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How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis The process of confirming an ADHD diagnosis isn't as simple as taking a test online or rating scale. The process involves an evaluation of both psychiatric and medical. Doctors examine medical and family histories which include old school records as well as past tests. Parents, teachers and children are interviewed about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often inherited. Symptoms ADHD is a condition that can be identified when a person has difficulty to keep on track and pay attention to the details, or start and finish tasks that require concentration. Many people suffer from other disorders, such as depression or anxiety, that can cause the same symptoms. That's why a clear diagnosis is so important. A thorough examination will help determine if the symptoms are caused by ADHD or another disorder. A psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist that 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 discuss their symptoms. They will also discuss how severe they are, how long it has been since they began, and how often they occur. They will also ask about the family and medical history, and also about their work and school activities. It is crucial for a doctor to know about any issues in the life of a person like financial issues or problems with relationships. They might also have to talk to the person's employer or teacher about any problems they have encountered with the person's performance at work or at school. The doctor will talk to parents, and may also have to interview other adults like teachers and coaches, nannies or coaches. During the examination the doctor will collect the person's medical history and perform a physical. The physical exam can be used to identify conditions like seizures or thyroid disorders that can mimic symptoms of ADHD. They will also look over any relevant records, like the person's work and education background. The provider will also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. It could be a list of symptoms, or a rating system that determines the way a person feels about certain behaviors. They may also use cognitive or learning disabilities tests to determine if a person suffers from a disorder similar to ADHD like a learning problem. They will also inquire about the person's life and lifestyle, for example, if they are in a stressful circumstance or suffer from any other health issues that can cause ADHD symptoms worse. 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. They can cause problems in school and at work as well as poor performance in extracurricular activities, and troubled relationships. These issues can also affect driving and finances. The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to find a medical professional who knows about ADHD. Your child's doctor may perform an assessment, or you may want to look for a psychiatrist who specializes in mental illness. The first thing a specialist will do is interview the person about their behavior. Generally, the doctor will ask about the symptoms for at least six months. visit this hyperlink ensures that the symptoms are consistent and they've remained constant for a long time. The examiner will employ an assessment scale to determine the symptoms of ADHD. This could be the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the DSM-5. In addition to asking about current issues, the doctor will usually review the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health problems. The specialist will also review the person's driving and academic records as well as family and relationship issues. The examiner is interested in knowing the person's lifestyle and if they are drug or alcohol user. To diagnose ADHD A specialist must be convinced the symptoms are not related to any other disorder. In general, the symptoms must be present in more than one settings and have been ongoing for at least six months. The symptoms must also be debilitating and not triggered by any other illness. The doctor may conduct one of more attention tests, such as the TOVA Continuous Performance Test to confirm a diagnosis. The TOVA test is administered by computer and involves observing visual stimuli like 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 to determine the degree of difficulty that an individual has with tasks that require attention. Treatment A person with symptoms of ADHD will usually be assessed for the disorder by an expert in mental health. This will consist of a physical examination as well as a review of medical and family history, and a mental evaluation. The examination will include questions regarding symptoms and how they affect the individual's functioning. It will also include the standardized 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 a way to test honesty, but to learn more about the patient's experiences and behaviors. Many people suffering from ADHD have a difficult time recalling details from their childhood and it can be helpful to speak with other adults who have known the patient for a long period of time. This information can help the doctor rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms. For children the evaluator may interview the children's teachers and parents. This is particularly crucial in the event that the child is experiencing difficulties at school. The examiner may also inquire about the child’s social life, and how the school and home environment are organized. This is vital, as the social environment can be 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 cases, an examiner may use computerized testing in order to determine ADHD symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ADHD-RS, is the most commonly used test. It was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. The continuous performance test (CPT) is a different kind of computer test that measures the attention span of an individual. For adolescents and young adults, the evaluator will also look at whether or not the person 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 medication will most likely be part of the treatment program. Stimulant medication is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and offers rapid relief from symptoms. However, these drugs must be administered with care. Too much stimulant can cause addiction or heart problems. The medications that enter the body in time, such as the atomoxetine and guanfacine are safer but don't work in the same way as stimulants do. These drugs may not be available to children suffering from certain medical conditions such as Tourette Syndrome or congenital heart disease. Psychotherapy is another part of a treatment program for adults suffering from ADHD. Therapists can teach people how to better organize themselves and devise strategies to improve their work and relationships. For instance, a therapist might instruct the client to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners to help them stay on the right track. Therapists can also assist adults suffering from ADHD learn to manage their emotions better and find ways to manage stressors in their lives. For adults who suffer from ADHD, a psychologist or psychiatrist can conduct tests that screen for depression, anxiety, learning disabilities and other disorders that could look like or coexist with ADHD like seizure disorder or thyroid disorder. Psychiatrists may also perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical records, family history and behavior. Some therapists use computer tests to test adults for ADHD symptoms. The test assesses the capacity to keep attention on track and resist impulsive urges by presenting the person by displaying visual targets on the screen. The test measures the cognitive abilities of a person. It can be used with self-report questions to provide a clinician an objective measure 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 will help doctors choose the best drug for each patient and prevent adverse negative side negative effects. This type of testing can be costly and is not readily accessible. The most reliable method to identify ADHD is through an experienced medical professional.