How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as simple as taking a test online or using an assessment scale. The process involves an evaluation of psychological and medical aspects.
Doctors examine medical and family histories which include old school records and past tests. Parents, teachers as well as children are interviewed about the symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often inherited.
Signs and symptoms
When a person has problems staying focused paying attention to specifics or even completing tasks that require a lot of focus it could be ADHD. But, there are many other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD which includes depression and anxiety. It is essential to establish a clear diagnosis. A thorough examination will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or other disorders.
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 speak to the person about their symptoms, how long they've been exhibiting them, how often, and how severe they are. They will inquire about the individual's family and medical background along with their educational and work experiences, and even the family.
It is crucial that a doctor knows about any problems a patient may be facing, like relationship or financial problems. They may also need to talk to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've encountered with the person's performance at work or in school. For children the doctor will talk to the parents and may need to interview other adults like teachers, coaches or parents.
During the exam the doctor will review the person's medical history and conduct a physical. The physical exam can be used to determine if a person has a medical condition such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders that may resemble symptoms of ADHD. They will also examine any relevant records, like the person's job and educational background.
The practitioner will also conduct a psychological or behavioral test. This could involve a list of symptoms or an assessment scale that measures how the person feels about certain actions. They can also conduct cognitive and learning disabilities tests to determine if the person suffers from a learning impairment or other conditions that be similar to ADHD. They will also inquire about the person's lifestyle, such as whether they are in a stressful environment or suffer from any other illness that can cause ADHD symptoms worse. They will also ask about the person's ability follow directions and interact with others.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect adults and children in a variety of areas of their lives. Learn Alot more can cause problems at work and school and in other extracurricular activities and strained relationships. They also cause issues with driving and managing finances. Finding adult testing adhd who is familiar with ADHD is the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your child's physician to perform a screening or consult a psychiatrist who is skilled in treating mental illness.
The first thing the specialist will do is question the person about the behavior of the person. Generally the doctor will inquire about the symptoms for a minimum of six months. This will make sure that the symptoms are constant over time. The examiner will use 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 look over the patient's medical history, including any family history of ADHD. They will also review the person's academic and driving history as well as family and relationship issues. The examiner will also want to be aware of the person's lifestyle, including whether they suffer from any issues with alcohol or drugs.
To determine if you have ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by another disorder. In general, the symptoms must be present in multiple situations and persist for at minimum six months. Additionally, the symptoms must be debilitating and not related to any other condition.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may conduct one or more tests of attention, like the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA test is administered using a computer and involves watching visual stimuli, such as letters or shapes that appear on the screen. The user watches the stimulus and presses a button whenever he or she recognizes the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to determine how much difficulty the person has in focusing on tasks that require attention.
Treatment
A mental health professional will evaluate the symptoms of ADHD. This will involve an extensive physical exam and a review of family and medical history and a psychiatric evaluation. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and their impact on a person's functioning in addition to standardized ADHD behavior rating scales, and other psychological tests.
The clinician will also interview the patient as well as his significant other, if applicable. This is not a way to test honesty, but rather to gain insight into the patient's experiences and behavior. Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble recalling details from their childhood and it can be helpful to interview other adults who have known the person for a long period of time. This information will help the clinician rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator will often interview the child's parents and teachers. This is especially important when the child is experiencing issues at school. Additionally, the examiner will likely ask about the child's life in the social world and how their home and school environments are structured. This is crucial because the social environment is the primary source of stress and difficulties for those with ADHD.
The clinician will utilize the same rating scale for adult patients. However, it is more sophisticated. It is used to collect research data about symptoms. In some cases the examiner will use computerized testing in order to determine ADHD symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ADHD-RS is the most widely used test. It was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. The continuous performance test (CPT) is another type of test on computers that evaluates the level of attention span of a person.
For young adults and adolescents The evaluator will look at whether or not 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. The stimulant medicine is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, and can provide rapid relief from symptoms. These drugs must, however be used with caution. A high dose of stimulants can lead to heart issues or addiction. The medications that release slowly into the body like atomoxetine or guanfacine are safer however they don't perform in the same way as stimulants. These drugs may not be available for children with certain medical conditions like Tourette Syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is an additional component of a treatment plan for adults suffering from ADHD. Therapists can help people learn to organize themselves better and develop strategies for improving their work and relationships. For instance, a therapist might help a person learn to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners to keep them on track. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD manage their emotions and find ways to deal with stressors.
For adults suffering from ADHD psychologists or psychiatrist may administer tests that screen for depression, anxiety learning disabilities, depression and other disorders that can look like or coexist with ADHD such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder. Psychologists may also conduct a physical examination and review the person's family history, medical records and their behavior.
Some therapists employ computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test measures the ability of a person to keep concentration and withstand impulsive impulses by presenting visual targets on a computer screen. The test is designed to assess the person's cognitive function and can be used in conjunction with self-report questionnaires to give the clinician an objective measurement of a patient's response to therapy.
A newer genetic test is now available that can tell you how the body of a person will metabolize medications. The test can help doctors select the most appropriate drug for each patient and prevent adverse side effects. This kind of test can be expensive and is not widely accessible. The most reliable method to identify ADHD is by an expert medical professional.