ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to not seek an evaluation for yourself or your child. However, a professional evaluation will help you pinpoint the cause of the symptoms and determine their severity.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and those in your life -- spouse or family members, as well as friends to get a personal perspective that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect that your child has ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician for more thorough evaluation or testing. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the doctor will be interested in how your child's progress compares to other children. The doctor may use standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and determine how long they have been present.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history as well as mental health history within the family and development. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's lives, such as teachers or coaches. Discuss any issues you've observed in your child's behavior, for example, trouble with homework or failing to complete assignments at home or school.
Children and teens often have short attention spans and it's not uncommon for them to lose their focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However if your child appears to forget things easily or is unable to follow instructions or makes careless mistakes in their homework, chores or schoolwork it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be distracted and move around during class or playing with their peers. When they're home, they may climb or run around when it's not appropriate or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt conversations, and they're not able to wait for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming in adults with no 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 hinder the person's daily functioning such as at school, home or work. They can also cause problems with social interaction and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms do not realize that they suffer from a diagnosable condition, so they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to suggest treatments.
The screening for ADHD includes a medical exam, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist or a physician skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD discuss it with your GP who can refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
To establish a diagnosis the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, medical history and previous treatment. They will then perform a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings and check for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavioral rating scales as well an extensive personal interview. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how they impact their lives both at home and in school. They will also be asked to provide details from family members and close friend.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six signs of inattention, and/or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity as defined in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at minimum six months. They must be noticeable in at least two settings like school, at home or in the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools that are utilized for adolescents and children are not applicable to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient as well as an immediate family member or friend however, other doctors prefer special psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
adhd diagnostic
If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may negatively impact the family, work or school, as well as social interactions. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve functioning. There are a myriad of medicines available, and it might require several tries to locate the best one for you. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may be essential elements of treatment.
A doctor who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. She might refer the patient, depending on the outcome, to another health professional, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also request someone who knows the patient well for example, siblings or spouses for adults, or a coach, teacher, or parent for children -to complete an interview form, which includes questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Many different kinds of medication can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate drug. For some the most effective treatment is stimulants, which act by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that regulate behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD frequently have other health issues that need to be evaluated for anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children talk about these issues with their healthcare professional. Ideally, the child with ADHD should see specialists for these conditions all at once to ensure they work together to improve functioning.
It is crucial to find a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD, especially when you are starting a treatment. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to get a list experts who are certified. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD, he will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator will also go over the individual's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, he will be looking for signs that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule out some medical causes of the symptoms, for instance thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gathers information from those who know the individual well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and its impact on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also ask for a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documentation. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends the evaluator may interview them as well.
The evaluator should also know how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or family or marital therapy. diagnosed with adhd can help the person gain practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For instance therapy may assist the patient in learning to organize their belongings or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety of neuropsychological or psychological tests to gain a clearer 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. The evaluator may prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan may also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way the person conducts themselves or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that help someone with a disability to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.