Understanding the ADD/ADHD Diagnosis Process
Plan for professional ADD/ADHD testing at our Meridian, ID clinic
Diagnosing ADD/ADHD can be a multifaceted journey. Often, it starts with a thorough evaluation at a professional ADD/ADHD testing center like the ADD Clinic of Idaho. Along with an evaluation, we’ll conduct interviews with the individual and (when applicable) their parents or caregivers.
ADD/ADHD diagnosing can also involve standardized behavior rating scales to gather insights from parents and teachers on the frequency and severity of symptoms.
There isn’t a single test that can definitively diagnose ADD/ADHD. Instead, it involves a comprehensive combination of assessments. Additionally, a mental health professional may observe the individual in different settings to better understand their behavior.
It's crucial to rule out other conditions that could mimic ADD/ADHD symptoms, like…
A diagnosis can be life-changing
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Learning disabilities
Professional ADD/ADHD testing is key to improving outcomes. Arrange for an ADD/ADHD diagnosing appointment at our Meridian, ID clinic today.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing is a major requirement to begin the right treatment for ADD/ADHD patients. At the ADD/ADHD clinic of Idaho will provide this vital service and utilized the DSM- 5 criteria to diagnose our patients. At the ED/ADHD Clinic of Idaho we diagnosed children, adolescents and adults using industry standard.
Dsm 5 criteria for ADHD
People with ADD/ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development:
1. Inattention:
6 or more symptoms of inattention for children up to the age of 16, or live for more for adolescent 17 and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are in appropriate for developmental level:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes and school work, at home, or with other activities
- Often has trouble holding attention on task or play activities
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties in the workplace (i.e. loses focus, side tracked)
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework)
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities
2. Hyperactivity and impulsivity:
6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for children up to the age of 16, or live for more for adolescent 17 and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are in appropriate for developmental level:
- Often fidgets with her taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat
- Often leaves there seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”
- Often talks excessively
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
- Often has trouble waiting his/her turn
- Often interrupts or untreated on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)
- Several inattentive or hyperactive impulsive symptoms or present before age 12 years.
- Several symptoms are present in 2 or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
- There is clear evidence that the system interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social school, or work functioning.
- The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as mood disorder, anxiety disorder, this is associated of disorder, or it personality disorder).
- The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.
In addition, the following conditions must be met:
Based on the types of symptoms 3 kinds (presentations) of ADHD can occur:
Combined presentation:
If enough symptoms of both criteria and attention and hyperactivity impulsivity were present for the past 6 months
Predominantly inattentive presentation:
If he knows symptoms of inattention, but not hyper activity-impulsivity or present for the last 6 months
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation:
If enough symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not in attention, or present for the last 6 months
Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change as well.
ADHD often lasts into adulthood. To diagnose ADHD in adults and adolescents age 17 years or older, only 5 symptoms are needed instead of the 6 needed for younger children. Symptoms might look different at older ages. For example, in adults, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness or wearing others out with their activity.