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 involves an evaluation of both psychiatric and medical.
Doctors review medical and family histories including school records from the past as well as past tests. Teachers, parents and children are interviewed about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms often run within families.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when a person struggles to stay on task and pay attention to the details, or start and finish tasks that require focus. Many have other illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, that can cause the same symptoms. That's why a clear diagnosis is so important. A thorough assessment will help determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or another disorder.
A mental health professional who has had experience dealing with adult ADHD or a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist with expertise in ADHD can conduct an evaluation. They will ask the patient questions and talk about their symptoms. They will also talk about the severity of their symptoms, how long it has been since they started and how often they occur. They will ask about the person's medical and family background as well as their school and work experiences, and even the family.
It is crucial that a doctor is aware of any problems a patient may be having, such as relationship or financial problems. The doctor may also wish to talk to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've had regarding the performance of the person at the classroom or at work. The doctor will interview parents, and may need to interview other adults such as teachers and coaches, nannies or coaches.
During the exam, the doctor will ask the patient about their medical history and conduct an examination. The physical exam can be used to determine if a person has a medical condition like seizures or thyroid disorders that may resemble symptoms of ADHD. They will also examine the individual's academic and work history as well as any other relevant records.
The doctor will also conduct a psychological or behavioral test. It could be a list of symptoms or a rating system that determines the feelings of an individual about certain actions. They can also use tests for cognitive or learning disabilities to determine if a person suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD like a learning difficulty. They'll also ask the person about their daily routine in relation to stress, such as whether they are in stressful situations or have any other conditions that could exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They will also inquire about the person's ability follow directions and interact with other people.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect both adults and children in many different areas of their lives. The symptoms include trouble at school and at work and in activities outside of school, and tension in relationships. These issues can also impact driving and financial. Finding a medical professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD is the first step to making an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your child's doctor to run a test or consult a psychiatrist who is trained in mental illness.
The doctor will first talk to the patient regarding their behavior. In general the doctor will look for symptoms that have been present for at least a month. This will ensure that the symptoms are consistent and they have remained consistent throughout the time. The examiner will utilize an assessment scale that is designed to assess symptoms of ADHD for instance, the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5 (the official guideline for diagnosing psychiatric disorders).
In addition to asking about current difficulties, the specialist will usually review the patient's medical history and any family history of ADHD or other mental health problems. The specialist will also review the person's driving and academic history, as well as relationships and family issues. The examiner will also want know about the person's lifestyle including whether he or she has any drug or alcohol abuse problems.
To diagnose ADHD A specialist must be convinced that the symptoms cannot be explained by any other disorder. The symptoms should be present at least twice, and for at least six months. Furthermore, the symptoms should be debilitating and not due to any other condition.
The doctor can administer one of the attention tests, such as the TOVA Continuous Performance Test to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA test is administered by computer software and involves the observation of visual stimuli like the shapes or letters that appear on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli and presses the button when they see the correct letter. The TOVA program then calculates scores to determine the level of difficulty the person has in focusing on attention-related tasks.
Treatment
Anyone who exhibits symptoms of ADHD is typically examined for the disorder by an expert in mental health. This will include an extensive physical examination, an examination of medical and family history and a psychiatric evaluation. The examination will include questions about symptoms and how they affect the individual's functioning. It will also include standardized ADHD behavior ratings scales and other psychological tests.
The clinician will also interview the patient and his significant other, if appropriate. This is not to examine honesty, but to get a better understanding of the patient's experiences and behavior. It is typical for those with ADHD to have trouble recalling details from their childhood. It is beneficial to interview people who have known them for a long period of time. This information can help the doctor determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
For children the evaluator may interview the children's teachers and parents. This is especially important when a child is having issues at school. The examiner may also inquire about the child's life in the social world, and how the school and home environments are structured. This is crucial, since the social environment is a major stressor for those with ADHD.
The clinician will use the same scale of rating for adult patients. However it is more sophisticated. It is used to gather research data about symptoms. In some cases, the examiner may also utilize computerized testing to check for symptoms of ADHD. The most widely used test is 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 type of test using computers that assesses an individual's attention span.
For adolescents and young adults The evaluator will look at whether or not the person meets the diagnostic criteria 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 medication is likely to be part of the treatment plan. Stimulant medications are absorbed into the bloodstream and provide quick relief from symptoms. However, these drugs must be administered with care. Too much stimulant can cause heart issues or addiction. Drugs that are released into the body in time, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine, are safer but don't work as fast as stimulants do. These drugs may not be available for children with certain medical conditions such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is a crucial component of the treatment plan for adults who have ADHD. Therapists can help people learn more efficient organizational skills and come up with strategies to improve their work and social interactions. Therapists can teach the patient how to utilize reminders such as alarms or daily planners to stay on track. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD manage their emotions and find ways to cope better with stressors.
For adults suffering from ADHD psychologists or psychiatrist may conduct tests that test for depression, anxiety, learning disabilities and other disorders that could be similar to or coexist with ADHD such as a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. iampsychiatry may also conduct a physical examination and review the medical records of the patient, their family history and behavior.
Some therapists utilize computer tests to test adults for ADHD symptoms. The test measures the ability to sustain attention and resist impulsive urges by presenting the person with visual targets on screens. The test measures the cognitive abilities of a person. It can be used with self-reporting questions to give the doctor an objective measurement of a patient’s response to treatment.
A newer method of genetic testing can be used to determine how the body will process medications. The test can be used to aid doctors in selecting the most effective drug and avoid any adverse side effects for each patient. This type of testing can be costly and is not readily accessible. The most reliable method to identify ADHD is to consult an expert medical professional.