How is ADHD Diagnosed?
The journey to an ADHD evaluation and diagnosis starts with a visit to a healthcare professional. This might be a psychiatrist, a pediatrician, a psychologist, or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializing in ADHD testing. Seeking out a healthcare professional with experience in identifying and treating adult ADHD is always smart and can help ensure you get an accurate diagnosis.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD involves a multi-faceted assessment process, as no single test can definitively diagnose the condition. A healthcare professional will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which typically includes:
- Clinical interview: Engaging in a detailed discussion about the individual’s symptoms and the specific challenges they face to gain a comprehensive understanding of their condition.
- Detailed questionnaires: Employing extensive questionnaires to gather in-depth information about the individual’s behavior and daily functioning, aiding in a more accurate assessment.
- Blood tests: Conducting blood tests to rule out other medical conditions that might exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD, ensuring a more precise diagnosis.
- Medical history review: Thoroughly reviewing past health records to provide valuable context to the individual’s current symptoms, enhancing the overall understanding of their health.
- Input from family or educators: Gathering insights from those close to the individual, like family members or teachers, is especially crucial in diagnosing children, as it offers additional perspectives on the individual’s behavior in various environments.
- Rating scale analysis: Assessing standardized rating scales filled out by caregivers or educators to measure the severity and frequency of symptoms, contributing to a well-rounded view of the individual’s condition.
This thorough evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis, distinguishing ADHD from other possible causes of the observed symptoms. Below, we’ll dive deeper into what you can expect during an ADHD assessment.
Evaluating someone’s life issues
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be somewhat more challenging than it is for children. Often adults will notice symptoms like depression or anxiety before they consider their impulsiveness and/or inattention. This can be in part because adults may have had symptoms from undiagnosed ADHD for most of their lives, but learned incredible coping skills to survive. However, this long-term strain can lead to ADHD burnout.
When determining how to diagnose ADHD in adults, clinicians will typically look at someone’s life issues in a broad sense, rather than focusing solely on a single ADHD symptom that brought them to the appointment.
DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD
The first step any doctor, psychologist, or medical professional will take in diagnosing ADHD is accessing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
The diagnostic criteria presented there helps identify a mental health condition using an accurate, consistent guide. For an ADHD diagnosis, children aged 12 and younger must show 6 of the 9 criteria; adults must exhibit 5. For adults and children alike, symptoms must be present for 6 months or longer and interfere with an ability to maintain normal daily function.
Identifying signs of ADHD
While you can take an online ADHD test to learn more about your symptoms, you shouldn’t rely on these to gauge whether you or your child has ADHD. Trained medical professionals are the only ones who are able to provide an official diagnosis for ADHD, as they can identify the signs of this condition and differentiate them from behavioral problems or inattentive symptoms of another condition.
The interview phase of an ADHD treatment plan is one of the most important, and since this process doesn’t rely solely on simple “yes or no” questions that would be easy to evaluate or score, it takes a trained eye to interpret them.
However, having said that, it’s still important to be aware of some of the signs of ADHD if you suspect you or your child may have it. Some of the things to look out for include:
- Chronic inability to focus and concentrate on tasks
- Impulsiveness
- Trouble organizing and prioritizing tasks
- Dramatic mood swings
- Low frustration tolerance
- Disorganization
- Poor time management skills
- Restlessness
- Trouble dealing with stress
We should note that just because someone has some of the above signs doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD. This is why looking at the context of behaviors to make a determination is necessary.
“Understanding the symptoms of ADHD is important to figure out if someone needs to be further evaluated by a professional for ADHD. If there’s a suspicion that it may be possible, consider the symptoms that are concerning and look to see if a medical professional has self-assessments to gauge the possibility. It’s important that an internet search isn’t the only form of identifying symptoms of ADHD.”
— Minkyung Chung, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), MS
Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
Only certain licensed medical and mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD. While therapists can play a critical role in identifying symptoms and offering ongoing support, not all therapists are authorized to make a formal ADHD diagnosis.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of professionals who can diagnose ADHD:
- Psychiatrists (MD or DO): Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health who can diagnose ADHD and prescribe both stimulant and non-stimulant medications.
- Psychologists (PhD or PsyD): Trained in psychological testing and behavioral assessments; they can diagnose ADHD but typically cannot prescribe medication.
