How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as simple as taking an online test or using an assessment scale. The process involves an evaluation of both psychological and medical.
Doctors review medical and family history, including past tests and old school records. Teachers, parents and children are interviewed about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often seen through families.
Symptoms
ADHD can be diagnosed when a person has difficulty to focus, pay attention to details or to start and finish tasks that require focus. Many people have other illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, which may cause the same symptoms. That's why an accurate diagnosis is so crucial. A thorough evaluation will help determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or a different disorder.
A psychologist, psychiatrist 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 and how long they've been experiencing them frequently, how often, and how severe they are. They will inquire about the individual's medical history and family background along with their educational and work experience, and even their family.
It is crucial for a doctor about any problems in the life of a person like financial issues or problems with relationships. They might also have to speak to the person's employer or teacher about any problems they have experienced with the individual's performance at work or in school. The doctor will interview parents, and may also have to interview other adults like teachers, coaches, nannies, or coaches.
During the examination, the doctor will inquire about the patient's medical history, and perform a physical. The physical exam can be used to determine if a person has a medical condition like thyroid disorders or seizure disorder that can mimic symptoms of ADHD. They will also examine any relevant records, like the person's work and educational background.
The provider will also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. It could be a list of symptoms, or a rating system that determines how an individual feels about certain behaviors. They may also use tests for cognitive or learning disabilities to determine if a person suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD like a learning difficulty. They'll also ask the person about their daily routine, including whether they are in stressful situations or if they suffer from any other illnesses which can increase ADHD symptoms. They will also inquire about the person about their ability to collaborate with others and follow the instructions.
Diagnosis
The signs of ADHD can affect many areas of life for children as well as adults. The symptoms include trouble at work and school and in activities outside of school, and tension in relationships. These issues can also impact driving and finances. The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to find an expert in health care who is knowledgeable about ADHD. The doctor of your child can conduct a screening or you could decide to find an expert psychiatrist who is specialized in mental illness.
The specialist will first interview the patient regarding their behavior. In general the doctor will look for symptoms that have been present for at least a month. This will ensure that the symptoms are consistent and they've remained constant over time. The examiner will use an assessment scale to evaluate the symptoms of ADHD. This could be the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5.
In addition to asking about problems that are currently affecting the patient, the doctor will typically look over the patient's medical history and any family history of ADHD or other mental health issues. They may also examine the person's driving and academic records, as well family and relationship issues. The examiner will want to know the person's lifestyle and if they are drug or alcohol addict.
To determine if you have ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms cannot be better explained by a different disorder. In general, the symptoms should be present in more than one settings and have been ongoing for at minimum six months. Moreover, the symptoms must be debilitating and not related to any other condition.
To confirm a diagnosis the doctor may conduct one or more tests of attention, like the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA is administered by a computer and involves watching a series of visual stimuli, for example letters or shapes, appearing on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli and presses a button whenever he or she recognizes the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to indicate how difficult it is for people to focus on tasks.
Treatment
A mental health professional will assess the symptoms of ADHD. This may consist of a physical examination as well as a review of medical and family histories and a mental evaluation. The evaluation will include questions about symptoms and their impact on a person's functioning and functioning, as well as standard ADHD behavior rating scales as well as other psychological testing.
The doctor will also talk to the patient and his significant other, if applicable. This is not to assess honesty, but to get a better understanding of the patient's experiences and behavior. It is normal for people with ADHD to have trouble recalling details about their childhood. It may be helpful if you interview people who have known them for a long time. This will help the clinician rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator may interview the child's parents and teachers. This is particularly important if a child is experiencing issues at school. Additionally, the examiner will likely inquire about the child's life in the social world and how their home and school environments are organized. This is important because the social environment is the primary source of stress and problems for individuals with ADHD.
The doctor will utilize the same rating scale with adult patients. However it is more sophisticated. It is used to collect research data about symptoms. In certain instances the examiner might utilize computerized testing to check for symptoms of ADHD. The most commonly used test is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of computer test called the continuous performance test (CPT), is a measure of the capacity of an individual to maintain attention for a set amount of time.
For adolescents and young adults the evaluator may 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 is diagnosed with ADHD, medications will likely be part of the treatment program. Stimulant medication is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and offers quick relief of symptoms. However, these drugs must be administered with care. Too much stimulant can cause heart issues or addiction. The medications that are released slowly into the body, like atomoxetine or Guanfacine, are less harmful, but they don't work in the same way as stimulants. These medications may not be available for children with particular medical conditions, such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is an essential component of the treatment plan for adults who have ADHD. Therapists can assist people in learning better organizational skills and discover strategies to improve their work and social interactions. For instance, a therapist might teach the person to use reminders like alarms or daily planners to help them stay on track. Therapists can help adults with ADHD manage their emotions and discover ways to manage stressors.
For adults with ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist can conduct tests that test for depression, anxiety, learning disabilities and other disorders that may appear similar to or coexist with ADHD like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. Psychologists may also conduct physical examinations and examine the patient's medical records, family history and behavior.
Some therapists use computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses the capacity to sustain attention and resist impulse-driven urges by prompting the person with visual targets on the screen. The test assesses the cognitive abilities of a person. It can be used in conjunction with self-report questions to provide the clinician an objective assessment of the patient's response to treatment.
A newer method of genetic testing can be used to determine how a body will process medication. lowest price can assist doctors in selecting the best drug for each individual and help avoid adverse unwanted side effects. However, this type of test is costly and isn't easily accessible. The most reliable method to determine ADHD is by an expert medical professional.