How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as easy as taking an online test or using an evaluation scale. The process involves an examination by a psychiatrist and medical professional.
Doctors review medical and family history, including past tests and old school records. Teachers, parents, and kids are also interviewed about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are typically seen within families.
Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that can be identified when a person is struggling to stay on task and pay attention to the details or to start and finish tasks that require concentration. But, there are many other disorders that can trigger the same symptoms as ADHD, including anxiety and depression. It is essential to make an accurate diagnosis. A thorough evaluation can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another disorder.
A mental health professional with experience with adult ADHD or a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist with expertise in ADHD can conduct an evaluation. They will ask the patient questions and discuss the symptoms. They will also talk about how severe they are, how long it has been since they first started, and how often they happen. They will inquire about the individual's family and medical history as well as their school and work experience, as well as their family.
It is essential for a doctor to be aware about any issues that may arise that a person may be facing, such as financial difficulties or trouble in relationships. They may also need to talk to the person's teacher or employer about any problems they have encountered with the person's performance at work or in school. For children the doctor will talk to parents and may also need to interview other adults like teachers, coaches or the nannies.
During the exam the provider will ask about the patient's medical history, and then perform a physical. The physical exam will check for conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD like seizure disorders or thyroid problems. They will also examine any relevant records, like the person's work and education history.
The provider may also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. It could be a list of symptoms or an assessment system that measures the feelings of an individual about certain behaviors. They may also take cognitive and learning disabilities tests to determine if a person has a learning disability or other conditions that mimic ADHD. They'll also ask the person about their life, including whether they are in stressful situations or if they have any other medical conditions that can increase ADHD symptoms. They will also inquire about the person about their ability to work with others and to follow the instructions.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect children and adults in a variety of areas of their lives. They can be a source of difficulty at school and work as well as poor performance in extracurricular activities and strained relationships. These issues can also affect the driving experience and financial situation. Finding a medical professional who is familiar with ADHD is the first step towards making an accurate diagnosis. Your child's doctor can perform the test or you could decide to look for an expert psychiatrist who is specialized in mental disorders.
The specialist will first interview the patient regarding their behavior. In general, the doctor will ask about symptoms for at least six months. This ensures that the symptoms are consistent and that they have remained consistent for a long time. The examiner will utilize an assessment scale to determine symptoms of ADHD. This could be the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5.
In addition to examining current issues, the doctor will typically review the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health issues. He or she will also review the person's academic and driving history and relationships and family issues. online adhd testing will also want to be aware of the person's lifestyle, including whether he or she has any problems with alcohol or drugs.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, the doctor must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by another disorder. The symptoms should be present at least two times and for a minimum of six months. Furthermore, the symptoms should be severe and not be due to any other illness.
The doctor may conduct one of the attention tests like the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA test is performed using a computer. It involves observing a series of visual stimuli, for example 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 how much difficulty an individual has with attention-related tasks.
Treatment
Someone who has symptoms of ADHD is usually assessed for the disorder by an expert in mental health. This may consist of a physical examination as well as a review of family and medical histories, and a mental evaluation. The examination will include questions about symptoms and how they impact the individual's performance. It will also include standardized ADHD scales for behavior and other psychological tests.
The clinician will also speak with the patient as well as his significant other, if appropriate. This is not a way to examine honesty, but to learn more about the patient's experiences and behaviors. It is normal for people with ADHD to have trouble recalling details about their childhood. It may be useful to conduct interviews with adults who have known them for a lengthy time. This information can aid the physician in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
For children the evaluator may interview the children's teachers and parents. This is particularly important in the event that the child is experiencing problems at school. The evaluator can also inquire about the child's social life and how the school and home environment are organized. This is vital, as the social setting is a major source of stress for people with ADHD.
In adult patients, the clinician will use a similar rating scale, but it is more sophisticated and utilized to gather research data about symptoms. In some cases, an examiner may utilize computerized testing to screen for 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. The Continuous Performance Test (CPT) is another type of test using computers that assesses the level of attention span of a person.
For young adults and adolescents, the evaluator will also determine if the individual is in compliance with 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 medications are likely to be included in the treatment program. These stimulants are absorbed into bloodstreams and offer immediate relief from symptoms. These medications must, however, be administered with caution. Too much of a stimulant could lead to heart issues or addiction. The medications that release slowly into the body like atomoxetine and Guanfacine, are less harmful however they don't perform in the same way as stimulants. These drugs may not be available for children suffering from certain medical conditions such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is a crucial component of the treatment plan for adults who have ADHD. Therapists can help people learn to organize themselves better and devise strategies to improve their work and relationships. For instance, a therapist might teach the person to make use of reminders, such as alarms or daily planners to help them stay on the right track. Therapists can also assist adults suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions better and find ways to cope with stressful situations in their lives.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can conduct tests for adults suffering from ADHD that screen for depression and anxiety as well as learning disabilities. other disorders that could look like ADHD or coexist alongside it, like thyroid disorder or seizures. Psychologists may also conduct an examination of the body and review the patient's medical records, family history and behavior.
Some therapists utilize computers to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test evaluates a person's ability to maintain focus and resist impulses by presenting targets on the screen of a computer. The test assesses a person's cognitive function and can be used in conjunction with self-reporting questions to give a clinician an objective measure of a patient’s response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is available that can determine the way in which a person's body process medications. The test can help doctors choose the best drug and avoid side negative effects for every patient. This type of testing can be expensive and is not readily available. A medical professional is the most reliable method to diagnose ADHD in the individual.