- Primary Care Physicians (MD or DO): Can diagnose ADHD, especially in straightforward cases, and may prescribe medication or refer patients for further assessment.
- Pediatricians (MD or DO): Often diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and manage treatment plans, including prescriptions.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs): Can evaluate symptoms, diagnose ADHD, and prescribe medication in most states.
Can therapists diagnose ADHD?
Yes, some therapists can diagnose ADHD, depending on their qualifications. Licensed clinical psychologists, counselors (LPCs), and social workers (LCSWs) are often able to diagnose ADHD, especially if they have experience with mental health assessments.
However, not all people you talk to can diagnose ADHD. For example, life coaches or unlicensed counselors cannot give a formal diagnosis. If you’re unsure and suspect you have ADHD, ask your therapist if they’re licensed to diagnose or if they can refer you to someone who is.
Treatment for ADHD
The good news is there are effective treatments for ADHD. Some treatment plans include medication; other methods do not. Working with a mental health professional or team can substantially increase the effectiveness of a given treatment option. ADHD treatment options can include:
- Behavior therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Parent training in behavior management
- Behavioral interventions in the classroom
- Peer interventions focused on behavior
- Play therapy
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Social skills groups
- ADHD coaching
- Organizational skills training
- Medication
- Holistic treatment methods
“Once a diagnosis has been made, it’s important to go over the options available to help manage the symptoms of ADHD. Medication is often a helpful aid in managing some of the symptoms of ADHD, but it shouldn’t be the only option. Working with a mental health professional who specializes in ADHD (childhood and adult) will be important. Not all ADHD diagnoses need medication.”
— Minkyung Chung, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), MS
Therapy for ADHD
We have significant research on how to treat ADHD in adults and children. While therapy is among the leading treatments for ADHD, most people find that the best way to manage symptoms includes a multimodal approach involving both therapy and medication. That said, there are several therapy techniques used to successfully treat and manage the symptoms of ADHD. Here are just a few of the benefits of therapy for ADHD:
- Improved focus and productivity
- Increased ability to recognize emotions
- Enhanced interpersonal relationships
- Increased self-confidence
- Better organizational skills
- Increased motivation
How does therapy treat ADHD?
Treating ADHD with therapy can provide people with ADHD the tools they need to manage their symptoms more effectively. Through therapy for ADHD, it’s possible to build skills and develop coping mechanisms that can be used in day-to-day life. While ADHD can make tasks difficult to accomplish, therapy can help you learn to break things down, so they’re more manageable.
Some people might attend therapy sessions on their own, although ADHD therapy often involves the entire family — especially when treating children. Certain forms of therapy have been found more effective than others. Some of them follow.
ADHD Therapy for Adults
Therapy can be a successful way to treat ADHD in people over 18 years old. Which ADHD therapy techniques for adults will be most effective will depend on you, your ADHD symptoms, and your goals for ADHD treatment.
When it comes to therapy for ADHD, adults are no different than children in terms of treatment. Ultimately, therapy will never be a one-size-fits-all deal. Thus, it’s important to be willing to look at all of the various therapy approaches out there, as well as the different types of ADHD. You might need to try a couple before you find the style that works best for you and your ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy. It’s one of the most widely-used and effective types of therapy specifically for treating ADHD in adults. Though it doesn’t address any of ADHD’s core symptoms (hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention), CBT does focus on things such as time management and procrastination.
“CBT is one of the most effective types of therapy for people diagnosed with ADHD. It helps to address cognitions, helping them change behaviors, and adds to the benefits achieved by ADHD medication.”
— Cynthia Catchings, Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S), CIMHP, EMDR
One of the most difficult aspects for adults with ADHD is the fact that they often know what they need to do, they just might have extreme difficulty actually doing it. This is where CBT can be beneficial. It has a strong focus on implementing techniques that can help someone with ADHD.
Treating ADHD in adults through the use of CBT includes 4 main strategies:
- Changing how you think about and approach things (cognitive modification)
- Changing how you behave while learning effective coping skills (behavior modification)
- Focusing on acceptance and mindfulness (emotional regulation)
- Learning to implement techniques from therapy into everyday life (implementation)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a type of talk therapy that falls under the CBT umbrella. It’s proving to be a great way to treat adult ADHD, offering all the benefits of CBT techniques while also incorporating the practice of mindfulness.
