How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
The process of confirming an ADHD diagnosis isn't as easy as taking a test online or rating scale. The process requires a medical and psychiatric evaluation.
Doctors review medical and family history, including past tests and old school records. Parents, teachers, and kids are also interviewed about symptoms. ADHD symptoms are typically inherited.
Symptoms
If a person is having trouble staying on task paying attention to specifics or starting and finishing tasks that require a lot of attention it could be ADHD. But, there are many other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, including anxiety and depression. It is important to establish a clear diagnosis. A thorough evaluation will help determine whether the symptoms are caused by ADHD or other disorders.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist that has experience with ADHD in adults or has a background in adult ADHD can conduct an assessment. They will ask questions and speak to the person about their symptoms as well as the length of time they've been occurring frequently, how often they occur, and how severe they are. They will also ask about the family and medical history and also about their work and school activities.
It is crucial that a doctor knows about any problems a patient may be facing, like relationship or financial issues. They may also need to talk to the person's employer or teacher about any problems they have encountered with the person's performance at work or at school. The doctor will interview parents, and may have to interview other adults, such as teachers and coaches, nannies or coaches.
During the exam the provider will ask the patient about their medical history, and then perform a physical. The physical exam is used to determine if a person has a medical condition like thyroid disorders or seizure disorder which may be a symptom of ADHD. They will also look over the individual's education and work history as well as any other relevant records.
The provider will also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. This could include a checklist of symptoms or a rating scale that reflects how the person feels about certain behavior. They can also use cognitive or learning disabilities tests to determine if someone suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD like a learning difficulty. They may also inquire about the person's life and lifestyle, for example, if they are in a stressful circumstance or have any other illnesses that can make ADHD symptoms worse. They will also ask about the person's ability follow directions and interact with others.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect both adults and children in a variety of areas of their lives. These symptoms include difficulties at work and in school and in activities outside of school, and tension in relationships. They can also cause problems in driving and managing finances. Finding a medical professional who is familiar with ADHD is the first step to receiving a precise diagnosis. You can ask your child's doctor to perform a screening or you can talk to a psychiatrist who is trained in mental illness.
The first thing that a doctor will do is interview the person about the behavior of the person. In general the doctor will inquire for symptoms that have been present for at least a months. This ensures that the symptoms are consistent and they have remained consistent throughout the time. The examiner will use a rating scale 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 problems that are currently affecting the patient, the doctor will typically look over the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health issues. He or she will also look at the person's academic and driving history, as well as family and relationship problems. The examiner will also need to be aware of the person's lifestyle including whether he or she has any drug or alcohol abuse problems.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by another disorder. In general, the symptoms must be present in more than one settings and have been ongoing for at least six months. The symptoms must be debilitating and not triggered by any other illness.
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 administered using a computer and involves observing visual stimuli like letters or shapes appearing on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli and presses the button when they spot the correct letter. online tests for adhd to determine how much difficulty the person has in focusing on attention-related tasks.
Treatment
A person with symptoms of ADHD is typically evaluated for the disorder by a mental health professional. This will include a thorough physical exam, an examination of family and medical background, and a psychiatric examination. The evaluation will include questions about symptoms and their impact on a person's functioning and functioning, as well as standardized ADHD behavior rating scales and other psychological testing.
The doctor may also speak with the patient's significant other in the event that it is appropriate. This is not a test of honesty, but rather to find out more about the patient's experiences and behaviors. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with recalling details from their childhood and it may be beneficial to interview other adults who have known the person for a long time. This information can help the clinician rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
For children, the evaluator will often interview the children's teachers and parents. This is especially important in the event that the child is experiencing issues at school. Additionally, the evaluator will likely inquire about the child's social life and how his or her school and home life are organized. This is important because the social environment is the primary source of stress and difficulties for individuals with ADHD.
In adult patients, the doctor will employ a similar rating scale but it is more sophisticated and utilized to gather research data about symptoms. In some instances an examiner might use computerized testing in order to determine ADHD symptoms. The most widely 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 a different kind of test using computers that assesses an individual's attention span.
The evaluator will decide whether the person 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 medication is likely to be a part of the treatment plan. These stimulants are absorbed into the bloodstream and offer immediate relief from symptoms. These drugs must, however be used with caution. Too much stimulant can lead to addiction or heart problems. Medications that release into the body over time, like the atomoxetine and guanfacine are less risky, but they don't work in the same way as stimulants do. These drugs might not be an option for children suffering from some medical issues, such as Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is a different component of a treatment plan designed for adults with ADHD. Therapists can help people learn to better organize themselves and devise strategies to improve their work and relationships. A therapist can show the client how to use reminders like alarms or daily planners to keep track of their goals. Therapists can also help adults suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions more effectively and find ways to cope with the stressors in their lives.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can administer tests to adults suffering from ADHD that screen for anxiety and depression as well as learning disabilities and other disorders that could look similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like thyroid disorder or seizures. Psychologists can also conduct a physical exam and examine the patient's family history, medical records and their behavior.
Some therapists use computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test evaluates the ability of a person's brain to maintain focus and resist impulses by showing visual targets on a computer screen. The test is designed to gauge the person's cognitive function and can be used in conjunction with self-report questionnaires to provide the doctor with an objective assessment of a patient's response to therapy.
A newer genetic test is available that can determine how a person's body will process medications. The test will help doctors choose the right medication for each individual and help avoid adverse negative side effects. However, this type of test is expensive and isn't readily available. A medical professional is the most reliable way to determine ADHD in a person.