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How to Get a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis Getting a confirmed ADHD diagnosis isn't as easy as taking an online test or rating scale. The process involves an evaluation of both psychological and medical. Doctors look over family and medical histories, including old school records and past tests. They also speak with parents as well as teachers and children about their symptoms. ADHD symptoms often run in families. Symptoms ADHD is a condition that can be identified when a person struggles to keep on track, pay attention to details or to start and finish tasks that require attention. Many have other illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, which can cause the same symptoms. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis. A thorough examination will help determine whether the 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 questions and talk to the person about their symptoms and how long they've been experiencing them frequently, how often, and how severe they are. They will also ask about the person's family history and medical history in addition to their work and school life. It is essential for a doctor about any issues in the life of a person, such as financial difficulties or problems with relationships. The doctor might also want to talk to the person's teacher or employer about any issues they've encountered with the person's performance in the classroom or at work. For children, the doctor will interview the parents and may need to interview other adults such as coaches, teachers, or nannies. During the exam the doctor will review the medical history of the patient and conduct a physical. The physical exam is used to identify conditions such as seizures or thyroid disorders that may resemble symptoms of ADHD. They will also review any relevant documents, like the person's employment and educational history. The provider may also conduct a behavioral or psychological test. This could include a checklist of symptoms or a rating scale that measures how the individual feels about specific actions. They may also take tests for cognitive and learning disabilities to see if the person suffers from a learning disability or any other disorder that could be similar to ADHD. They will also ask the person about their lifestyle in relation to stress, such as whether they are in stressful situations or have any other illnesses which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. 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 as well as adults. The symptoms include trouble at school and at work as well as poor performance in extracurricular activities, and troubled relationships. These issues can also affect the driving experience and financial situation. The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is to find a medical professional who knows about ADHD. You can ask your child's doctor to perform a screening or consult a psychiatrist who is skilled in treating mental illness. The first thing that a doctor will do is interview the patient about his or her behavior. In general the doctor will inquire for symptoms that have been present for at minimum six month. This will make sure that the symptoms are constant over time. The examiner will utilize a rating scale designed to assess symptoms of ADHD, such as the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale), or the DSM-5 (the official guideline for diagnosing mental disorders). In addition to examining current issues, the doctor will typically look over the patient's medical history as well as any family history of ADHD or other mental health issues. He or she will also review the person's academic and driving history, as well as family and relationship problems. The examiner wants to know the person's lifestyle and if he or she is a drug or alcohol user. To determine ADHD A specialist must be convinced that the symptoms cannot be explained by any other disorder. The symptoms must be present at least twice, and for a minimum of six months. Furthermore, the symptoms should be severe and not be due to any other disease. The specialist may administer one of the attention tests, such as the TOVA Continuous Performance Test, to confirm the diagnosis. The TOVA is conducted using a computer. It involves observing a sequence of visual stimuli, like shapes or letters, that appear on the screen. The user is able to watch the stimuli and then presses the button when they spot the correct letter. The TOVA program calculates scores to show how difficult it is for a person to perform attention-related tasks. Treatment Someone who has symptoms of ADHD is usually examined for the disorder by a mental health professional. This will involve an extensive physical examination and an examination of medical and family history, and a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation will include questions about symptoms and how they affect the person's performance. It will also include standardized ADHD scales for behavior as well as other psychological tests. The clinician will also speak with the patient and his significant other, if applicable. The purpose of this is not to examine honesty, but to gain insight into the patient's experiences and behavior. Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble recalling the details of their childhood and it is helpful to speak with others who have known the patient for a long time. This can help the doctor identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For children, the evaluator will often interview the child's teachers and parents. This is particularly important if the child is having problems at school. The evaluator can also inquire about the child's life in the social world and how their school and home environments are structured. This is important since the social environment is the main source of stress and problems for individuals with ADHD. In adult patients, the physician will use a similar scale but it is more sophisticated and used 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 widely used test. It was created by the National Institute of Mental Health. Another type of test on computers, the continuous performance test (CPT) is a test that measures the ability of an individual to hold attention for a set amount of time. The evaluator will determine whether the individual is in compliance with the ADHD diagnostic criteria as defined 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 medications are likely to be included in the treatment plan. Stimulant medications are absorbed into the bloodstream and provide quick relief from symptoms. However, these medications must be given carefully. A high dose of stimulants can lead to addiction or heart problems. The drugs that release slowly into the body like atomoxetine and Guanfacine, are less harmful, but they don't work quite as quickly as stimulants. These medications also may not be an option for children who have certain medical conditions like Tourette syndrome or congenital heart disease. Psychotherapy is another part of a treatment plan for adults suffering from ADHD. Therapists can teach people how to organize themselves better and devise strategies to improve their relationships and work. A therapist can show the client how to use reminders such as alarms or daily planners in order to stay on track. A therapist can also help adults with ADHD learn to manage their emotions better and discover ways to deal with stressors in their lives. For adults with ADHD psychologists or psychiatrist can conduct tests to screen for depression, anxiety learning disabilities, depression and other disorders that can look like or coexist with ADHD, such as a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. Psychiatrists may also perform an examination of the body and examine the patient's medical records, family history, and behavior. iampsychiatry employ computers to screen adults for ADHD symptoms. The test measures the ability to maintain attention and resist impulse-driven urges by prompting the person with visual targets on the screen. The test evaluates the cognitive capacity of a person and can be used in conjunction with self-report questions to provide a clinician an objective measure of a patient's response to treatment. A newer method of genetic testing can be used to determine how a person's body will process medication. The test can help doctors select the right medication for each patient and prevent dangerous side adverse effects. However, this type of testing is expensive and not easily accessible. A medical professional is still the most reliable way to determine ADHD in the individual.