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How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis It's not as easy as taking a test online or using an evaluation scale. The process includes an evaluation of psychological and medical aspects. Doctors review medical and family histories including school records from the past and past tests. Parents, teachers as well as children are interviewed about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often passed down from parents. Signs and symptoms If a person is having trouble staying on task and paying attention to the details or starting and finishing tasks that require a lot of attention it could be ADHD. But, there are many other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as anxiety and depression. It is important to establish a clear diagnosis. A thorough examination can determine if symptoms are due to ADHD or another disorder. A psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist who has experience with ADHD in adults or has experience in adult ADHD can conduct an evaluation. They will ask the patient questions and discuss their symptoms. They will also discuss how severe they are, how long it has been since they first started and how often they happen. They will also ask about the person's family and medical history, in addition to their work and school life. It is important that a doctor knows about any issues that a patient may be facing, like relationship or financial issues. They might also have to speak with the person's employer or teacher about any problems they have encountered with the person's performance at work or in school. The doctor will interview parents, and may also have to interview other adults like teachers and coaches, nannies or coaches. During the examination the doctor will collect the patient's medical history and do an examination. The physical exam can be used to determine if a person has a medical condition such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder which may be a symptom of ADHD. They will also look over the person's educational and work history and any other relevant records. The doctor will also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. It could be a list of symptoms, or an assessment system that measures how an individual feels about certain behaviors. They may also use cognitive and learning disabilities tests to see if the person suffers from a learning disability or any other disorder that could be similar to ADHD. They will also ask about the person's life for example, whether they are in a stressful environment or have any other illnesses that can cause ADHD symptoms worse. They will also inquire about the person about their capacity to collaborate with others and follow instructions. Diagnosis ADHD symptoms can affect both adults and children across a range of aspects of their lives. They can cause problems at school and work, poor performance in extracurricular activities and tensions in relationships. These problems can also affect driving and financial. Finding a healthcare professional who is familiar with ADHD is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. Your child's doctor may perform the test, or you may want to look for an expert psychiatrist who is specialized in mental illnesses. The first thing the specialist will do is question the person about their behavior. Typically the doctor will inquire about the symptoms for at least six months. This will ensure that the symptoms are consistent and they've remained constant over time. The examiner will employ an assessment scale to assess the symptoms of ADHD. It could be the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5. The doctor will also inquire about any current issues and examine the patient's medical history including any family history of ADHD. The specialist will also review the person's driving and academic records, as well family and relationship issues. The examiner will also need to be aware of the person's lifestyle including whether they have issues with alcohol or drugs. To diagnose ADHD, a specialist must be convinced the symptoms are not caused by any other disorder. The symptoms should be present at least twice, and for at least six months. adhd testing must also be debilitating and not triggered by any other disease. The specialist may administer one of more attention tests like the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA test is performed on a computer and involves observing a series of visual stimuli, like letters or shapes, appearing on the screen. The person watches the stimuli and presses a button whenever he or she sees the correct letter. The TOVA program then calculates scores that show the level of difficulty an individual has with tasks that require attention. Treatment Anyone who exhibits symptoms of ADHD will usually be examined for the disorder by an expert in mental health. This will involve an extensive physical exam and a review of family and medical background, and a psychiatric examination. The examination will include questions about symptoms and how they impact the person's performance. It will also include standard ADHD scales for behavior as well as other psychological tests. The doctor will also talk to the patient as well as his significant other, if appropriate. This is not to assess honesty, but to get a better understanding of the patient's experiences and behavior. It is typical for those with ADHD to have difficulty recalling details from their childhood. It may be useful to conduct interviews with adults who have been with them for a long period of time. This information can help the clinician rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For children who are evaluators, they will typically interview the parents and teachers of the child. This is especially crucial in the event that a child is experiencing problems at school. Additionally, the examiner will likely inquire about the child's social life and how their school and home environments are organized. This is important because the social environment is the main source of stress and challenges for people with ADHD. In adult patients, the doctor will use a similar scale, however it is more sophisticated and used to gather data from research studies on symptoms. In some instances, the examiner may also utilize computerized testing to check for symptoms of ADHD. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ADHD-RS is the most frequently used test. It was developed by the National Institute of Mental Health. The continuous performance test (CPT) is another type of test using computers that assesses the level of attention span of a person. The evaluator will decide if the individual meets the ADHD diagnostic criteria 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 part of the treatment program. The stimulant medicine is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, and offers quick relief of symptoms. However, these medications should, be administered with caution. A high dose of stimulants can lead to addiction or heart problems. The medications that release slowly into the body such as atomoxetine and guanfacine are safer, but they don't work as fast as stimulants. These medications may not be available to children with certain medical conditions like Tourette Syndrome or congenital heart disease. Psychotherapy is an additional component of a treatment plan designed for adults with ADHD. Therapists can teach people how to improve their organization and devise strategies to improve their relationships and work. For instance, a therapist might help a person learn to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners to help them stay on the right track. A therapist can help people with ADHD manage their emotions and figure out ways to deal with stressors. A psychiatrist or psychologist may administer tests to adults suffering from ADHD which test for depression and anxiety as well as learning disabilities and other disorders which may look like ADHD or coexist alongside it, such as thyroid disorder or seizures. Psychiatrists can also conduct an examination of the body and examine the patient's medical records, family history and behavior. Some therapists utilize computer tests to people test for ADHD symptoms. The test measures the ability of a person's brain to maintain attention and resist impulsive impulses by presenting visual targets on the computer screen. The test measures a person's cognitive function and can be used with self-report questions to give the doctor an objective measurement of the patient's response to treatment. A newer genetic testing method can be used to determine how the body will process medications. The test can help doctors select the right medication for each person and avoid adverse unwanted side effects. However, this type of test is costly and not readily available. A medical professional is the most reliable way to diagnose ADHD in an individual.