Steps To Complete The Evaluation Process For ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a fairly common diagnosis, but it should not be taken lightly. An accurate ADHD assessment includes several standard diagnostic steps as well as nuanced considerations; other "tools" are unproven and are not worth your time or money.
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
You must be evaluated by a medical professional to be diagnosed with ADHD. A clinical interview, a medical history review, and the completion of normed rating scales by loved ones, educators, and/or colleagues are all part of an accurate and well-rounded ADHD diagnosis.
Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
Only a medical professional should diagnose ADHD. This could be a pediatrician, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a registered nurse with advanced practice (APRN). Professionals who have specialized training, rather than a degree, are required to complete this complex task successfully.
What an ADHD Diagnosis Should Comprise
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation includes several components:
1. DSM-V for ADHD Diagnosis
First, a physician will want to determine whether the patient displays any of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' list of ADHD symptoms (DSM-V). A patient must have demonstrated at least six of the nine signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity before the age of 12. While the DSM-V is still used to diagnose children, many specialists, believe it fails to adequately address issues of emotional management and executive functions. Most professionals conduct in-depth clinical interviews in addition to the DSM-V in their assessments.
2. Clinical Interview for ADHD Diagnosis
A thorough interview with the individual (and, if possible, one or two close friends) by a medical or mental health professional who is familiar with ADHD. The best way to tell if someone has ADHD is if they exhibit symptoms of it or other psychological disorders that cause comparable symptoms. The clinical interview in the Private ADHD test should include the following questions:
3. Normed Rating Scales for ADHD Diagnosis
In addition to the clinical interview, the professional should collect self-report data from the patient and observer data from parents, teachers, partners, or others who have seen how this individual has functioned in recent months and previously in various aspects of daily life using normed ADHD rating scales such as the Barkley, BASC, Brown, Conner's, or BRIEF scales. Psychoeducational testing, such as IQ and achievement tests, may be useful if a learning disorder is suspected. The professionals should inquire about the patient's knowledge of ADHD and provide a brief description of the condition.
4. Physical Exam for ADHD Diagnosis
Internal medical issues such as thyroid conditions or pinworms can cause ADHD-like symptoms. A complete physical exam should be performed by a pediatrician or primary care doctor to ensure that no medical problems have been overlooked. A physical exam can also determine whether or not a person can take ADHD medication safely.
5. Considerations for Learning Disabilities in ADHD Diagnosis
The vast majority of ADHD children have at least one specific learning issue. ADHD and learning disabilities are genetically related and share functions such as working memory. Schools can use various reading, writing, and math assessments to determine where students' strengths and weaknesses lie and which accommodations might be beneficial.
6. Evaluation of Other Comorbid Conditions in an ADHD Diagnosis
The Doctors that treat ADHD in adults should look into the possibility of co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.
7. Knowledge Gauge for ADHD Diagnosis
The doctor should inquire about the patient's knowledge of ADHD and provide a brief description of the condition. After each section, the professional should ask how much each component describes this person in the last six months and before.
When discussing a possible diagnosis, the professional should explain that each of the symptoms of ADHD is something that everyone experiences from time to time. ADHD, unlike pregnancy, is not an all-or-nothing situation. Everyone experiences sadness and discouragement at times, so it is more akin to depression. However, we do not diagnose someone as clinically depressed unless their symptoms result in significant impairments.
It is also crucial for the practitioner to remind the patient that ADHD evaluation is a continuous process. Checking in with the professional to monitor treatment effectiveness is critical, especially when medications are prescribed. A professional should keep an eye out for side effects and assess whether the current medication regimen provides adequate coverage at various times of the day.
If the medication is causing unwanted side effects or is not working properly, patients should be encouraged to contact their doctor. In many cases, significant medication fine-tuning is required to find the most effective dose for a person.
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