How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a confirmed ADHD diagnosis isn't as simple as taking an online test or rating scale. The process requires an evaluation of both psychiatric and medical.
Doctors review medical and family histories which include old school records and tests from the past. Teachers, parents as well as children are interviewed about the symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often seen within families.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when a person is struggling to keep on track and pay attention to the details, or start and finish tasks that require focus. But, there are many other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD which includes anxiety and depression. It is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis. A thorough assessment will help determine if the symptoms are due to ADHD or other disorders.
A mental health professional with expertise in 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 exhibiting them frequently, how often they occur, and how severe they are. They will ask about the person’s family and medical history as well as their school and work experiences, and even the family.
It is important that a doctor knows about any issues that a patient may be experiencing, such as relationship or financial problems. The doctor might also want to talk with the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've had concerning the performance of the individual in the classroom or at work. The doctor will also interview parents, and may also be required to interview other adults such as teachers or coaches, nannies or coaches.
During the exam the doctor will collect the patient's medical history and perform a physical. The physical exam is used to identify conditions such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder that can mimic symptoms of ADHD. They will also look over the individual's academic and work history and any other relevant documents.
The practitioner will also conduct an examination of the personality or psychological. This could be a checklist of symptoms or an assessment scale that measures how the person is feeling about certain behavior. They may also take tests for cognitive and learning disabilities to determine if a person suffers from a learning disability or other disorders that can mimic ADHD. They will also ask about the person's life for example, whether they are in a stressful circumstance or suffer from any other health issues that could make ADHD symptoms worse. They will also inquire about the ability of the person to follow instructions and work with others.
Diagnosis
The signs of ADHD affect many aspects of life for children and adults. These symptoms include difficulties at school and at work and in extracurricular activities, and strained relationships. They also cause issues in driving and managing money. Finding a health professional 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 you can consult a psychiatrist who is skilled in treating mental illness.
The first thing a specialist will do is interview the person about his or her behavior. In general doctors will ask about symptoms for at least six months. This will ensure that the symptoms have been constant over time. The examiner will employ an assessment scale that is designed to assess the symptoms of ADHD like 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 difficulties and look over the patient's medical background including any family history of ADHD. He or she will also examine the person's driving and academic history and family and relationship problems. The examiner wants to know the person's habits and whether he or she is a drug or alcohol addict.
To diagnose ADHD A specialist must be convinced that the symptoms are not related to any other disorder. In general, the symptoms should be present in more than one situations and persist for at least six months. Moreover, the symptoms must be severe and not be due to any other illness.
The doctor can administer one of the tests for attention, such as the TOVA Continuous Performance Test to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA test is administered using a computer software and involves the observation of visual stimuli like letters or shapes appearing on the screen. The person watches the stimuli and presses a button when or she sees the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores that show the degree of difficulty that the person has in focusing on tasks that require attention.
Treatment
A mental health professional will assess a person who has symptoms of ADHD. This may include a physical examination along with a review of family and medical histories, and a mental assessment. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and how they affect the individual's performance. I Am Psychiatry will also include the standardized ADHD behavior ratings scales and other psychological tests.
The clinician will also interview the patient as well as his significant other, if necessary. This is not a way to test honesty, but rather to get a better understanding of the patient's life experiences and behaviours. It is common for people who suffer from ADHD to have difficulty recalling details about their childhood. It is helpful if you interview adults who have known them for a long period of time. This information can help the clinician rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms.
For children the evaluator may interview the child's teachers and parents. This is especially crucial when a child is having problems at school. In addition, the evaluator will likely ask about the child's relationships with others and how his or her school and home environments are structured. This is important, as the social environment is a major stressor for those with ADHD.
In adult patients, the clinician will use a similar rating scale, but it is more sophisticated and utilized to gather research data about symptoms. In some instances, an examiner may utilize computerized testing to detect ADHD symptoms. The most frequently used test is called the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHD-RS) and was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. Continuous performance test (CPT) is a different type of test on computers that evaluates the attention span of an individual.
For adolescents and young adults the evaluator may also 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 is diagnosed with ADHD, medications will likely be part of the treatment program. The stimulant drugs are absorbed into bloodstreams and offer immediate relief from the symptoms. These medications must, however be taken with care. A high dose of stimulants can lead to heart issues or addiction. Drugs that are released into the body in time, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine, are safer but don't work in the same way as stimulants do. These drugs might not be a viable option for children with some medical issues such as Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease.
Psychotherapy is an important component of the treatment plan for adults who have ADHD. Therapists can help people learn to better organize themselves and develop strategies for improving their work and relationships. For example, a therapist could help a person learn to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners to help them stay on the right track. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD manage their emotions and discover ways to deal with stressors.
For adults suffering from ADHD psychologists or psychiatrist may conduct tests to screen for anxiety, depression, learning disabilities and other disorders that can appear similar to or coexist with ADHD, such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder. Psychologists may conduct a physical exam and review the person's medical history, family history and behaviour.
Some therapists utilize computer tests to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses the capacity to sustain attention and resist impulse-driven urges by presenting the individual with visual targets on the screen. The test measures the cognitive capacity of a person and can be used in conjunction 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 a person's body will process medication. The test can assist doctors in selecting the most appropriate drug for each patient and prevent adverse side effects. This kind of test can be costly and is not readily accessible. A medical professional is the most reliable way to determine ADHD in an individual.