How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as simple as taking online tests or using an evaluation scale. The process requires a medical and psychiatric evaluation.
Doctors examine family and medical history, including past tests and old school records. They also speak with parents, teachers, and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often seen through families.
Symptoms
If a person is having trouble staying on task paying attention to specifics or starting and finishing tasks that require a lot of attention, it may be ADHD. But, there are many other disorders that can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD which includes depression and anxiety. That's why an accurate diagnosis is so crucial. A thorough evaluation can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another disorder.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist who has experience with ADHD in adults or has a background in adult ADHD can conduct an assessment. They will ask questions and speak to the person about their symptoms, how long they've been occurring regularly, how often they occur, and how severe they are. They will ask about the person’s family and medical background as well as their school and work experience, and even their family.
It is essential for a doctor about any issues in the life of a person for example, financial problems or problems with relationships. The doctor may also wish to talk with the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've encountered regarding the performance of the person at the classroom or at work. For children doctors, they will interview parents and may also need to interview other adults like teachers, coaches or parents.
During the exam, the doctor will ask the patient about their medical history, and perform a physical. The physical exam can be used to check for conditions like seizure disorders or thyroid disorders which may be a symptom of ADHD. They will also examine any relevant documents, like the person's work and educational background.
The provider will also conduct a psychological or behavioral test. This could involve a list of symptoms or an assessment scale that measures how the individual feels about specific behavior. They may also take tests for cognitive and learning disabilities 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 lifestyle of the person, such as whether they are in a stressful situation or have any other illnesses that can cause 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 can cause problems at school and work, poor performance in extracurricular activities, and troubled relationships. These issues can also impact driving and financial. The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to find an expert in health care who knows about ADHD. You could ask your child's doctor to run a test or you can talk to a psychiatrist who is trained in mental illness.
The first thing a specialist will do is interview the patient about the behavior of the person. In general the doctor will inquire for symptoms that have been present for at minimum six month. This will ensure that the symptoms have been consistent over time. The examiner will utilize a rating scale to assess symptoms of ADHD, such as 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 issues. The specialist will also examine the individual's academic and driving records as well as relationship and family problems. The examiner will also want be aware of the person's lifestyle, including whether they have issues with alcohol or drugs.
To establish the diagnosis of ADHD A specialist must be convinced the symptoms cannot be explained by any other 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.
The specialist may administer one of the tests for attention, such as the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm the 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 or she sees the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores that show the level of difficulty the person has in focusing on attention-related tasks.
Treatment
A person with symptoms of ADHD is typically evaluated for the disorder by an expert in mental health. This will include a thorough physical exam as well as a review of family and medical history, and a psychiatric assessment. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and their impact on an individual's functioning in addition to standard ADHD behavior rating scales and other psychological tests.
The clinician will also interview the patient as well as his significant other, if appropriate. This is not a test of honesty, but rather to find out more about the patient's experiences and behaviors. online tests adhd suffering from ADHD have trouble recalling their childhood experiences and it is helpful to interview other adults who have known the person for a long period of time. This information will aid the doctor in determining other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
For children the evaluator may interview the parents and teachers of the child. This is particularly crucial in the event that the child is experiencing difficulties at school. Additionally, the evaluator will likely ask about the child's social life and how his or her home and school environments are organized. This is important since the social environment is the main source of stress and challenges for individuals with ADHD.
The doctor will employ the same rating scale with adult patients. However, it is more sophisticated. It is used to gather research data about symptoms. In certain instances the examiner could utilize computerized testing to check for symptoms 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. Another type of computer test called the continuous performance test (CPT), is a measure of the capacity of an individual to maintain attention for a set amount of time.
For young adults and adolescents, the evaluator will also examine whether or not the person meets 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 medication will most likely be included in the treatment plan. The stimulant medication is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, and provides rapid relief from symptoms. These drugs must, however be taken with care. Too much stimulant can cause heart issues or addiction. Drugs that are released into the body over time, like the atomoxetine and guanfacine are safer but don't work as quickly as stimulants do. These medications may also not be available to children with certain medical conditions such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is a crucial part of the treatment plan for adults who have ADHD. Therapists can help people learn better organizational skills and discover ways to improve their work and social relationships. A therapist could teach the person how to use reminders like alarms or daily planners to keep track of their goals. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD manage their emotions and figure out ways to deal with stressors.
For adults who suffer from ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist may conduct tests that screen for anxiety, depression learning disabilities, depression and other disorders that may appear similar to or coexist with ADHD such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder. Psychologists may also conduct an examination of the body and examine the patient's medical records, family history, and behavior.
Some therapists employ computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test measures a person's ability to maintain attention and resist impulsive impulses by presenting visual targets on the computer screen. The test assesses a person's cognitive function and can be used with self-report questions to provide the doctor an objective measurement of a patient's response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is now available that can tell you how the body of a person will be able to process drugs. The test can assist doctors in choosing the right drug and avoid side negative effects for every patient. However, this type of test is costly and isn't readily available. A medical professional is still the most reliable way to determine ADHD in the individual.