Diagnosis ADHD: 11 Things You're Not Doing How to Diagnose ADHD

Clinicians use clinical interviews as well as behavior ratings scales symptom checklists filled out by the patient as well as other people in their lives along with medical histories and psychiatric history to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.

You must exhibit six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and interfered with your daily activities in two different places (home and school or at work and social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is important to get the correct diagnosis before deciding on a treatment plan.

The history of symptoms

When a patient decides to visit an ADHD specialist, the doctor will review their symptoms and determine whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To be diagnosed the symptoms must have existed for at minimum six months. The person must also have at minimum five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should hinder functioning effectively in two or more settings--for instance, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health condition.

The first step is to interview the person about their symptoms and how they impact their life. They will also ask about family history as well as the person's medical and psychiatric history.

ADHD can cause people to have difficulty in completing tasks or organising their time. They might forget appointments or make careless mistakes at work. They are easily distracted during lectures or conversations by TV or phone calls. They may be restless and fidgety, or talk too much, interrupting others or having difficulty waiting their turn in activities or games. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be having difficulty making decisions and executing on them, and also having trouble keeping their hands off things they should not be doing.

If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed, they may cause serious consequences, such as traffic infractions and accidents. They can also interfere with relationships, and can be difficult to manage. Getting get diagnosed with adhd can help someone take control of their lives and manage their symptoms with medication, lifestyle changes or therapy.

The stigma associated with ADHD can prevent people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. People suffering from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to make an effort. They also run the risk of being disregarded in the workplace due to a deficiency of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and also face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications, including stigma and fear about the dangers and side effects.

Physical Exam

It is crucial to talk with an expert in mental health who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation should include an assessment of the clinical situation as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner may also ask about the patient's medical history, as well as her behavior and development since childhood. It can be helpful for the examiner to speak with those who are familiar with the patient -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers, coaches and scout leaders for children -- to get information about their observations of the child's behavior within various environments.

A physical examination is essential to rule out health problems which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like vision and hearing issues, thyroid diseases or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, may also be needed.


The most important information comes from the patient's words about their symptoms and how those symptoms have affected them. It's crucial for the clinician to pay attention to what the person is saying. Doing a rush on an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for misdiagnosis or missing important information.

Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults if the signs were present during the early years of childhood. It is not common for a person to "outgrow" ADHD, but a new responsibility or change in life could cause it to manifest in adults. For example one could be offered a job that requires regular meetings, and has trouble meeting those expectations.

When the first signs of trouble appear when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to bring your child to a specialist. This will increase the likelihood that a problem will be identified, treated quickly and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis that could have devastating long-term effects. Parents should speak with their school principal or counselor for referrals to health care professionals who are qualified to perform ADHD assessments. Adults can ask family and friends for recommendations, or contact a local group to get names of specialists who are certified. You can also contact your primary care doctor or the psychiatric institution for a list.

Psychological tests

Psychological testing is an important part of the process to diagnose ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that might be a part of ADHD like depression or anxiety. It can also provide information on the need for interventions and accommodations.

There are many psychological tests that can help diagnose ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. There are also interviews with parents and teachers to get a complete understanding of the child's experience.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V symptoms guide is actually designed to diagnose children, and the best method to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is by conducting an extensive interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals employ computers to assess impulsivity and attention. Brain scans are sometimes also used.

The time needed to conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment can vary however, one can expect to spend a day in a hospital or clinic for a full neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD. It's a minimal time investment for clear answers and a plan of action that will improve your quality of life. It is not unusual for patients to feel overwhelmed by their results, particularly when they have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD for a long time, or perhaps for a lifetime.

Online ADHD self-assessments claim to give you an accurate, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. Most mental health experts do not recommend these tools since they do not take into consideration the complexity of psychiatric illnesses and how they affect a person's daily functioning. A healthcare professional who is qualified and adheres to the DSM guidelines will only be able to provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can find a certified healthcare practitioner through your family doctor, or request recommendations from friends and colleagues who have had experience with ADHD.

Family History

Currently, under DSM-5 guidelines, a child must demonstrate symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity in two or more settings, including home and school, before a diagnosis can be made. Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet criteria in only one setting.

The health care professional conducting the evaluation will interview the patient. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their effects on the daily activities. She will inquire about the person's medical history and family background. She may use an assessment checklist or standardized rating scale to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek out information from a variety of sources, including teachers, coaches, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend much time with the person being assessed.

A complete psychiatric history should include the patient's account of symptoms, the submission of rating scales and questionnaires by the family and him and a thorough review of the person's upbringing, education and the environment. A mental health care doctor or a medical professional may also conduct tests to determine whether the symptoms of a patient are due to another condition like depression or anxiety disorder.

The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared primarily toward children, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults. The diagnosis usually comes only through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a health professional who specializes in ADHD. She will ask both the patient and anyone who knows him well, such as his spouse or close friends whether they have ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the patient's previous history of other disorders that could interfere with focus, such as depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.

Ask your primary care doctor for an appointment with a health care provider who is certified in ADHD evaluations. You can also call an organization that offers local support for people suffering from ADHD, or a mental illness organization, to get recommendations. Insurance plans often list professionals by specialty and you can consult with your insurance provider to determine whether they have ADHD specialists in your area.