ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. But a professional evaluation can assist you in identifying the source of the symptoms and determine the severity.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your past. They will also interview you and your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
Seek a referral if think your child might have ADHD. He could refer you to more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. It is also recommended to bring the school records with you to your appointment, because the provider will want to see how your child's condition compares to 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 determine the length of time they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's development, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. You should talk to your child about any problems you've seen in their behavior, such as not finishing homework or other tasks at school or at home.
It's common for teens and children to have short attention spans and lose focus during games or activities. However, if your child seems to forget things easily, has difficulty following instructions or makes erroneous mistakes in their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around during class or playing with their friends. At home, they might run or climb in unsuitable places or struggle to sit still for a long period of time. They might blurt out answers or interrupt other people in conversations, and they're not able to wait for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD can be mistaken for daydreaming in adults without 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 ability of a person to perform in everyday life, whether at school, work, or home. They can also lead to issues with socialization and relationships. Many people with these symptoms aren't aware that they may have an identifiable disorder and they may not seek treatment. A screening for ADHD can help identify the disorder, and a doctor can recommend treatments.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam, a detailed interview with the patient, and several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a physician experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Talk to your GP if you suspect that your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to an evaluation by a specialist.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and history, as well as any previous treatments. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD symptoms checklist and standardized scores for behavioral ratings and conduct a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their history of symptoms and how they impact their life at home, at school, and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from close family members and close friends.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six symptoms of inattention, and/or at least five signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two different settings, such as school, at home or in the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms should not be due to other physical or mental disorders.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents are not applicable to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient along with a close friend or sibling, but others prefer using special psychological tests and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can have a significant impact on the family, work and school as well as social relationships. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. Several different medications are available, and sometimes it takes several attempts to discover the one that is effective for a specific person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may also be important elements of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an extensive examination. The doctor could refer the patient depending on the outcome, to another health professional, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then apply the standard rating scales for assessing 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 a sibling for children to fill out an interview form that includes questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best treatment options with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective drug for certain people. They enhance the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD typically have other health conditions which need to be assessed for depression, anxiety, or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and children to talk about these other conditions with their physician. Ideally, the person with ADHD will see specialists for all of these issues at the same time, to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve functioning.
When starting medication it is crucial to locate an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. Consult how to diagnose adhd who's practice is covered under your insurance policy for a recommendation or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of professional who are qualified. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD the doctor will ask the patient 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 symptoms that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). updated blog post might be suggested to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
It is crucial for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator could use questionnaires to ask about the person’s behavior and the impact it has on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also request the person's performance reviews, or other documentation. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school, and at work. They may suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person develop practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. Therapists can teach the person how to organize their possessions and schedule regular activities in order to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety of neuropsychological or psychological tests to provide a more accurate 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 might prescribe medication to treat symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as altering the way the person conducts themselves or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.