ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid getting a diagnosis for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and determine their severity.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your history. They'll also interview you and others in your life -- spouse or family members to get a personal perspective that self-tests and checklists cannot provide.
Signs and symptoms
Get a referral if you think your child might have ADHD. He may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician for more thorough evaluation or testing. You should also bring school records to the appointment since the doctor will want to determine how your child's performance compares to his peers who are the same age. The provider will use standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and how long they've been afflicted for.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's development, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also speak with you and other important adults in your child's life, like teachers or coaches. Talk to your child about any problems you've seen in their behavior, for example, not completing homework or other assignments at school or home.
Children and teens often have a short attention span, and it's normal for them to lose focus in games or activities. If your child seems to forget things quickly, has trouble following instructions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or at work, it could indicate that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be a sign of ADHD. adhd in adults undiagnosed 's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around a lot in class or when playing with their friends. If they're at home, they may climb or run around where it's inappropriate or struggle to sit still for long periods of time. They might interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
adhd diagnosis in adult is often mistaken for daydreaming, and can be difficult to identify in adults who don't have 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
ADHD symptoms can hinder the ability of a person to perform in everyday life, whether at work, school or at home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they have an identifiable disorder and aren't seeking treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and let a doctor recommend treatments.
The test for ADHD includes a medical examination and a thorough patient interview and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or a doctor who has been trained to recognize ADHD. Talk to your GP if you suspect that your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms as well as their history and will also look into any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, conduct audio and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales as well conducting a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their past symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, at school, and at work. The patient will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity as described in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six month. They must be apparent in at least two places such as at school, home or workplace and have significant impairment. The symptoms should not be due to other physical or mental illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for children and adolescents do not apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient as well as the sibling or close friend however, others prefer using specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can affect the family as well as school and work, as well as social relationships. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. There are a variety of medications available and it can take many 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 an exhaustive evaluation. The doctor may refer the patient, depending on the results, to another health professional, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will look over the medical history of the patient and mental health condition, and utilize standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor might also request someone who knows the patient well -- such as siblings or spouses for adults; or a teacher, coach or parent for childrento fill out an interview form, which includes specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Many different kinds of medication can be used to treat ADHD The doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate drug. Stimulants are the most effective drug for certain people. They boost activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release once-daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD have other health problems that also need to be treated and evaluated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children discuss these additional issues with their healthcare professional. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should see specialists for these conditions at once to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
It is essential to find a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD, especially when beginning medication. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified 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 of having ADHD He will ask them to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator also reviews the individual's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that are similar to those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It is important for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires that inquire about the person's behavior and how it impacts their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also request the review of performance or other documentation. If the person has a spouse or close friends, the evaluator might interview them too.
The evaluator should also try to determine how the individual's ADHD symptoms impact their daily functioning, such as in relationships, at school, and at work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach a person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For instance, a therapist might assist the patient in learning to manage their belongings and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological tests to provide a more accurate picture of a person's abilities. 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 manage symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle such as altering the way the person conducts themselves, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.