ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid getting an evaluation for your child or yourself. But a professional evaluation can help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and determine their severity.
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They will also speak with you and your spouse, family or your friends to gain personal insights that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD, get an appointment from your health medical professional. He may refer you for more detailed testing or an evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. You should also bring school records to the appointment, because the provider will want to see how your child compares with his peers who are the same age. The provider may utilize standardized rating scales in order to assess the severity of your child's symptoms, and also determine how long they have been present.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history, mental health history within the family, and also their development. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in your child's life, including teachers or coaches. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, like trouble with homework or failing to complete assignments at home or school.
Teens and children often have a short attention span, and it's normal for them to lose their focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However, if your child seems to forget things easily or has trouble following instructions or makes erroneous mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be a sign of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around excessively in class or when playing with their peers. At home, they could climb or run in inappropriate places or have difficulty sitting still for a long period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt conversations, and they're not able to wait their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and can be difficult to identify in adults who do not show signs of hyperactivity. Adults with this form of the disorder often don't meet symptom criteria for either the hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD, so providers assign an unspecified diagnosis.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the daily functioning of a person whether at school, home or at work. They can also cause issues with social interaction and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms are not aware that they suffer from a diagnosable disorder, and they may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and allow a doctor to recommend treatments.
The test for ADHD includes a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or physician who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD, talk to your GP who can refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
To establish a diagnosis the healthcare professional will look over the patient's symptoms, medical history and past treatment. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, conduct audio and vision screenings, and search for any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales as well an extensive personal interview. Patients will be asked to explain their symptoms and how they impact their lives both at home and at school. They will also be asked to provide information from family members and close friends.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five indicators of impulsivity or hyperactivity defined in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two settings such as at home, school or the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms must not be due to other mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient as well as a close friend or sibling while others prefer using specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
adhd in adults diagnosis
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could have a significant impact on the family at work and school and social interactions. The medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and it may take a few attempts to find the most appropriate one for you. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also essential components of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will perform an extensive assessment. Based on the results, she may refer the patient to another health professional, for example, psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient and the psychiatric issue, and use standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor may also have someone who knows the patient well -- such as siblings or spouses for adults; a coach, teacher or parent for children -to fill out an interview form, which includes questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Different kinds of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD have other health problems which also require to be evaluated and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children discuss these other health issues with their doctor. Ideally, the person with ADHD will visit specialists for all of these conditions at the same time to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
When starting medication, it is important to find an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of qualified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD, he will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator also reviews the individual's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, he will be looking for symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
It is crucial that the person evaluating obtains information from people who know the person very well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and home life. The evaluator may also request the review of performance or other documents. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator also needs to know how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school, and at work. The evaluator may suggest a treatment such as marital or family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or even marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving daily functioning. A therapist could, for example, teach the patient how to organize their belongings and plan regular activities in order to improve their time management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety of neuropsychological or psychological assessments to get a better picture of a person's abilities. These tests might include cognitive testing, such as IQ or academic achievement tests, as well as brain wave measurements using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG).
The evaluator will decide if the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD and whether they fall under the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. Often, the evaluator will prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications like changing the way a person performs tasks or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.