How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

How do I know if or when I should seek an evaluation?

Like many conditions in life, early evaluation, treatment and management of ADD/ADHD can lead to increased success in many areas. 

The impact of undiagnosed, untreated ADD/ADHD can become more severe and more costly over time. Examples of this may include:

  • Childhood – injuries, academic challenges, social rejection
  • Adolescents – auto accidents, risky behavior, poor choices
  • Adulthood – impulsive spending, under employment, relationship challenges

While many people experience some ADD/ADHD symptoms sometimes, those with ADD/ADHD experience some degree of them all the time. Prior to seeking an evaluation, many people come to a state of experiencing frustration, confusion, isolation, anger, a sense of failure, a sense of being alone. If you suspect ADD/ADHD seek an evaluation through a qualified professional that you feel comfortable with as soon as possible

Is a diagnosis necessary?

A confirmed diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is required in many situations; academic accommodations, medication, insurance reimbursement.

Proper diagnosis can serve as the foundation for effective treatment and management of ADD/ADHD. 

Working with a professional that is proficient at diagnosing ADD/ADHD can make a world of difference for individuals and families with ADD/ADHD. 

Who should diagnose ADD/ADHD?

Approaches to diagnosing ADD/ADHD can range from too little to too much. Finding a mental health professional or physician that specializes in ADD/ADHD, and that has a positive approach to working with ADD/ADHD can be the cornerstone to success. 

Some people fear that going to such a specialist will ensure a bias toward confirming ADD/ADHD. This fear can lead to having an evaluation done by a less experienced provider.  Specialists are highly experienced. They work with many individuals with ADD/ADHD, and are often versed in co-existing and similar conditions.  This level of experience enables them to fine tune their evaluation process and diagnostic skills resulting in the ability to make clear delineations between ADD/ADHD and similar disorders.

What tests are used to diagnose ADD/ADHD?

At the time of this writing, there is no test that can definitively determine the presence of ADD/ADHD.

While every experienced professional will use the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), each will have a specific diagnostic process and clinical standards that they adhere to.

There are some critical steps that should be included in the evaluation process.  A review of the client’s history, the use of objective assessment tools that can be compared to established norms, a diagnostic interview with the client (and the parents, spouse or significant other when appropriate). 

What questions should I ask my mental health professional or physician?

  • Do you specialize in ADD/ADHD?
  • Does everyone that comes to you for an evaluation end up having ADD/ADHD?
  • What other disorders do you evaluate and work with?
  • What is your evaluation process?
  • Can I expect a written report at the conclusion of the evaluation?
  • What will you include in the report?
  • Can I review a sample of a report you have written?
  • What services are available through you if there is a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD?
  • What other resources can you recommend for me that you do not provide?
  • What is your approach to working with people with ADD/ADHD?
  • Do you work with children and adults?
  • How would you tell my child that he/she has ADD/ADHD?
  • What is your follow up process?
  • What information will you need from me?

What should I be prepared to tell my mental health professional or physician?

Prior to and during the evaluation process you should be prepared to discuss or provide the following information with your mental health professional or physician:

  • Mental health history
  • Medical health and medication history
  • Academic history; learning successes and challenges
  • Work history; successes, challenges, types of jobs, frequency of job change
  • Family history and current situation
  • Trauma history
  • Presenting problems, challenges, frustrations and concerns

Additional items such as school report cards, job performance reviews, notes sent home from school, work samples, and other documents may be helpful in the evaluation process.

If prior evaluations or mental health visits have occurred, you may be asked to provide reports, contact information for providers or to sign a release of information between previous and current professionals.

 

What should I do after the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been confirmed?

Once a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been confirmed, the next step is to seek knowledge from reliable sources.  There are two critical subjects you will need to explore – what is ADD/ADHD and how does my ADD/ADHD present itself in my life.  As you gain knowledge, you can begin to advocate for yourself, and seek treatment options that fit your needs, and that are comfortable to you.