How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as easy as taking an online test or using an assessment scale. The process involves a medical and psychiatric evaluation.
Doctors examine medical and family histories which include old school records and tests from the past. Teachers, parents and children are interviewed about the symptoms. ADHD symptoms are typically inherited.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is a condition that can be identified when a person struggles to keep on track or pay attention to specifics or to start and finish tasks that require attention. However, a lot of people suffer from other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD which includes depression and anxiety. That's why a clear diagnosis is so important. A thorough evaluation can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another disorder.
A mental health professional who has 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 their symptoms. They will also talk about how severe they are, how long it has been since they started and how often they happen. They will also ask about the person's family history and medical history as well as their work and school life.
It's important for a doctor about any issues that a person may be facing, such as financial difficulties or problems with relationships. online test for adhd may also need to talk to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've experienced with the individual's performance at work or in school. For children the doctor will talk to the parents and may need to speak with other adults, such as teachers, coaches, or parents.
During the exam the doctor will collect the medical history of the patient and do an examination. The physical will look for conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also examine the individual's academic and work history, as well as any other pertinent documents.
The doctor 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 certain actions. They may also take cognitive and learning disabilities tests to see if the person suffers from a learning disability or any other disorder that could mimic ADHD. They may also inquire about the person about their life in relation to stress, such as whether they are in stressful situations or if they have any other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. They will also inquire about the ability of the person to follow directions and interact with others.
Diagnosis
The signs of ADHD affect many aspects of life for children as well as adults. They can cause problems at work and school as well as poor performance in extracurricular activities, and troubled relationships. They also contribute to problems in driving and managing finances. The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to find a health care professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD. Your child's doctor can perform the test, or you may want to seek out a psychiatrist that specializes in mental illnesses.
The first thing the specialist will do is interview the person about their behavior. In general the doctor will inquire about symptoms for at least six months. This will ensure that the symptoms have been consistent over time. The examiner will employ an assessment scale that is designed to evaluate symptoms of ADHD like the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5 (the official guideline for diagnosing psychiatric disorders).
The doctor will also inquire about any current issues and examine the patient's medical history including any family history of ADHD. The specialist will also examine the person's driving and academic history and family and relationship problems. The examiner wants to know the person's lifestyle and if they are a drug or alcohol addict.
To diagnose ADHD, the doctor must be convinced that the symptoms can't be better explained by another disorder. The symptoms must be evident at least twice, and for a minimum of six months. Moreover, the symptoms must be debilitating and not due to any other condition.
The doctor may conduct one of more attention tests like the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA test is conducted by computer and involves watching visual stimuli such as the shapes or letters that appear on the screen. The person watches the stimuli, and presses the button when they spot the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to show the difficulty of an individual to complete attention-related tasks.
Treatment
A mental health professional will examine a person who has symptoms of ADHD. This will include a physical examination along with a review of family and medical histories, and a mental assessment. The examination will include questions about symptoms and how they impact the individual's performance. It will also include standard ADHD scales for behavior and other psychological tests.
The doctor may also speak with the patient's spouse, if applicable. This is not to assess honesty, but to get a better understanding of the patient's experiences and behavior. Many people with ADHD have trouble recalling details from their childhood and it can be helpful to speak with other adults who have known the patient for a lengthy time. This information can help the clinician rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator often interviews the child's teachers and parents. This is especially important if a child is experiencing difficulties at school. The evaluator may also ask about the child’s social life and how the school and home environments are organized. This is crucial, since the social environment is an important source of stress for people with ADHD.
The physician will employ the same rating scale for adult patients. However it is more sophisticated. It is used to collect research data on symptoms. In some instances the examiner could employ computerized testing to test for symptoms of ADHD. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ADHD-RS is the most widely used test. It was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of test on computers is the continuous performance test (CPT) is a measure of an individual's ability to sustain attention for a set amount of time.
The evaluator will determine whether the person meets the ADHD diagnostic criteria as defined 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 is diagnosed with ADHD medications will likely be part of the treatment plan. Stimulant medications are absorbed into bloodstreams and offer quick relief from the symptoms. However, these medications should be administered with care. Too much stimulant can cause addiction or heart problems. The drugs that release slowly into the body, like atomoxetine or Guanfacine, are less harmful but they don't work as fast as stimulants. These medications also may not be a viable option for children suffering from certain medical conditions such as Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is an important part of the treatment plan for adults with ADHD. Therapists can assist people in learning better organizational skills and find ways to improve their work and social relationships. A therapist can show the patient how to utilize reminders such as alarms or daily planners in order to keep track of their goals. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD manage their emotions and figure out ways to deal with stressors.
A psychiatrist or psychologist may conduct tests for adults suffering from ADHD that screen for depression and anxiety as well as learning disabilities. other disorders which may look like ADHD or coexist alongside it, such as thyroid disorder or seizures. Psychiatrists may also perform a physical examination and review the medical records of the patient, their family history, and behavior.
Some therapists employ computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test measures the ability to keep attention on track and resist impulse-driven urges by presenting the individual by displaying visual targets on the screen. The test is designed to gauge the cognitive performance of a person and can be utilized in conjunction with self-report questionnaires in order to provide the clinician with an objective assessment of a patient's reaction to treatment.
A newer genetic test is available that can determine how a person's body will metabolize medications. The test can assist doctors in choosing the right medication and avoid adverse consequences for each patient. However, this kind of test is expensive and is not readily available. The most reliable method to identify ADHD is to consult an experienced medical professional.