ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid getting an evaluation for your child or yourself. However, a professional assessment can aid in determining the root of your symptoms and determine the severity.
Your provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also interview you and others in your life -- spouse or family members to gain insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you think your child might have ADHD. He may refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist like psychiatrist or pediatrician. You should also bring school records to the appointment since the doctor will want to know how your child compares with his peers with the same age. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history, mental health history within the family, and developmental. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who are important to your child's life such as teachers or coaches. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, such as difficulty with homework or inability to finish tasks at school or at home.
Teens and children often have a limited attention span and it's not uncommon for them to lose focus during games or other activities. If your child seems to forget things quickly, has trouble following directions or making a few mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or at work, it could be a sign that they suffer from ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around in class or while playing with their friends. At home, they might run or climb in unsuitable places or struggle to sit for a long period of duration. how is adhd diagnosed in adults might blurt out answers or interrupt conversations, and they can't wait their turn.
Inattentional ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults without 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
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with the daily functioning of a person such as at home, school or work. They can also lead to issues with socialization and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they have a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and let a doctor recommend treatments.
The screening for ADHD includes a medical exam and a thorough patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or a doctor who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD discuss it with your GP who will refer them to a specialist assessment.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, their history and treatment history. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, conduct audio and vision screenings and look for any medical conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how they impact their lives at home and at school. The patient will be asked for information from close family members and friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five indicators of hyperactivity or impulsivity as defined in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at minimum six months. They must be noticeable in at least two settings like home, school or the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by mental health issues 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. Some doctors interview the patient, a close family member or friend. Other doctors use computers to conduct continuous performance tests that are designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could negatively impact work, family, school, and social interactions. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve functioning. There are many different medications available and sometimes it takes several tries to find the one that works for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient as well as their mental health condition, and employ standardized scales of ratings to determine ADHD. The doctor might also have someone who is familiar with the patient -- such as 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.
Several different types of medication can be used to treat ADHD, and the doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate drug. For some people, the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release daily preparations.
Children with ADHD often have other health conditions that require evaluation like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children discuss these additional health issues with their doctor. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these issues simultaneously, to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
When beginning treatment it is essential to seek out a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of qualified professionals. 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 is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the individual's medical and family history. During the interview, he'll be looking for signs that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
It's crucial that the evaluator gets information from those who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires that ask about the behavior of the person and how it affects their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also request a copy of the person's performance assessments or other documents. If the person has family members or a spouse they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them as well.
The evaluator will also want to know how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships school, work, and relationships. They may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach a person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving daily functioning. For example therapy may help the person learn how to organize their possessions or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety of neuropsychological or psychological assessments to get a better understanding of the capabilities 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 may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as altering the way the person does things or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.