How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
Getting a confirmed ADHD diagnosis isn't as simple as taking a test online or rating scale. The process includes an evaluation of both psychological and medical.
Doctors look over family and medical history, including past tests and old school records. Teachers, parents and children are interviewed about symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often seen in families.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a condition that can be identified when a person struggles to stay on task or pay attention to specifics or to start and finish tasks that require attention. But, there are many other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD as well, such as anxiety and depression. It is crucial to establish a clear diagnosis. A thorough examination will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another disorder.
A mental health professional with had experience dealing with adult ADHD or a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist with expertise in ADHD can conduct an evaluation. They will ask questions and talk to the person about their symptoms as well as the length of time they've been experiencing them, how often, and how serious they are. They will also ask about the person's family and medical history in addition to their work and school activities.
It's important for a doctor to be aware about any issues that a person may be facing like financial issues or issues with relationships. They may also need to talk to the person's employer or teacher about any problems they have had with the performance of the individual at work or in school. The doctor will also interview parents, and may be required to interview other adults like teachers, coaches, nannies, or coaches.
During the exam the provider will inquire about the patient's medical history, and then perform a physical. The physical exam is used to identify conditions such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder that can mimic symptoms of ADHD. They will also examine the person's educational and work history and any other pertinent records.
The provider will also conduct a psychological or behavioral test. It could be a list of symptoms or an assessment system that measures the way a person feels about certain behaviors. They may also take cognitive and learning disabilities tests to determine if a person suffers from a learning impairment or any other disorder that could mimic ADHD. They may also inquire about the person about their lifestyle and lifestyle, including whether they're experiencing stress situations or if they have any other illnesses which can increase ADHD symptoms. They will also ask about the person's ability to follow directions and interact with others.
Diagnosis
The signs of ADHD can affect many areas of life for children as well as adults. They can be a source of difficulty in school and at work as well as poor performance in extracurricular activities and strained relationships. These issues can also affect the driving experience and financial situation. The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is finding an expert in health care who is knowledgeable about ADHD. You could ask your child's doctor to conduct a test or you can consult a psychiatrist who is trained in mental illness.
The first thing the specialist will do is question the patient about his or her behavior. In general the doctor will inquire about the symptoms for a minimum of six months. This ensures that the symptoms are consistent and they have remained consistent for a long time. The examiner will employ a rating scale to assess the symptoms of ADHD for instance, the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale), or the DSM-5 (the official manual for diagnosing mental disorders).
The specialist will also ask about any current difficulties and look over the patient's medical background including any family history of ADHD. He or she will also look at the individual's academic and driving records and relationships and family issues. The examiner will want to know the person's habits and whether they are a drug or alcohol user.
To determine ADHD, a specialist must be convinced that the symptoms are not related to any other disorder. The symptoms must be evident at least two times and for a minimum of 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 is conducted using a computer. It involves observing a series of visual stimuli, like letters or shapes, appearing on the screen. The person watches the stimuli and presses the button when they spot the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to determine the difficulty of a person to perform attention-related tasks.
Treatment
Someone who has symptoms of ADHD is typically assessed 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 assessment. The evaluation will include questions about symptoms and their impact on an individual's functioning, standard ADHD behavior rating scales as well as other psychological tests.
The clinician will also speak with the patient as well as his significant other, if appropriate. The purpose of this is not to examine honesty, but to learn more about the patient's experiences and behavior. It is common for people who suffer from ADHD to have difficulty recalling details from their childhood. It is beneficial to interview people who have known them for a long period of time. This can help the doctor identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator may interview the child's parents and teachers. This is particularly important in the event that a child is experiencing issues at school. Additionally, the examiner will likely inquire about the child's social life and how his or her home and school environments are organized. This is crucial, since the social environment is a major stressor for those with ADHD.
The physician will utilize the same rating scale with adult patients. However, it is more sophisticated. It is used to gather research data on symptoms. In some instances the examiner might use computerized testing to screen for signs of ADHD. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ADHD-RS is the most widely used test. It was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. Continuous performance test (CPT) is another type of test using computers that assesses the attention span of an individual.
The evaluator will decide if the individual meets 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 or teen is diagnosed with ADHD medications will likely be a part of the treatment program. Stimulant medications are absorbed into bloodstreams and offer immediate relief from the symptoms. These drugs must, however, be administered with caution. A high dose of stimulants can cause heart issues or addiction. The medications that are released slowly into the body like atomoxetine or Guanfacine are more secure but they don't work in the same way as stimulants. These medications also may not be an option for children suffering from some medical issues like Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is an additional component of a treatment program for adults with ADHD. Therapists can help people learn to organize themselves better and devise strategies for improving their relationships and work. A therapist could teach the patient how to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners in order to stay on track. online test for adhd can assist adults with ADHD manage their emotions and discover ways to deal with stressors.
For adults suffering from ADHD psychologists or psychiatrist may conduct tests to screen for depression, anxiety learning disabilities, depression and other disorders that can be similar to or coexist with ADHD, such as seizures or a thyroid disorder. Psychiatrists may also perform physical examinations and review the medical records of the patient, their family history and behavior.
Some therapists use computers to people test for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses the capacity to maintain attention and resist impulsive urges by presenting the person by displaying visual targets on a screen. The test is designed to measure a person's cognitive functioning and can be used in conjunction with self-report questionnaires in order to provide the clinician with an objective measurement of the patient's response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is now available which can reveal how a person's body will be able to process drugs. The test can assist doctors in selecting the best drug for each individual and help avoid harmful side effects. This kind of test is costly and not widely available. The most reliable way to identify ADHD is to consult an experienced medical professional.