Newer research on mindfulness meditation suggests it might be effective in enhancing brain function — including functioning related to neuropsychological capacities that are known to be impaired in adults with ADHD, like emotion regulation and attention control. Both meditation and breathing techniques can be successful in helping the mind calm and stay in the present.
MBCT can be done in individual therapy or in a group setting. It’s useful in helping adults learn to control their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions so they can successfully manage ADHD. Recent research shows that MBCT can treat symptoms of adult ADHD substantially better than some other types of therapy might.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is an essential part of managing ADHD, especially for adults. It focuses on improving daily skills and enhancing one’s ability to participate fully in all aspects of life—be it at home, work, or in social settings. Occupational therapy offers a personalized approach to adult ADHD treatment, addressing the unique challenges that ADHD presents in their day-to-day lives.
OT practitioners work closely with adults with ADHD to develop strategies that help them better manage their symptoms, leading to improved functionality and well-being. Here are key areas where occupational therapy can make a significant difference:
- Time management and organization: Occupational therapists assist individuals in creating and maintaining effective organizational systems and time management strategies. This could involve setting up reminders, breaking down tasks into more manageable parts, and creating structured routines to minimize forgetfulness and procrastination.
- Workplace adaptations: Occupational therapy can offer solutions to workplace challenges, such as difficulty concentrating, managing workload, and maintaining productivity. Therapists may suggest environmental modifications, assistive technology, and strategies to enhance focus and performance at work.
- Social skills training: Navigating social interactions can sometimes be challenging for adults with ADHD. OT can provide training and strategies to improve communication skills, understand social cues, and build healthier relationships.
- Sensory processing: Adults with ADHD may experience sensory processing issues. Occupational therapists can help individuals understand their sensory preferences and aversions and develop strategies to manage sensory overload, contributing to overall emotional regulation and comfort.
- Goal setting and achievement: OT empowers adults with ADHD to set realistic, achievable goals and supports them in taking steps towards these goals. This process boosts self-confidence and promotes a sense of accomplishment.
Family therapy and couples counseling
Family therapy and couples counseling can help the entire family unit when one member has ADHD. Focusing on communication skills and how to problem solve can be great for anyone who must interact with ADHD, whether that be the person living with it, or those closest to them.
Family therapy for adults with ADHD can address the extreme stress and difficulty a household might feel as a result of one person having the condition. When all members of the family learn to identify the specific source of that stress, they can then learn how to react in healthy, positive ways so a more peaceful and unified family life can ensue.
ADHD can make adults seem or become forgetful, impulsive, distracted, or irrational. These attitudes and actions can weigh heavily on everyone in their life, straining even the most loving relationships. Therapy can help families through.
ADHD Therapy for Children
Therapy for ADHD in children isn’t vastly different from how it’s used with adults. That said, there are minor differences that can make treatment progress more quickly and essentially be more successful.
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy uses elements of psychotherapy combined with behavior modifications to achieve best results. For children, learning to get organized and how to focus on time management can be game changers. Not only can behavioral therapy help a child become successful in navigating the demands that are placed on them, it can also teach them to control their emotions and regulate inappropriate behaviors that might be causing them to struggle.
Behavioral therapy for ADHD in children will typically put a strong emphasis on helping the entire family. It’s common for parents and caregivers of children with ADHD to inadvertently contribute to some of the negative behaviors a child might exhibit.
“Behavior therapy is recommended to help children and their parents. It helps them with self-esteem, self-control, and regulating behavioral issues. Children who are 12 years or older benefit from this type of therapy. For the younger ones, it’s recommended for the parents to get behavioral training therapy so they can act as role models and guide their children.”
— Cynthia Catchings, Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S), CIMHP, EMDR
Behavioral therapy can help the adults in a child’s life understand the do’s and don’ts when it comes to helping. Parents who are trained in behavior therapy for very young children with ADHD will learn strategies to help kids be successful at home, in school, and in relationships.
Behavioral therapy can teach a child how to successfully:
- Share
- Interact with peers, parents, and teachers appropriately
- Be patient and wait their turn
- Pay attention and finish tasks (like homework)
- Keep their bedrooms, playrooms, and study areas tidy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT isn’t only effective for adults learning to manage the symptoms of ADHD. It’s also an excellent way for children to find ways to accept how they’re feeling and learn to react in positive, calm, and appropriate manners.
