ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get a diagnosis for you or your child. But a professional evaluation can aid in determining the root of your symptoms and determine their severity.
Your healthcare provider will use standard ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They'll also conduct interviews with you and other people in your life, such as spouse or family members to gain insight that self-tests and checklists cannot 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. Bring the school records with you to your appointment as the doctor will want to know how your child's condition compares to his peers who are the same age. The provider will employ standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been present.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history, their mental health history in the family, and also their development. The doctor will also speak to you and other important adults in your child's life, like teachers or coaches. You should discuss what difficulties you've noticed in your child's behavior, such as difficulties with homework or failure to complete assignments at home or school.
It is common for teens and children to have short attention spans and lose concentration during games or activities. However if your child appears to forget things easily or is unable to follow instructions, or makes mistakes when it comes to schoolwork, chores, or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around during class or playing with their friends. When they're home, they may play or run around in places in areas that aren't appropriate or struggle to sit still for a long period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt other people in conversations, and they're unable to hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD can be mistaken for daydreaming in adults without any 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 interfere with the person's daily functioning, including at school, home or at work. They can also cause issues with social interaction and relationships. Many people with these symptoms are unaware that they may have a disorder that is diagnosable, and aren't seeking treatment. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and let a doctor suggest treatments.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test and a thorough interview with the patient as well as a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a physician skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD consult your GP who will refer them to a specialist assessment.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatment. The healthcare professional will conduct an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings and search for any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will use a combination ADHD checklist of symptoms, standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how they impact their lives at home and at school. The patient will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six symptoms of inattention, or at least five signs of impulsivity or hyperactivity as defined in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must exhibit these signs for at minimum six months. They must be noticeable in at least two settings, such as home, school or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms should not be caused other physical or mental disorders.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools used in children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Certain doctors interview the patient or someone close to them, or a friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can have a significant impact on family life at work and school as well as social relationships. The medications reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and sometimes it takes many attempts to discover the one that is effective for a particular individual. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are essential components of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an extensive assessment. Based on the results, she could refer the patient to a different health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient as well as their mental health condition, and use standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. adhd diagnosing may also request someone who knows the patient well for example, siblings or spouses for adults; or a coach, teacher, or parent for childrento complete an interview form with questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different kinds of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective medication for some people. They boost activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD also have other health issues that need to be evaluated and treated such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children talk about these issues with their healthcare professional. Ideally, the person with ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these issues at the same time to ensure that they're working together to improve their functioning.
It is crucial to find a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD, especially when beginning medication. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified professionals. You can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask them to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator also examines the individual's medical and family history. During the interview the evaluator will search for signs that are similar to those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
It is essential that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the person well, like teachers and family. The evaluator could use questionnaires that ask about the behavior of the person and how it impacts their work and home life. The evaluator may also ask for the person's performance reviews, or other evidence. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator should also try to know how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, such as in relationships, at school and at work. The evaluator may suggest some behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person gain practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For instance therapy may help the person learn to organize their belongings or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances the assessor may suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests in order to get an overall picture of the individual's capabilities. 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 symptoms. The treatment plan could also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications, like altering the way the person performs tasks or making accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that make it easier for someone with a disability to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.