes an evaluation of both psychological and medical.
Doctors review medical and family histories including school records from the past and past tests. Teachers, parents and children are interviewed about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms often run in families.
Signs and symptoms
If a person is having trouble staying focused, paying attention to details or even completing tasks that require a lot of attention this could be ADHD. Many suffer from other disorders like depression or anxiety, which may cause similar symptoms. That's why an accurate diagnosis is so important. A thorough examination will determine if the symptoms are caused by 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 evaluation. They will ask the patient questions and discuss their symptoms. They will also discuss how severe they are and how long it has been since they started and how often they occur. They will also inquire about the person's family history and medical history, and also about their work and school life.
It is crucial that a doctor knows about any issues a patient might be facing, like financial troubles or relationship issues. They might also have to speak with the person's employer or teacher about any problems they have had with the performance of the individual at work or at school. For children, the doctor will interview the parents and may need to interview other adults such as coaches, teachers or parents.
During test for adhd adults will review the patient's medical history and perform 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 review any relevant documents, like the person's job and education background.
The provider may also conduct a psychological or behavioral test. This could be a checklist of symptoms or a rating system that determines how an individual feels about certain behavior. They may also use cognitive and learning disabilities tests to see if the person suffers from a learning disability or other disorders that can be similar to ADHD. They will also ask about the person's lifestyle and lifestyle, for example, if they are in a stressful circumstance or suffer from any other illness which could make ADHD symptoms worse. They will also ask about the ability of the person to follow instructions and work with others.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of ADHD affect many aspects of life for both children and adults. They include difficulties at school and work, poor performance in extracurricular activities and tensions in relationships. They also cause issues in driving and managing finances. Finding a medical professional who is familiar with ADHD is the first step to receiving a precise diagnosis. You can ask your child's doctor to perform a screening or talk to a psychiatrist who is trained in mental illness.
The doctor will then interview the patient about their behavior. Typically doctors will ask about symptoms for at least six months. This will make sure that the symptoms have been constant over time. The examiner will use an assessment scale that is designed to assess the symptoms of ADHD, such as the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5 (the official manual for diagnosing mental disorders).
In addition to examining current issues, the doctor will typically look over the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health problems. The specialist will also look at the individual's academic and driving records, as well as relationship and family problems. The examiner will want to know the lifestyle of the person and if they are drug or alcohol user.
To diagnose ADHD A specialist must be convinced the symptoms are not caused by any other disorder. The symptoms must be evident at least twice, and for at least six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be debilitating and not related to any other disease.
To confirm a diagnosis the doctor may conduct one or more tests of attention, such as the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA test is administered by computer and involves observing visual stimuli like the shapes or letters that appear on the screen. The user watches the stimulus and presses a button when he or she sees the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores that indicate the level of difficulty an individual has with attention-related tasks.
Treatment
Anyone who exhibits symptoms of ADHD is typically examined for the disorder by a mental health professional. This will involve a thorough physical exam as well as review of family and medical history, and a psychiatric assessment. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and how they affect the individual's functioning. It will also include standard ADHD scales for behavior and other psychological tests.
The doctor may also speak with the patient's significant other in the event that it is appropriate. This is not a way to examine honesty, but to learn more about the patient's experiences and behavior. It is typical for those with ADHD to have trouble recalling details about their childhood. It may be beneficial to interview adults who have been with them for a long time. This information can help the clinician determine if there are other conditions which may trigger similar symptoms.
The evaluator often interviews the child's teachers and parents. This is particularly important if the child is having issues at school. In addition, the evaluator will likely inquire about the child's relationships with others and how their school and home environments are structured. This is crucial, since the social setting is an important source of stress for people with ADHD.
In adult patients, the doctor will use a similar rating scale, however it is more sophisticated and utilized to gather research data about symptoms. In certain instances, an examiner may use computerized testing in order to detect ADHD symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ADHD-RS, is the most commonly used test. It was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of test on computers called the continuous performance test (CPT) is a measure of the capacity of an individual to maintain attention for a set amount of time.
The evaluator determines whether the individual is in compliance with the ADHD diagnostic criteria found 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 a part of the treatment plan. Stimulant medications are absorbed into bloodstreams and offer immediate relief from symptoms. However, these medications should, be administered with caution. A high dose of stimulants can cause heart issues or addiction. Drugs that are released into the body over time, like Guanfacine or atomoxetine, are safer but don't work as fast as stimulants do. These medications may not be available for children suffering from certain medical conditions such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is an additional component of a treatment plan designed for adults with ADHD. Therapists can help people learn better organizational skills and find strategies to improve their work and social relationships. A therapist could teach the patient how to use reminders like alarms or daily planners in order to keep track of their goals. Therapists can also assist adults suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions better and find ways to deal with stressors in their lives.
For adults suffering from ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist may conduct tests to screen for depression, anxiety as well as learning disabilities and other disorders that could appear similar to or coexist with ADHD, such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder. Psychologists can also conduct a physical exam and look over the person's family history, medical records and behavior.
Some therapists utilize a computer test to help people test for ADHD symptoms. The test evaluates the ability of a person's brain to maintain attention and resist impulsive impulses by showing visual targets on the computer screen. The test measures the cognitive capacity of a person and can be used in conjunction with self-report questions to give a clinician an objective measure of the patient's response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is available that can determine how a person's body will process medications. The test will help doctors choose the best drug for each person and avoid harmful unwanted side effects. However, this kind of testing is expensive and not readily available. The most reliable method to identify ADHD is through an experienced medical professional.