How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
It's not as simple as taking an online test or using an evaluation scale. The process involves an evaluation of psychological and medical aspects.
Doctors examine family and medical history, including past tests and old school records. Teachers, parents and children are interviewed about symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often seen through families.
Symptoms
If a person is having trouble staying on task and paying attention to the details or even completing tasks that require a lot of focus this could be ADHD. Many people suffer from other disorders, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms. That's why an accurate diagnosis is crucial. A thorough assessment will determine if the symptoms are related to ADHD or another disorder.
A mental health professional with had experience dealing with adult ADHD or psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist who is skilled in ADHD can perform an evaluation. 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 severe they are. They will inquire about the person’s medical history and family history as well as their school and work experience, as well as their family.
It is important that a doctor is aware of any problems a patient may be experiencing, such as financial troubles or relationship issues. The doctor might also want to talk to the person's employer or teacher about any issues they've encountered regarding the performance of the person at the classroom or at work. For children the doctor will talk to parents and may also need to interview other adults such as teachers, coaches, or parents.
During the exam the provider will ask about the patient's medical history, and then perform physical. The physical exam is used to determine if a person has a medical condition such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder that can mimic symptoms of ADHD. They will also examine any relevant documents, like the person's work and educational history.
The provider will also perform a psychological or behavioral test. This could be a checklist of symptoms or an assessment scale that measures how the person is feeling about certain behavior. They may also use cognitive or learning disabilities tests to determine if someone suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD or an issue with learning. They'll also ask the person about their life in relation to stress, such as whether they are in stressful situations or if they have any other conditions that could increase ADHD symptoms. They will also inquire about the person's ability to follow instructions and work with others.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD interfere with many areas of life for children as well as adults. The symptoms include trouble at work and in school as well as poor performance 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 finding an expert in health care who knows about ADHD. Your child's doctor can perform the test or you could decide to find a psychiatrist who specializes in mental disorders.
The first thing a specialist will do is to interview the person about the behavior of the person. Generally doctors will ask about the symptoms for at least six months. This will ensure that the symptoms are constant over time. The examiner will use a rating scale designed to evaluate symptoms of ADHD, such as the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5 (the official guideline for diagnosing psychiatric disorders).
In addition to asking about problems that are currently affecting the patient, the doctor will usually review the patient's medical history and any family history of ADHD or other mental health issues. The specialist may also examine the person's academic and driving history along with relationships and family issues. The examiner will also need to be aware of the person's lifestyle including whether they suffer from any drug or alcohol abuse problems.
To determine if you have ADHD, the doctor must be convinced that the symptoms are not better explained by a different disorder. The symptoms should be present at least two times and for a minimum of six months. Additionally, online adhd testing must be debilitating and not related to any other disease.
The doctor can administer one of the tests for attention like the TOVA Continuous Performance Test to confirm the diagnosis. The TOVA test is conducted by computer software and involves the observation of visual stimuli, such as letters or shapes appearing on the screen. The person watches the stimuli and 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 will usually be evaluated for the disorder by a mental health professional. This will involve a thorough physical exam as well as an examination of medical and family history, and a psychiatric assessment. The test will consist of questions about symptoms and their impact on a person's functioning and functioning, as well as standard ADHD behavior rating scales and other psychological tests.
The clinician will also speak with the patient and his significant other, if applicable. The purpose of this is not to test honesty, but rather to learn more about the patient's experiences and behaviors. It is normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty recalling details about their childhood. It can be useful to conduct interviews with adults who have been with them for a long period of time. This will help the physician rule other conditions out that could cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator will often interview the child's parents and teachers. This is especially important if the child is having problems at school. The examiner may also inquire about the child’s social life, and how the home and school environment is organized. This is crucial because the social environment is the primary source of stress and problems for people with ADHD.
The physician will employ the same rating scale for adult patients. However, it is more sophisticated. It is used to gather research data about symptoms. In some instances, the examiner may also use computerized testing to screen for signs of ADHD. The most widely used test is called the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of computer test, the continuous performance test (CPT) is a test that measures an individual's ability to sustain attention for a set amount of time.
The evaluator determines if the individual meets the ADHD diagnostic criteria found 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 medication will most likely be included in the treatment program. The stimulant medication is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, and can provide rapid relief from symptoms. These medications must, however be taken with care. Too much of a stimulant can lead to heart issues or addiction. The drugs that release slowly into the body, like atomoxetine or Guanfacine are more secure, but they don't work quite as quickly as stimulants. These drugs may not be available for children with certain medical conditions such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital cardiac disease.
Psychotherapy is another part of a treatment plan designed for adults with ADHD. Therapists can help patients develop better organizational skills and find ways to improve their work and social relationships. A therapist could teach the person how to utilize reminders such as alarms or daily planners to stay on track. Therapists can also help people with ADHD learn to manage their emotions better 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 anxiety and depression as well as learning disabilities and other disorders that may appear similar to ADHD or coexist alongside it, such as seizures or thyroid disorders. Psychologists may also conduct a physical examination and look over the person's family history, medical records and their behavior.
Some therapists use computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test evaluates the ability to sustain attention and resist impulse-driven urges by presenting the person by displaying visual targets on a screen. The test is designed to gauge the person's cognitive function and can be used in conjunction with self-report questionnaires to provide the doctor with an objective measure of the 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 individual and help avoid adverse side negative effects. However, this type of test is costly and not easily accessible. A medical professional is still the most reliable way to diagnose ADHD in an individual.