ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation can aid in determining the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your history. They will also interview you, your spouse, family or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD seek an appointment with your health care provider. He may refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician, for more extensive evaluation or testing. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's performance compares to other children. The provider will use standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and the long they've been present.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history, their mental health history within the family, and also their development. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. You should discuss what difficulties you've noticed in your child's behavior, for example, difficulty with homework or inability to finish tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens typically have a limited attention span and it's common for them to lose 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 erroneous mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around excessively in class or when playing with their peers. If they're at home, they might climb or run around when it's not appropriate or struggle to sit still for a long period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt conversations, and they're not able to wait their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming. diagnosed with adhd can be difficult to identify 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
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with the person's daily functioning such as at school, home or work. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms are unaware that they may have a disorder that is diagnosable, and they may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and allow a doctor to suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam, a detailed interview with the patient as well as several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or physician who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If diagnosed with adhd suspect your child has ADHD discuss it with your GP, who can refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms and medical history and will also look into 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 may 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. The patient will also be asked about their previous symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, at school and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from close family members and close friends.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. They must exhibit these signs for at minimum six months. They should be evident in at least two different places such as school, home or at the workplace, and demonstrate a significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by other mental health issues or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for children and adolescents do not apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient along with the sibling or close friend while others prefer using specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may negatively impact work, family, school, and social interactions. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. There are many different medications available and sometimes it takes several attempts to discover the one that is effective for a particular individual. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also essential components of treatment.
A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will perform a thorough assessment. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health care professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will look over the medical history of the patient as well as their psychiatric condition, and then utilize standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor may also inquire about anyone close to the patientfor example, a teacher, parent or sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or a sibling for children -- to fill out an interview form that contains questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment options with the patient. For some the most effective treatment is stimulants, which act by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. 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 have other health problems which also require to be evaluated and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and child to talk about these conditions with their physician. Idealy, the person with ADHD should see specialists for these issues all at once to ensure they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is important to find a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to you are starting a medication. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized professionals. 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
If a doctor suspects someone has ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the patient's medical and family 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 medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gathers information from those who know the individual well, like teachers and relatives. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's conduct and how it affects their home and work life. The evaluator could also ask for an account of the review of performance or other documents. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them too.
The evaluator also needs to know how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school and at work. They may suggest a therapy for behavioral issues like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. Therapists can teach the person how to organize their possessions and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The evaluator 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 may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle like changing the way a person conducts themselves, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.