How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as simple as taking a test online or using a rating scale. The process requires a medical and psychiatric evaluation.
Doctors examine medical and family histories which include old school records and tests from the past. Parents, teachers, and kids are also interviewed about symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often inherited.
Symptoms
When a person has problems staying focused and paying attention to the details or completing tasks that require a lot of attention, it may be ADHD. Many have other illnesses like depression or anxiety, which can produce the same symptoms. It is essential to make an accurate diagnosis. A thorough assessment will 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 the person questions and talk about their symptoms. They will also talk about the severity of their symptoms, how long it has been since they began, and how often they happen. They will ask about the individual's medical and family background, their work and school experience, and even their family.
It is important that a doctor be aware of any issues a patient might be having, such as relationship or financial issues. They might also have to speak to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've encountered with the person's performance at work or at school. For children doctors, they will interview parents and may have to interview other adults such as coaches, teachers or nannies.
During the exam the doctor will collect the medical history of the patient and conduct physical. The physical exam can be used to check for conditions like seizure disorders or thyroid disorders which may be a symptom of ADHD. They will also look over the individual's academic and work history as well as any other pertinent records.
The doctor will also conduct an examination of the personality or psychological. This could include a checklist of symptoms or a rating scale that reflects how the person feels about certain behavior. They may also use cognitive and learning disabilities tests to determine if the person has a learning disability or other conditions that be similar to ADHD. They will also ask about the lifestyle of the person and lifestyle, for example, if they are in a stressful environment or suffer from any other illness that can make ADHD symptoms worse. They will also inquire about the person about their ability to work with others and to follow instructions.
Diagnosis
The signs of ADHD affect many aspects of life for both children and adults. They can be a source of difficulty at school and work and in other extracurricular activities and tensions in relationships. They also contribute to problems in driving and managing money. The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to find a medical professional who knows about ADHD. You can ask your child's doctor to run a test or you can consult a psychiatrist who is trained in mental illness.
The first thing the specialist will do is question the person about their behavior. In general, the doctor will ask for symptoms that have been present for at least six months. This will make sure that the symptoms have been consistent over time. online adhd testing will utilize an assessment scale to assess the symptoms of ADHD. This could be the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5.
In addition to examining current issues, the doctor will typically review the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health issues. The specialist will also review the individual's academic and driving records, as well as family and relationship problems. The examiner will also want be aware of the person's lifestyle, including whether they have drug or alcohol abuse problems.
To diagnose ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms can't be better explained by a different disorder. The symptoms should 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 condition.
The doctor can administer one of the attention tests, such as the TOVA Continuous Performance Test to confirm the diagnosis. The TOVA test is administered by computer and involves observing visual stimuli such as the shapes or letters that appear on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli, and presses the button when they see the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to determine the level of difficulty the person has in focusing on tasks that require attention.
Treatment
A mental health professional will evaluate a person who has symptoms of ADHD. This will include a thorough physical exam as well as an examination of family and medical history, and a psychiatric assessment. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and their impact on the individual's functioning and functioning, as well as standardized ADHD behavior rating scales as well as other psychological testing.
The doctor will also talk to the patient as well as his significant other, if appropriate. This is not a test for honesty, but rather to find out more about a patient's experiences and behavior. It is typical for those who suffer from ADHD to have difficulty remembering details about their childhood. It can be useful to conduct interviews with people who have been with them for a long period of time. This information will aid the doctor in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
For children the evaluator may interview the child's teachers and parents. This is particularly crucial in the event that the child is experiencing problems at school. Additionally, the examiner will likely ask about the child's social life and how his or her school and home environments are structured. This is vital, as the social setting is an important source of stress for people with ADHD.
In adult patients, the doctor will use a similar scale, however it is more sophisticated and utilized to collect research data on symptoms. In certain instances the examiner will utilize computerized testing to detect ADHD symptoms. The most commonly used test is 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 the attention span of an individual.
For young adults and adolescents The evaluator will examine whether or not the individual meets 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 will probably be a part of the treatment plan. The stimulant medication is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream and can provide quick relief of symptoms. These drugs must, however be taken with care. Too much of a stimulant can cause addiction or heart problems. The drugs that release 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 also not be available to children with certain medical conditions like Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is a different component of a treatment plan designed for adults with ADHD. Therapists can assist people in learning better organizational skills and find ways to improve their work and social relationships. Therapists can teach the patient how to utilize reminders such as alarms or daily planners to keep track of their goals. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD manage their emotions and find ways to manage stressors.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can administer tests to adults suffering from ADHD which test for anxiety and depression, learning disabilities, and other disorders which may look similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like seizures or thyroid disorders. Psychiatrists may also perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical records, family history, and behavior.
Some therapists use a computer test to help screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test measures a person's ability to maintain concentration and withstand impulsive impulses by presenting visual targets on the computer screen. The test evaluates the cognitive capacity of a person and can be used with self-report questions to provide the doctor an objective measurement of the patient's response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is now available that can tell you how the body of a person will metabolize medications. The test will help doctors choose the right medication for each patient and prevent harmful unwanted side negative effects. This type of testing can be costly and is not readily available. A medical professional is the most reliable way to identify ADHD in the individual.