ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid a diagnosis for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation can aid in determining the severity of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your healthcare provider will review your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also speak with you, your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists and self-tests are not able to provide.
Signs and symptoms
Get a referral if you suspect your child may have ADHD. He could refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician for more thorough testing or evaluation. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. 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 thorough assessment will examine your child's development, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults that are important in your child's lives like coaches or teachers. Discuss any issues you've observed in your child's behavior, such as trouble with homework or failing to complete assignments at school or at home.
Children and teens often have short attention spans and it's common to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. If your child is forgetting things quickly, has trouble following directions, or making careless mistakes in their schoolwork, chores or work, this could be a sign they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around excessively in class or while playing with their friends. If they're at home, they may climb or run around when it's not appropriate or have trouble sitting still for an extended period of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt conversations, and they're unable to wait their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and it can be hard to diagnose for adults who don't show indications 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 hinder the person's ability to perform in everyday life, whether at school, work, or home. They can also cause issues with social interaction and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms aren't aware that they have an identifiable disorder and aren't seeking treatment. adhd in adults diagnosis for ADHD can help identify the condition and allow a doctor to suggest treatments.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test, a detailed interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or physician who has been trained to recognize ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD consult your GP who will refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms as well as their history and will also look into any previous treatments. They will then conduct physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and look for any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how they affect their lives, both at home and at school. They will also be asked to provide details from family members and close friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six signs of inattention, or at least five indicators of impulsivity or hyperactivity defined in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six months. They must be visible in at least two locations like school, home or the workplace, and demonstrate a significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused other physical or mental disorders.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient or someone close to them, or a friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance tests specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can affect the family, work or school, as well as social relationships. The medications reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different medications available, and it may take a few attempts to find the most appropriate one for an individual. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also crucial components of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will perform an extensive assessment. She could refer the patient depending on the outcome to a different health professional, such psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will examine a patient's medical history and psychiatric condition, and then use standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor could also have someone who knows the patient well like siblings or spouses for adults, or a coach, teacher or parent for children -- to complete an interview form, which includes specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Several different types of medication can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate treatment. For some people, the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that control behavior and attention. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release once-daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD also have other health issues that need to be treated and evaluated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children discuss these health issues with their doctor. Ideally, the person with ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these disorders simultaneously, to ensure that they are working together to improve their performance.
It is essential to find a healthcare provider who has experience in treating ADHD, especially when you are starting a medication. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance policy for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of professional who are qualified. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD If a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also go over the patient's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, he'll be looking for signs that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is advised to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It's crucial that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the person well, such as teachers and family. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's conduct and how it affects their home and work life. The evaluator could also ask for a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator should also know how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. They may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person the skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For example, a therapist might assist the patient in learning to organize their belongings or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological assessments to get a better picture of the abilities of a person. 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. The evaluator could prescribe medication to control symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as altering the way the person does things or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.