CBT is known for helping children learn to focus and concentrate. It can teach kids essential life skills like how to:
- Stay better-organized
- Problem solve
- Manage their time
- React in healthy ways to situations they encounter
Additionally, CBT might reduce some of the anxiety that’s common in kids with ADHD.
Play therapy
Play therapy helps kids by offering them reassurance that helps calm their anxieties. It can improve self-esteem and gives therapists an avenue to focus on healthy perceptions a child should have about the world around them. Play overwhelmingly allows children to feel secure and connected to their support system.
Music therapy
Music is known to enhance focus and attention, both hallmark struggles for kids with ADHD. Music therapy can reduce hyperactivity in some children. It’s been found to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which is associated with working memory, reward experiences, and regulating attention.
Art therapy
Particularly for children who struggle with hyperactivity, art therapy can be very effective in how to treat ADHD. Art can be an expressive outlet that gives a child focus while keeping their hands busy. Art therapy can teach children with ADHD how to problem solve, communicate, and become more successful in social interactions.
Medications for ADHD
When discussing how to treat ADHD in children and adults, it’s not uncommon for medication to be considered. While therapy can take time, ADHD medicine might offer a more immediate improvement of symptoms. Some people may take it every day, while others may find they only need medication on days that they have work or school.
ADHD medication can have side effects, which is why it’s important to find the right type and dosage. Many of these side effects appear early in ADHD treatment, only to improve over time. Some common side effects might include:
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Rapid heart rate
- Jitteriness
- Stomach ache
How does medication treat ADHD?
First, it’s important to distinguish that medication won’t ever cure ADHD — rather, it can help improve symptoms that are causing disruption in someone’s life. Medication is used to treat ADHD work by targeting brain chemicals like dopamine or norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters pass messages in the brain, and medication can help improve neurotransmission and, ultimately, communication.
The levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brains of people with ADHD can make it difficult to control impulses, complete tasks, or remain calm and focused. Medication is one way to temporarily improve these ADHD symptoms.
Types of medication for ADHD
Stimulants: Prescription stimulant medication is considered the first line, and most effective type of ADHD medication. In one study, methylphenidate (MPH) treatment exceeded the placebo response with tremendous success (MPH response was 76% vs. the placebo’s 19%).
Non-stimulants: There are also non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD that can be tried if stimulants aren’t working. Note that while non-stimulants generally take longer to work, they might have fewer side effects and a substantially lower risk of addiction or abuse.
Antidepressants: In some cases, antidepressants may be used off-label to treat patients who are suffering from both ADHD and depression.
Holistic Treatment for ADHD
Holistic treatments can be an alternative to medication. There are many natural remedies for ADHD, including diet and exercise, supplements, meditation, and memory training.
Diet: While what causes ADHD isn’t thought to be linked to nutritional problems, some foods might potentially make symptoms of ADHD more severe. A nutrient-rich diet can improve brain health, which may improve symptoms. Protein, complex carbohydrates, and omega-3 fatty acids are all great for the brain.
Feingold diet: The Feingold Diet is an elimination diet that was specifically designed to treat ADHD symptoms in children. Children on the diet avoid artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. While research supporting the efficacy of this treatment option is limited, some studies do suggest that artificial food additives might increase hyperactive behavior in some children.
Exercise: Regular exercise can be incredibly beneficial for some people with ADHD. When we exercise, our brain naturally produces more dopamine and endorphins. Any physical activity, from martial arts, to dance, to running around in the backyard, could potentially improve ADHD symptoms.
Find Treatment for ADHD with Talkspace
ADHD can significantly reduce the quality of life if it’s not properly treated. Children with ADHD might find it hard to pay attention in school, making it difficult for them to learn new things. Adult ADHD means struggling with interpersonal and professional relationships, and having a tough time feeling successful about responsibilities. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Experts have learned a great deal about how to treat ADHD. This means there are many treatment options available. Whether you try therapy, medication, holistic treatments, or a combination of several techniques, the right treatment means you can manage your ADHD and keep symptoms under control.
Learn how Talkspace online therapy can help you accept and manage your ADHD. With the right guidance, you can live your best life, feeling at peace with your ADHD diagnosis and believing that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
