How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a confirmed ADHD diagnosis isn't as simple as taking a test online or rating scale. The process includes a medical and psychological 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 often run through families.
Symptoms
When a person has problems staying on task, paying attention to details or starting and finishing tasks that require a lot of attention it could be ADHD. However, many people have other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, including depression and anxiety. That's why a clear diagnosis is so crucial. A thorough evaluation will determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another disorder.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist who is experienced 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 and how long they've been exhibiting them frequently, how often, and how severe they are. They will ask about the individual's medical history and family history, their work and school experiences, and even the family.
It is crucial that a doctor be aware of any issues that a patient may be experiencing, such as financial troubles or relationship issues. The doctor might also want to speak to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've encountered regarding the performance of the person at school or at work. The doctor will talk to parents, and may have to interview other adults, such as teachers, coaches, nannies, or coaches.
During the exam, the provider will take the patient's medical history and do an examination. The physical exam can be used to check for conditions such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder that may resemble symptoms of ADHD. They will also examine any relevant records, like the person's employment and education background.
The provider will also conduct a psychological or behavioral test. This could include a checklist of symptoms or an assessment scale that measures how the individual feels about specific behavior. They may also use tests for cognitive or learning disabilities to determine if someone suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD or an issue with learning. They may also inquire about the lifestyle of the person and lifestyle, for example, if they are in a stressful situation or suffer from any other health issues that could make ADHD symptoms worse. tests for adhd in adults will also inquire about the person about their capacity to work with others and to follow instructions.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of ADHD interfere with many areas of life for both children and adults. They can cause problems at work and school, poor performance in extracurricular activities, and troubled relationships. They can also cause problems with driving and managing finances. The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to find a medical professional who knows about ADHD. Your child's doctor may perform an assessment or you could decide to look for a psychiatrist who specializes in mental illnesses.
The doctor will then interview the patient regarding their behavior. Generally the doctor will inquire about the symptoms for at least six months. This ensures that the symptoms are consistent and they have persisted throughout the time. The examiner will use an assessment scale to assess the symptoms of ADHD. This could be the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5.
The specialist will also ask about any current issues and examine the patient's medical history including any family history of ADHD. He or she may also examine the person's driving and academic history as well as relationships and family issues. The examiner is interested in knowing the lifestyle of the person and if they are a drug or alcohol addict.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by a different disorder. The symptoms should be present at least two times and for at least six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe and not be due to any other condition.
To confirm a diagnosis the specialist may administer one or more tests of attention, like the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA is conducted on a computer and involves observing a series of visual stimuli, for example 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 to show how difficult it is for a person to perform attention-related tasks.
Treatment
A mental health professional will evaluate those who exhibit symptoms of ADHD. This will include a physical examination, a review medical and family histories and a mental evaluation. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and their impact on an individual's functioning in addition to standardized ADHD behavior rating scales, and other psychological tests.
The doctor can also talk to the patient's spouse in the event that it is appropriate. This is not a way to test honesty, but rather to find out more about a patient's experiences and behaviour. It is normal for people with ADHD to have trouble recalling details about their childhood. It may be useful to conduct interviews with people who have known them for a long time. This can help the clinician determine if there are other conditions which may trigger similar symptoms.
The evaluator will often interview the children's parents and teachers. This is particularly crucial if the child is having issues at school. The evaluator may also ask about the child's social life, and how the school and home environment are structured. This is crucial, since the social setting is a major stressor for those with ADHD.
In adult patients, the clinician will use a similar scale, but it is more sophisticated and utilized to collect research data on symptoms. In some cases an examiner might utilize computerized testing to detect ADHD symptoms. The most commonly 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 test of the capacity of an individual to maintain focus for a certain amount of time.
For adolescents and young adults The evaluator will examine whether or not the individual is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria set forth in 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 program. Stimulant medication is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, and provides quick relief of symptoms. However, these medications should be used with caution. Too much stimulant can lead to heart issues or addiction. The medications that enter the body over time, like Guanfacine or atomoxetine, are safer but don't work in the same way as stimulants do. These drugs might not be an option for children who have some medical conditions such as Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is an essential element of the treatment program for adults suffering from ADHD. Therapists can help patients develop better organizational skills and find strategies to improve their work performance and social relationships. Therapists can teach the person how to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners in order to keep track of their goals. A therapist can help adults with ADHD manage their emotions and find ways to deal with stressors.
For adults suffering from ADHD psychologists or psychiatrist may conduct tests that test for anxiety, depression, learning disabilities and other disorders that may be similar to or coexist with ADHD such as seizures or a thyroid disorder. Psychiatrists can also conduct an examination of the body and examine the patient's medical records, family history and behavior.
Some therapists use computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses the capacity to maintain attention and resist impulse-driven urges by presenting the individual with visual targets on the screen. The test is designed to assess a person's cognitive functioning and can be utilized in conjunction with self-report questionnaires to provide the doctor with an objective measure of a patient's response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is now available that can determine the way in which a person's body metabolize medications. The test can assist doctors in selecting the most appropriate drug for each person and avoid dangerous side negative effects. However, this kind of testing is expensive and isn't readily available. A medical professional is the most reliable way to identify ADHD in the individual.