ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to not seek an assessment for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can aid in determining the root of symptoms and determine the severity.
Your doctor will go over your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also interview you as well as your spouse, family members or close friends to gain a personal insights that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect that your child has ADHD. He might refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist like psychiatrist or pediatrician. It is also recommended to bring school records to your visit as the doctor will want to see how your child compares with his peers of the same age. The provider will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been in the same condition for.
A comprehensive assessment will review your child's growth, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's lives like teachers or coaches. Talk to your child about any issues you've seen in their behavior, for example, not finishing homework or other tasks at school or at home.
It is common for children and teens to have a short attention span and lose concentration during games or activities. However if your child appears to forget things easily, has difficulty following instructions, or makes mistakes when it comes to homework, chores or schoolwork, it could be an indication 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 friends. When they're at home, they might be seen running around or climbing up when it's not appropriate or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt conversations, and they're unable to wait their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and it is difficult to recognize 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
The symptoms of ADHD can hinder the person's daily functioning, including at home, school or work. They can also cause issues with socialization and relationships. Many people with these symptoms are not aware that they suffer from a diagnosable disorder, and may not seek treatment. A screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and a doctor may suggest treatment options.
The test for ADHD includes a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or a doctor who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD discuss it with your GP who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare professional will look over the patient's symptoms, history and past treatment. The healthcare provider will perform physical examinations, audio and vision screenings and search for any medical conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, as well an extensive personal interview. The patient will also be asked about their previous symptoms and how they impact their life at home, at school and at work. The patient will be asked for information from close relatives and friends.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six signs of inattention, and/or at least five symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity as described in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six months. adhd diagnosed should be evident in at least two settings, such as school, home or workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental health issues or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for children and adolescents are not applicable to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient as well as a close friend or sibling while others prefer using specific psychological tests and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could affect the family as well as school and work as well as social relationships. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. There are many different medications available, and it could take a few attempts to find the best one for an individual. Therapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. The doctor could refer the patient depending on the outcome, to another health professional, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will look over the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor might also have someone who is familiar with the patient -- such as siblings or spouses for adults; or a teacher, coach or parent for children- to complete an interview form, which includes questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Several different types of medication are available to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for certain people. They enhance activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD frequently have other health issues that require evaluation, such as depression, anxiety, or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children talk about these other health issues with their doctor. Idealy, the person with ADHD should consult a specialist for these issues all simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve functioning.
It is important to find a doctor who is skilled in treating ADHD, especially when starting medication. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of professional who are qualified. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD He will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also go over the individual's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview, he'll be looking for signs that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam might be recommended to rule out some medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It is essential that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the individual well, such as teachers and family. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's conduct and how it impacts their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also ask for an account of the person's performance reviews, or other documents. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close friends of the person.
The evaluator should also be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in the context of relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. The evaluator may suggest a treatment like family or marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or even marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. Therapists can for instance, show the person how to organize their belongings and schedule routine activities to improve their time-management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety of neuropsychological or psychological tests to gain a clearer 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 may prescribe medication to control the symptoms. The treatment plan may also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way the person does things or using accommodations (tools or changes to a workplace that allow someone with a disability to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.