ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. However, a professional evaluation will help you pinpoint the cause of symptoms and determine the severity.
Your provider will review 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 insight that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, get an appointment from your health medical professional. He could refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician for more thorough assessment or testing. It is also recommended to 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 may utilize standardized rating scales in order to determine the severity of your child's symptoms and determine the time since they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will review the development of your child, their family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults that are important in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. Discuss the issues you've observed in your child's behavior, such as difficulty with homework or inability to finish tasks at home or school.
Children and teens often have a short attention span, and it's normal for them to lose focus during games or other activities. If your child is forgetting things easily, having trouble following directions or making mistakes in their schoolwork, chores or work, this could be a sign that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD It's normal for children to be distracted or flit around too much in class or when playing with 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 long periods of time. They might blurt out answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they can't wait for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and can be hard to diagnose in adults who do not show 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
ADHD symptoms can affect the person's ability to function in daily life at school, work, or home. They can also cause problems with social interactions and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms don't know that they suffer from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to suggest treatments.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam as well as a detailed interview with the patient, and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a physician experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD consult your GP, who will refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatments. They will then conduct physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD symptom checklists as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how these impact their lives at home and at school. The patient will be asked for information from close family members and friends.
For children, a medical professional is able to diagnose ADHD when they notice six or more symptoms of inattention and/or five or more indicators of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two locations such as school, home or the workplace, and show significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health conditions or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient as well as the sibling or close friend, but other doctors prefer to use special psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can be a major influence on the family at work and school as well as social interactions. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are a myriad of drugs available, and it could take a few attempts to find the most appropriate one for you. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are essential components of treatment.
A physician qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. She might refer the patient, depending on the results to a different health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will look over a patient's medical history and mental health condition, and employ standardized scales of ratings to determine ADHD. The doctor will also ask those who are close to the patient -- a parent, teacher or sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling in the case of children -- to fill out an interview form that contains questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Several different types of medication are available to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate medication. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants, which work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Many children who suffer from ADHD have other health problems which also require to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and the child to discuss about these other issues with their doctor. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these issues at the same time, to ensure that they're working together to improve functioning.
It is crucial to find a healthcare provider who is experienced in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to starting treatment. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance policy for a recommendation or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of experts who are certified. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask the patient 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 symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be suggested to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is crucial for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires to ask about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and personal lives. The evaluator may also request the review of performance or other documentation. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close friends of the person.
The evaluator also wants to know how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. They may suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person the practical skills needed to manage their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. For instance, a therapist might assist the patient in learning to organize their belongings or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Depending on the situation the assessor may suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests in order to get a more comprehensive 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. how is adhd diagnosed in adults may prescribe medication to treat symptoms. The treatment plan may also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as altering the way the person does things or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes to a workplace that allow disabled people to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.