ADHD evaluation
A patient interview, possibly interviews with or questionnaires for friends or family members, and a written assessment form, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV, or the Connors for adults, will be included in most examinations.
ADHD should only be diagnosed by a medical professional. A pediatrician, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or an advanced practice registered nurse could be that person (APRN). Keep in mind, however, that a single certification does not imply that someone is skilled in diagnosing ADHD and its comorbidities. Most medical or nursing school graduates have never received appropriate training in diagnosing and assessing ADHD; those who are most prepared frequently seek out further training on their own. Inquire with your doctor about how comfortable they are diagnosing ADHD and what experience they have with it and common comorbid illnesses. To complete this hard activity successfully, specialized training, not a degree, is required.
Who is qualified to diagnose ADHD?
ADHD should only be diagnosed by a medical professional. A pediatrician, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or an advanced practice registered nurse could be that person (APRN). Keep in mind, however, that a single qualification does not imply that someone is skilled in detecting ADHD and its comorbidities. Most medical or nursing school graduates have never received appropriate training in diagnosing and assessing ADHD; those who are most prepared frequently seek out further training on their own. Inquire with your doctor about how comfortable they are diagnosing ADHD and what experience they have with it and common comorbid illnesses. To complete this hard activity successfully, specialized training, not a degree, is required.
Several components make up an in-depth, well-rounded ADHD evaluation:
1. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)
A doctor will first want to see if the patient exhibits any of the symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for ADHD (DSM-V). Prior to the age of twelve, a patient must have displayed at least six of the nine symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While the DSM-V is still used to diagnose children, many experts, including myself, believe it falls short in terms of emotional management and executive functions. Most doctors undertake an in-depth clinical interview in addition to using the DSM-V in their assessments.
2. ADHD Diagnosis Clinical Interview
A well-conducted interview with the individual (and, if possible, one or two people who know that person well) by a medical or mental health clinician who is familiar with ADHD and other medical or psychological disorders that produce similar symptoms is the most effective way to determine whether a person has ADHD.
3. ADHD Diagnosis Using Normed Rating Scales
In addition to the clinical interview, the clinician should collect self-report information from the patient and observer information from parents, teachers, partners, or others who have seen how this individual has functioned in various aspects of daily life in recent months and previously using normed ADHD rating scales like the Barkley, BASC, Brown, Conners, or BRIEF scales. If a learning issue is detected, psychoeducational testing with IQ and achievement tests may be beneficial.
4. Physical Examination for the Diagnosis of ADHD
Internal medical issues such as thyroid disorders or pinworms can sometimes induce ADHD-like symptoms. A complete physical examination should be performed by a pediatrician or primary care physician to ensure that no medical issues have been overlooked. A physical examination can also determine whether or not a person is safe to take ADHD medication.
5. Considering Learning Disabilities in an ADHD Diagnosis
The great majority of ADHD youngsters experience at least one learning difficulty. In terms of genetics and functions such as working memory, ADHD and learning difficulties have a lot in common.
6. Evaluations of Other Comorbid Conditions in an ADHD Diagnosis
Co-occurring issues, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, should be investigated by the physician.
7. ADHD Diagnosis Knowledge Gauge
The clinician should inquire about the patient's knowledge of ADHD and provide a brief summary of the disorder. After each part, the clinician should inquire how much each component describes this person in the last six months and before.