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 requires an evaluation of both psychiatric and medical.
Doctors look over family and medical history including past tests as well as old school records. They also talk to parents, teachers, and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are typically inherited.
Symptoms
ADHD can be diagnosed when a person struggles to keep on track and pay attention to the details, or start and finish tasks that require focus. Many suffer from other disorders like anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms. It is important to determine the correct diagnosis. A thorough evaluation can help determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another disorder.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist who has experience with ADHD in adults or has experience in adult ADHD is able to conduct an evaluation. They will ask questions and talk to the person about their symptoms, how long they've been experiencing them frequently, how often, and how severe they are. They will ask about the individual's medical and family background as well as their school and work experiences, and even the family.
It is crucial for a doctor to be aware about any problems in a person's life for example, financial problems or trouble in relationships. They may also need to speak with the person's teacher or employer about any problems they have had with the performance of the individual at work or in school. The doctor will interview parents, and may also be required to interview other adults, such as teachers or coaches, nannies or coaches.
During the exam the doctor will review the medical history of the patient and perform an examination. The physical exam is used to determine if a person has a medical condition such as seizures or thyroid disorders that can mimic 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 be a checklist of symptoms or an assessment system that measures the feelings of an individual about certain behavior. They can also conduct tests for cognitive or learning disabilities to determine if someone suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD like an issue with learning. They will also ask the person about their daily routine, including whether they're in stressful situations or if they have any other illnesses which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They will also ask the person about their ability to work with others and to follow instructions.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD affect many aspects of life for children as well as adults. These symptoms include difficulty at work and school and in extracurricular activities, and strained relationships. They also cause issues in driving and managing finances. Finding a health professional who is well-versed in ADHD is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis. The doctor of your child can conduct a screening or you could decide to seek out an expert psychiatrist who is specialized in mental illness.
The first thing the specialist will do is question the person about the behavior of the person. In general the doctor will inquire for symptoms that have been present for at least six months. This will ensure that the symptoms have been constant over time. The examiner will employ 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 background including any family history of ADHD. They will also examine the person's driving and academic history, as well as family and relationship problems. The examiner will also need to know about the lifestyle of the individual, including whether he or she has any problems with alcohol or drugs.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by another disorder. The symptoms must be present at least two times and for a minimum of six months. Moreover, the symptoms must be debilitating and not related to any other disease.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may conduct one or more tests of attention, such as the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA test is conducted by computer software and involves the observation of visual stimuli, such as letters or shapes that appear on the screen. The user watches the stimulus and presses a button when or she sees the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to determine the difficulty of an individual to complete attention-related tasks.
Treatment
A person with symptoms of ADHD is typically examined for the disorder by an expert in mental health. This could include a physical exam along with a review of family and medical histories, and a mental assessment. The evaluation will include questions regarding symptoms and their impact on the individual's functioning in addition to the standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as other psychological testing.
The clinician may also interview the patient's significant other in the event that it is appropriate. This is not to test honesty, but rather to get a better understanding of the patient's experiences and behavior. Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble recalling the details of their childhood and it can be helpful to talk to other adults who have known the patient for a long period of time. This information will aid the physician in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator often interviews the children's parents and teachers. This is particularly crucial when the child is experiencing problems at school. The evaluator may also ask about the child’s social life, and how the school and home environments are structured. This is important since the social setting is the primary source of stress and problems for people with ADHD.
The doctor will utilize the same rating scale for adult patients. However it is more sophisticated. It is used to collect research data on symptoms. In some instances an examiner might use computerized testing in order to screen for ADHD symptoms. The most frequently used test is called the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of computer test is the continuous performance test (CPT) is a test that measures the capacity of an individual to maintain focus for a certain amount of time.
For young adults and adolescents, the evaluator will also determine if 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 or teenager is diagnosed with ADHD medication is likely to be a part of the treatment plan. The stimulant medication is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream and can provide rapid relief from symptoms. However, these drugs must be given carefully. A high dose of stimulants can lead to heart issues or addiction. The medications that enter the body in time, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine, are safer but don't work as quickly as stimulants do. These medications may also not be available to children suffering from particular medical conditions, such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is an essential part of the treatment plan for adults who have ADHD. Therapists can assist people in learning better organizational skills and discover ways to improve their work and social relationships. adhd for adults test can show the patient how to use reminders like alarms or daily planners in order to stay on track. Therapists can help people with ADHD manage their emotions and discover ways to manage stressors.
For adults with ADHD psychologists or psychiatrist may conduct tests to screen for anxiety, depression learning disabilities, depression and other disorders that can appear similar to or coexist with ADHD, such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder. Psychologists may also conduct a physical examination and look over the person's medical history, family history and their behavior.
Certain therapists utilize computer tests to test adults for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses the ability of a person's brain to maintain attention and resist impulsive impulses by showing visual targets on the screen of a computer. The test is designed to gauge a person's cognitive functioning and can be used in conjunction with self-report questionnaires to provide the doctor with an objective measure of a patient's reaction to therapy.
A newer genetic test is now available that can determine how a person's body will metabolize medications. The test can be used to aid doctors in selecting the most effective medication and avoid adverse negative effects for every patient. However, this type of testing is expensive and is not readily available. The most reliable method to determine ADHD is to consult an experienced medical professional.