ADHD Assessment & Diagnosis | Thriving with ADHD

 

 Assessment & Diagnosis

 

The term ADHD describes the pervasive, persistent, disabling pattern of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity displayed by individuals with the disorder.

To be diagnosed with ADHD:

  • the symptoms need to be excessive for the developmental age of the individual
  • be present before the age of 12
  • persist for longer than 6 months
  • contribute to impairment across multiple settings i.e. home, school, child care, work, etc.

If you suspect you or child has ADHD, the first port of call is to visit your General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will carry out an initial assessment and if they also suspect you or your child has ADHD they will complete the necessary referral to a specialist who can diagnose the disorder.

 

ADHD specialists

A paediatrician can diagnose children and adolescents with ADHD. They can also prescribe medication. Whilst remaining the primary care giver and overarching care coordinator, paediatricians will often refer individuals to additional specialty services if they feel they would be beneficial.

Psychiatrists can diagnose children, adolescents and adults with ADHD (dependent upon their patient geographic). They can also prescribe medication, and as the primary care giver and overarching care coordinator, refer individuals to additional specialty services if required.

Clinical psychologists can diagnose individuals with ADHD, assess for neuropsychological and educational issues and provide psychological assistance. They are unable to prescribe medication.

Please note:

  • Whilst many paediatricians will accept referrals for adolescents up to the age of 18, others will only accept referrals for 16 year olds and under.
  • Once an adolescence reaches 18 years of age the paediatrician will refer them to a psychiatrist for ongoing management, as the patient will no longer meet their service criteria.
  • Support services such as the Learning & Attentional Disorders Society of WA, ADDults with ADHD and The ADHD Foundation UK have a database of clinicians who diagnose and treat ADHD should anyone require assistance locating a clinician who specialises in ADHD.

 

Diagnostic process

To establish if a child or adult has ADHD, the paediatrician or psychiatrist conducting the assessment will complete a comprehensive medical, developmental and mental health review, and assess the findings against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ADHD criteria outlined here.

The paediatrician or psychiatrist will gather information by:

  • interviewing the child suspected of having ADHD and their parents, or by interviewing the adult suspected of having ADHD, to establish the severity, duration and frequency of symptoms
  • reviewing the individual’s personal history, including their childhood symptoms and developmental progress (i.e. evidence of inattentive, hyperactive, impulsive behaviour and emotional regulation challenges; milestones; vision, hearing and language ability; etc.)
  • examining the individual’s school performance including their behaviour, learning capacity, academic achievement and attendance
  • asking people familiar with the child or adult (i.e. parents, partners, other family members, teachers, employees), as well as the adult themselves, to complete a standardised behaviour rating scale which measures the individual’s symptoms
  • completing a thorough medical review of the individual by examining their past medical history and assessing their current health status. This process may including checking vital signs (pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate), weight, height, etc. Occasionally blood tests may be ordered if deemed necessary
  • assessing for other psychological conditions (such as anxiety, depression, learning disorders, trauma, conduct disorder, drug use) that could account for or contribute to symptoms
  • determining the individual’s family history and functional capacity including the quality of family relationships, parental management styles, parental stress or conflict, and cultural and social influences
  • appraising the individual’s personal functional history including their level of academic or work achievement/underachievement, capacity to develop and maintain social relationships, ability to participate in a team, driving record, etc.
  • completing any other clinical assessments required to make a thorough and accurate diagnosis.

 

What to take with you

When visiting the paediatrician or psychiatrist for the first time it can help to take the following things to the appointment:

  • your GP referral
  • school reports
  • any other supporting documentation i.e. occupational therapy or psychology reports.