ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. However, a professional evaluation will assist you in identifying the source of symptoms and determine their severity.
Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They will also speak with you as well as your spouse, family members or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists or self-tests are not able to provide.
Signs and symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect that your child has ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive evaluation or testing. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's growth, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in your child's life, including coaches or teachers. It is important to talk with your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, for example, not finishing homework or other school-related tasks or home.
Children and teens often have short attention spans, and it's normal to see them lose focus in games or activities. If your child seems to forget things easily, having trouble following directions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could be a sign they suffer from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also a sign of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be distracted and move around a lot in class or when playing with their peers. When they're home, they may be seen running around or climbing up in areas that aren't appropriate or have trouble sitting still for a long period of time. They might interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentional ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults without 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 person's ability to function in daily life at school, work, or home. They can also lead to issues with socialization and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms don't know that they are suffering from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they might not seek treatment. A screening for ADHD will help in identifying the disorder, and a doctor can suggest treatments.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam, a detailed interview with the patient and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, 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 for an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and medical history and any previous treatment. The healthcare professional will conduct physical examinations, audio and vision screenings and search for any medical conditions that might explain the patient's symptomatology. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist, standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to explain their symptoms and how they affect their lives, both at home and at school. The patient will be asked for details from family members and friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five indicators of impulsivity or hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms must be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two locations, such as home, school or workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms should not be caused other physical or mental illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or an immediate family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computers to conduct continuous performance tests that are specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may affect the family, work, school, and social interactions. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. There are a myriad of medications available, and it may require several tries to locate the right one for an individual. Therapy and behavior modification can also be crucial components of treatment.
A physician who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. She could refer the patient depending on the outcome to a different health professional, such a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review a patient's medical history and the psychiatric issue, and utilize standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor will also ask those who are close to the patient -such as a teacher, parent or a sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or sibling in the case children -- to fill out an interview form that contains questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different kinds of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best medication with the patient. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants, which work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that control attention and behavior. adhd in adults diagnosis prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Many children with ADHD have other health problems which also require to be evaluated and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and children to discuss these other issues with their healthcare professional. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these issues simultaneously, to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is essential to find a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to starting medication. Ask a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance policy for a recommendation or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of professional who are qualified. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator also reviews 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 may be suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It's crucial that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the individual well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator could use questionnaires to ask about the person's behavior and its impact on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator can also ask for a copy of a person's performance reviews or other documents. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close friends of the person.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships school, work, and relationships. He or she may suggest behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. For example, a therapist might assist the patient how to organize their possessions or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the specific situation, the evaluator might suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests in order to get a more comprehensive picture of the abilities of the person. 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 the symptoms. The treatment plan may also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way the person conducts themselves or making accommodations (tools or modifications to a workplace that allow disabled people to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.