How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
The process of confirming an ADHD diagnosis isn't as simple as taking a test online or rating scale. The process involves an evaluation of both psychological and medical.
Doctors examine family and medical history, including past tests and old school records. They also speak with parents as well as teachers and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often seen through families.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when a person struggles to focus or pay attention to specifics or to start and finish tasks that require attention. However, many people have other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD which includes anxiety and depression. This is why a precise diagnosis is so crucial. A thorough assessment will help determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or other disorders.
A mental health professional with had experience dealing with adult ADHD or psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist who is skilled in ADHD can conduct an evaluation. They will ask the person questions and discuss their symptoms. They will also talk about the severity of their symptoms and how long it's been since they first started, and how often they occur. They will also ask about the person's family and medical history as well as their work and school life.
It is crucial for a doctor to know about any issues that may arise in a person's life, such as financial difficulties or trouble in relationships. They may also need to speak with the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've had with the performance of the individual at work or in school. 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 doctor will review the patient's medical history and do a physical. The physical exam can be used to check for conditions such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder that can mimic symptoms of ADHD. They will also review the individual's academic and work history and any other relevant documents.
The provider may also conduct a psychological or behavioral test. It could be a list of symptoms, or an assessment system that measures the feelings of an individual about certain behavior. They may also use tests for cognitive and learning disabilities to determine if the person has a learning disability or other disorders that can mimic ADHD. They will also ask about the lifestyle of the person for example, whether they are in a stressful situation or suffer from any other illness that could make ADHD symptoms worse. They will also inquire about the person about their ability to collaborate with others and follow instructions.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect adults and children in many different areas of their lives. They can be a source of difficulty at work and school and in other extracurricular activities and strained relationships. They also contribute to problems in driving and managing money. The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to find a health care professional who knows about ADHD. The doctor of your child can conduct an assessment or you might want to look for an expert psychiatrist who is specialized in mental disorders.
The doctor will first talk to the patient about their behavior. In general the doctor will inquire about the symptoms for a minimum of six months. This will ensure that the symptoms are consistent and that they have remained consistent over time. The examiner will employ an assessment scale that is designed to evaluate symptoms of ADHD for instance, the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale), or the DSM-5 (the official manual for diagnosing psychiatric disorders).
The doctor will also inquire about any current issues and examine 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 as relationship and family problems. The examiner wants to know the person's habits and whether they are drug or alcohol addict.
To diagnose ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by a different disorder. In general, the symptoms should be present in two or more settings and have been ongoing for at least six months. Furthermore, the symptoms should be debilitating and not due to any other disease.
The specialist may administer one of the tests for attention like the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA test is administered using a computer software and involves the observation of visual stimuli, such as letters or shapes that appear on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli and presses a button when he or she sees the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to show how difficult it is for an individual to complete attention-related tasks.
Treatment
A mental health professional will evaluate a person who has symptoms of ADHD. This will include an extensive physical exam as well as review of medical and family background, and a psychiatric examination. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and their impact on the individual's functioning and functioning, as well as standardized ADHD behavior rating scales and other psychological testing.
The clinician will also interview the patient and his significant other, if necessary. This is not to test honesty, but rather to get a better understanding of the patient's experiences and behavior. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with recalling their childhood experiences and it can be helpful to interview others who have known the patient for a long period of time. This will help the physician identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator will often interview the child's parents and teachers. This is especially important when the child is experiencing issues at school. Additionally, the evaluator will likely inquire about the child's social life and how their school and home life are structured. This is important since the social environment is the primary source of stress and challenges for people with ADHD.
In adult patients, the doctor will use a similar rating scale, however it is more sophisticated and utilized to gather data from research studies on symptoms. In adult testing for adhd could use computerized testing to screen for symptoms 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. Another type of test on computers, the continuous performance test (CPT), is a test that measures the ability of an individual to hold concentration for a specified amount of time.
The evaluator determines 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 plan. The stimulant medicine is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and offers quick relief of symptoms. These drugs must, however be used with caution. A high dose of stimulants could lead to addiction or heart problems. The medications that are released slowly into the body like atomoxetine or guanfacine are safer however they don't perform as fast as stimulants. These medications also may not be the best option for children with certain medical conditions, such as Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is a different component of a treatment program for adults with ADHD. Therapists can assist people in learning better organizational skills and find ways to improve their work performance and social interactions. A therapist could teach the patient how to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners in order to keep track of their goals. A therapist can assist people with ADHD manage their emotions and find ways to cope better with stressors.
For adults with ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist may administer tests that test for depression, anxiety learning disabilities, depression and other disorders that can appear similar to or coexist with ADHD like seizures or a thyroid disorder. Psychiatrists can also conduct physical examinations and review the patient's medical records, family history and behavior.
Some therapists employ computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test evaluates the ability to maintain attention and resist impulse-driven urges by presenting the individual with visual targets on a screen. The test is designed to measure the cognitive performance of a person and can be used in combination with self-report questions to provide the clinician with an objective measure of the patient's response to therapy.
A newer method of genetic testing can be used to determine how a body will process medications. The test can assist doctors in choosing the right medication and avoid adverse negative effects for every patient. However, this type of test is costly and isn't easily accessible. The most reliable method to determine ADHD is by an expert medical professional.