ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid getting a diagnosis for your child or yourself. However, a professional evaluation will help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and determine their severity.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your past. They will also interview you as well as your spouse, family members or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists or self-tests can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD, get an appointment from your health healthcare provider. He could refer you to more detailed testing or an evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. You should also bring the school records with you to your appointment as the doctor will want to know how your child's condition compares to his peers with similar age. The doctor may use standardized rating scales to assess the severity of your child's symptoms and determine the time since they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history, mental health history in the family and development. The doctor will also speak to you and other important adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. Discuss the issues you've observed in your child's behavior, like difficulty with homework or inability to complete tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens typically have short attention spans, and it's normal to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However if your child appears to lose track of things easily, has difficulty following instructions or makes erroneous mistakes in their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD It's not uncommon for children to fidget or flit around too much in class or when playing with friends. At home, they might climb or run in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting still for long periods of duration. They might blurt out answers or interrupt other people in conversations, and they're unable to wait for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and is difficult to recognize 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
ADHD symptoms can impact the person's ability to perform in everyday life at work, school, or home. They can also cause problems with socialization and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms are not aware that they have a diagnosable disorder, and they may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and enable a physician to recommend treatment options.
Screening for ADHD includes a medical examination, a detailed interview with the patient and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or physician who is skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD discuss it with your GP who can refer them for a specialist assessment.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatments. They will then conduct an examination of the body, conduct hearing and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales as well as a thorough 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 supply information from family members and close friend.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six symptoms of inattention, and/or at least five symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity as described in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. They must exhibit these signs for at minimum six months. They must be noticeable in at least two settings like school, at home or in the workplace and have significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health conditions or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools that are utilized for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. adhd diagnosis uk adult will interview the patient and an immediate family member or friend while other doctors prefer to use specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could be a major influence on the family as well as school and work, as well as social interactions. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and sometimes it takes several tries to discover the one that is effective for a specific person. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are important parts of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she could refer the patient to another health care specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and mental history, and then apply standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor will also interview those who are close to the patient- a parent, teacher or sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling in the case children -- to complete an interview form that includes questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate drug. For some the most effective treatment is stimulants, which act by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate behavior and attention. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD have other health problems that also need to be evaluated and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important that parents and children talk about these other health issues with their doctor. Ideally, the child with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions all at once to ensure that they work together to improve functioning.
It is crucial to find a healthcare provider who is skilled in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to you are starting a treatment. Ask a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance plan for a recommendation or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to get a list qualified professionals. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD, he will ask them to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator also reviews the individual's medical and family history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that match those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical examination may be recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
It's crucial that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the individual well, such as teachers and family. The evaluator could use questionnaires that inquire about the person's behavior and how it impacts their work and home life. The evaluator could also ask for a copy of a person's performance reviews, or other documentation. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator also needs to know how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school, and at work. The evaluator may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person gain practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For instance, a therapist might assist the patient in learning to manage their belongings and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the specific situation the examiner may suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests to gain a more comprehensive picture of the 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle such as altering the way the person performs tasks or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.