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 look over family and medical histories including school records from the past and tests from the past. They also speak with parents, teachers, and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms often run within families.
Symptoms
When a person has problems staying focused paying attention to specifics or completing tasks that require a lot focus, it may be ADHD. However, many people have other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD which includes depression and anxiety. That's why an accurate diagnosis is so crucial. A thorough assessment can determine if symptoms are caused by ADHD or another disorder.
A mental health professional who has expertise in adult ADHD or psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist that is experienced in ADHD can conduct an assessment. They will ask the person questions and discuss their symptoms. They will also talk about how severe they are and how long it's been since they began, and how often they occur. They will inquire about the person's medical and family background as well as their school and work experience, as well as their family.
It is crucial for a doctor to be aware about any problems in a person's life, such as financial difficulties or trouble in relationships. They may also need to talk to the person's teacher or employer about any problems they have had with the performance of the individual at work or at school. The doctor will also interview parents, and may need to interview other adults like teachers, coaches, nannies, or coaches.
During the exam, the provider will take the person's medical history and do a physical. The physical exam can be used to determine if a person has a medical condition such as 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 relevant records.
adhd testing online 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 cognitive or learning disabilities tests to determine if someone has a disorder that mimics ADHD like an issue with learning. They will also ask about the person's life for example, whether they are in a stressful environment or suffer from any other health issues that could make ADHD symptoms worse. They will also ask the person about their capacity to collaborate with others and follow instructions.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can affect adults and children in a variety of areas of their lives. The symptoms include trouble at work and in school and in activities outside of school, and tension in relationships. These problems can also affect the driving experience and financial situation. Finding a medical professional who is well-versed in ADHD is the first step towards receiving a precise diagnosis. Your child's doctor can perform an assessment or you might want to seek out a psychiatrist who specializes in mental disorders.
The first thing that a doctor will do is question the person about his or her behavior. Typically the doctor will inquire about the symptoms for at least six months. This will make sure that the symptoms are constant over time. The examiner will utilize an assessment scale that is designed to evaluate symptoms of ADHD, such as the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5 (the official guideline for diagnosing mental disorders).
The specialist will also ask about any current problems and look over the patient's medical history including any family history of ADHD. He or she may also examine the person's driving and academic history along with relationships and family issues. The examiner is interested in knowing the person's habits and whether he or she is a drug or alcohol user.
To determine if you have ADHD, the specialist must be convinced that the symptoms can't be better explained by another disorder. In general, the symptoms should be present in two or more situations and persist for at least six months. Furthermore, the symptoms should be severe and not be due to any other illness.
To confirm a diagnosis the doctor can administer one or more tests of attention, such as the TOVA continuous performance test. The TOVA test is administered by computer software and involves the observation of visual stimuli such as the shapes or letters that appear on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli and then presses the button when they see the correct letter. The TOVA program then calculates scores that show the degree of difficulty that a person has with attention-related tasks.
Treatment
Someone who has symptoms of ADHD is typically assessed for the disorder by a mental health professional. This could include a physical exam along with a review of medical and family history, and a mental evaluation. The evaluation will contain questions regarding symptoms and how they impact the individual's functioning. It will also include standardized ADHD behavior ratings scales and other psychological tests.
The doctor will also talk to the patient as well as his significant other, if appropriate. This is not a test of honesty, but to find out more about the patient's experiences and behavior. Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble recalling the details of their childhood and it may be beneficial to interview others who have known the person for a long period of time. This can help the doctor determine if there are other conditions which may trigger similar symptoms.
For children, the evaluator will often interview the child's teachers and parents. This is particularly crucial when the child is experiencing problems at school. The evaluator may also ask about the child’s social life and how their school and home environments are structured. This is crucial, since the social setting is an important source of stress for people with ADHD.
The physician will utilize the same rating scale with adult patients. However, it is more sophisticated. It is used to gather research data on symptoms. In some instances, the examiner may also utilize computerized testing to check for symptoms of ADHD. The most commonly used test is called the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of test on computers is the continuous performance test (CPT), is a test that measures the capacity of an individual to maintain focus for a certain amount of time.
For young adults and adolescents The evaluator will determine if the person meets the diagnostic criteria of 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 are likely to be included in the treatment program. Stimulant medications are absorbed into bloodstreams and offer immediate relief from symptoms. However, these medicines must be administered with care. A high dose of stimulants can lead to addiction or heart problems. The medications that enter the body over time, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine, are safer but don't work as quickly as stimulants do. These medications may also not be available to children with certain medical conditions like Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is an essential part of the treatment program for adults suffering from ADHD. Therapists can help patients develop more efficient organizational skills and come up with strategies to improve their work performance and social relationships. Therapists can teach the patient how to utilize reminders such as 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 manage the stressors in their lives.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can administer tests to adults suffering from ADHD which test for depression and anxiety as well as learning disabilities. other disorders which may look like ADHD or coexist with it, such as thyroid disorder or seizures. Psychologists can conduct a physical exam and look over the person's medical history, family history and behavior.
Some therapists utilize computer tests to test adults for ADHD symptoms. The test evaluates a person's ability to maintain focus and resist impulses by presenting targets on the screen of a computer. The test assesses the cognitive abilities of a person. It can be used in conjunction with self-report questions to provide the doctor an objective measurement of a patient’s response to treatment.
A newer genetic test is now available that can tell you how a person's body will be able to process drugs. The test can be used to help doctors choose the best medication and avoid adverse consequences for each patient. This type of testing can be costly and is not widely available. A medical professional is still the most reliable method to identify ADHD in a person.