How to Diagnose ADHD
To determine ADHD, providers use clinical interviews as well as behavior rating scales, checklists of symptoms which are completed by the patient and other people in his or her life, psychiatric history and medical history. Psychotherapy can also be employed to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms that began before age 12 and impede your daily activities in two environments (home and school, and social situations). It is essential to obtain the right diagnosis before making a decision on the best treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
If a patient decides they'd like to consult a specialist for ADHD, the doctor will evaluate their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. adhd in adults diagnosis are listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be considered a diagnosis, the symptoms must have existed for at minimum six months. The person must be suffering from at minimum five ADHD symptoms that are persistent, and these symptoms have to hinder their performance in at minimum two different environments, such as at school or at work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health issue.
The first step is to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they affect their life. They will also ask about family history as well as the overall medical and psychiatric history.
People who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty organizing their tasks or completing them. They may not remember appointments for work or personal. They have trouble staying focused to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by phone calls or TV shows. They could be unfocused or fidgety or talk too much and interrupt others, or have trouble waiting to be the first to play games or other activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be having difficulty making decisions and executing on them, as well as having trouble keeping their hands off things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't treated, they can lead to serious consequences, including traffic violations or accidents. They can also affect relationships, and can be difficult to manage. Getting a diagnosis can help someone to take control of their life and manage their symptoms using medications, lifestyle modifications or therapy.
However the stigma that surrounds ADHD can deter people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. People who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or failing to make an effort. A shortage of child psychiatrists and adolescent psychosis puts them at risk of being omitted by employers. They also face barriers in obtaining psychiatric medication such as stigma, fear of the side effects, as well as barriers due to the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Exam
It is crucial to talk with an expert in mental health who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor. A thorough evaluation must include a consultation with a clinician as well as the using diagnostic tests, and the filling out of questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the patient's medical history, as well as his or her behavior and development from the time of their childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to speak with people who know the patient -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult; teachers, religious leaders coaches, scout leaders and coaches for children to gather information about their observations of the child's behavior in different situations.
A physical exam is required to rule out health issues which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD like vision and hearing issues, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other laboratory tests, might also be required.
Most of the time, the most important piece of information is what the patient shares with the doctor about their own ailments and how they have affected the patient's life. It is crucial that the physician listens to the person's words. Doing a rush through an ADHD evaluation could cause a misdiagnosis or not getting the right details.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present during the early years of childhood. Adults can't "grow out" of ADHD however, they can be caused by changes in life or a new job. For example, a person might get a job that requires regular meetings, and he or she has trouble meeting those expectations.
It's a good idea for a child to see a specialist when problems first develop. This increases the chances that the problem will be recognized and treated swiftly, and decrease the chance of a mistake that could cause devastating long-term effects. Parents should speak with their school's counselor or principal for recommendations to health professionals who are qualified to conduct ADHD assessments. Adults should ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact an organization that supports local residents to get names of qualified professionals. One can also ask his or their primary care physician or a psychiatric hospital for the names of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological test is an essential part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide more complete evaluation of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. Tests can also identify other mental health conditions that can co-occur with ADHD, like depression or anxiety. It can also inform accommodations and interventions.
There are many psychological tests that can aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These can include rating scales, direct observation of behavior and neuropsychological tests. There are also interviews with teachers and parents to get a complete understanding of the child's experiences.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is meant to be used to diagnose children and the best method to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to measure the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans are also sometimes employed.
It can take a range of time to complete an exhaustive assessment, but you should expect to spend one day in the hospital or clinic for a neuropsychological examination. This is a relatively small investment for clear answers and a plan of action that will enhance your quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to be emotionally moved when they receive their results, particularly when they have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a long time.
There are online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a specific, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. Most mental health experts do not recommend these tools because they don't take into account the complexity of psychiatric conditions and how their symptoms impact the person's daily activities. A healthcare professional who is qualified and adheres to the DSM guidelines can only give a formal ADHD diagnosis. You can find a certified healthcare professional through your family doctor or request referrals from colleagues and friends who have had experience with ADHD.
Family History
Currently, under DSM-5 guidelines, a child must demonstrate symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity in two or more settings, including home and school, before a diagnosis can be made. Adults, however, can be diagnosed in the event that they satisfy the criteria in just one setting.
The health professional who is conducting the examination will talk to the patient. She will inquire about the patient's symptoms and how they affect the daily routine. She will inquire about the person’s medical history and family background. She may employ a checklist or standardized rating system to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She will also ask for information from various sources, including coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups and family members and friends who spend a large time with the individual being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the description of symptoms by both the patient and his caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family members, and a thorough review of a person's education level, surroundings, and upbringing. A psychiatrist or mental health professional may also conduct tests to determine whether a patient's symptoms are caused by depression or anxiety.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared towards children, making it difficult to identify ADHD in adults. A health professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will inquire with the patient and those who know him well (such as the spouse or a close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the history of other disorders that could affect concentration, such as depression or drug abuse.
Ask your primary care doctor for an appointment with a health care provider who is qualified in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact a local support group for people with ADHD, or a mental illness group for recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if they list specialists with specialization.