How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
The process of confirming an ADHD diagnosis isn't as easy as taking an online test or rating scale. The process involves an evaluation of both psychiatric and medical.
adhd testing review medical and family histories including school records from the past as well as past tests. Parents, teachers, and kids are also interviewed about symptoms. ADHD symptoms are typically seen in families.
Signs and symptoms
If someone has trouble staying focused, paying attention to details or completing tasks that require a lot of focus, it may be ADHD. Many have other illnesses like depression or anxiety, that can produce similar symptoms. It is essential to make an accurate diagnosis. A thorough examination will help determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another disorder.
A mental health professional with expertise in adult ADHD or a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist who is skilled in ADHD can conduct an assessment. They will ask questions and talk to the person about their symptoms and how long they've been experiencing them regularly, how often, and how serious they are. They will inquire about the person's medical history and family background as well as their school and work experience, and even their family.
It is crucial that a doctor be aware of any issues a patient might be having, such as relationship or financial problems. They may also need to talk to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've had with the performance of the individual at work or in school. For children, the doctor will interview parents and may also need to interview other adults such as coaches, teachers or parents.
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 may cause symptoms similar to ADHD or other disorders, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also look over the person's educational and work history as well as any other pertinent documents.
The provider will also perform a psychological or behavioral test. This could be a checklist of symptoms or a rating system that measures how an individual feels about certain behaviors. They may also use tests for cognitive or learning disabilities to determine if a person has a disorder that mimics ADHD, such as an issue with learning. They will also inquire about the person's life for example, whether they are in a stressful environment or suffer from any other health issues which could cause ADHD symptoms worse. They will also ask the person about their ability to work with others and follow the instructions.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect both adults and children in a variety of areas of their lives. These symptoms include difficulty at school and at work, poor performance during activities outside of school, and tension in relationships. They can also cause problems in driving and managing money. The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is finding an expert in health care who knows about ADHD. You can ask your child's physician to perform a screening or you can consult a psychiatrist who is certified in the field of mental illness.
The first thing that a doctor will do is question the person about their behavior. In general the doctor will look for symptoms that have been present for at least six month. This will ensure that the symptoms are consistent over time. The examiner will use a rating scale designed to assess symptoms of ADHD like the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale), or the DSM-5 (the official manual for diagnosing mental disorders).
The doctor will also inquire about any current difficulties and look over the patient's medical background including any family history of ADHD. He or she will also review the person's driving and academic history and family and relationship problems. The examiner is interested in knowing the person's lifestyle and if they are a drug or alcohol addict.
To make a diagnosis of ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms can't be better explained by a different disorder. In general, the symptoms should be present in more than one environments and be present for at minimum six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be debilitating and not related to any other disease.
The doctor may conduct one of the attention tests, such as the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA is conducted by a computer and involves observing a series of visual stimuli, like shapes or letters, that appear on the screen. The user watches the images and presses the button when they spot the correct letter. The TOVA program then calculates scores that indicate the level of difficulty an individual has with tasks that require attention.
Treatment
A person with symptoms of ADHD is typically evaluated for the disorder by a mental health professional. This may consist of a physical examination, a review medical and family histories and a mental examination. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and their impact on the individual's functioning, 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 a test for honesty, but to learn more about the patient's life and behaviors. Many people with ADHD struggle with recalling their childhood experiences and it is helpful to talk to others who have known the patient for a lengthy period of time. This information can help the clinician rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator often interviews the child's parents and teachers. This is particularly important if a child is experiencing issues at school. Additionally, the examiner will likely ask about the child's life in the social world and how his or her school and home life are structured. This is important since the social environment is the main source of stress and difficulties for those with ADHD.
In adult patients, the doctor will employ a similar rating scale, however it is more sophisticated and utilized to gather research data about symptoms. In certain instances, the examiner may also employ computerized testing to test for signs of ADHD. The most frequently used test is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was created 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 concentration for a specified amount of time.
The evaluator determines if the individual 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 are likely to be part of the treatment program. Stimulant medication is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and can provide quick relief of symptoms. However, these medications should, be administered with caution. Too much of a stimulant can lead to heart issues or addiction. The drugs that release slowly into the body such as atomoxetine and guanfacine are safer however they don't perform in the same way as stimulants. These drugs may not be available to children with particular medical conditions, such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is another part of a treatment program for adults with ADHD. Therapists can teach people how to better organize themselves and devise strategies for improving their work and relationships. Therapists can teach the patient how to utilize reminders such as alarms or daily planners in order to stay on track. Therapists can also assist adults with ADHD learn to manage their emotions more effectively and find ways to deal with stressful situations in their lives.
A psychiatrist or psychologist may conduct tests for adults suffering from ADHD that screen for depression and anxiety as well as learning disabilities and other disorders which may look like ADHD or coexist with it, such as seizures or thyroid disorders. Psychiatrists may also perform physical examinations and review the patient's medical records, family history, and behavior.
Some therapists employ computer tests to test adults for ADHD symptoms. The test evaluates the ability to maintain attention and resist impulsive impulses by prompting the person by displaying visual targets on the screen. The test evaluates a person's cognitive function and can be used with self-report questions to provide the clinician an objective assessment of a patient’s response to treatment.
A newer genetic testing method can be used to determine how the body will process medication. The test will help doctors choose the right medication for each patient and prevent adverse negative side effects. This type of testing can be costly and is not widely accessible. The most reliable method to identify ADHD is to consult an expert medical professional.