ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional assessment will help you determine the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to go over your history. They will also talk to you and your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists or self-tests cannot provide.
Signs and symptoms
Get a referral if you suspect your child may have ADHD. He could refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician, for more extensive testing or evaluation. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, as the doctor will be interested in how your child compares to his peers. The provider will employ standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been afflicted for.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults that are important in your child's lives, such as teachers or coaches. You should discuss what difficulties you've noticed in your child's behavior, like difficulties with homework or failure to complete tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens typically have a limited attention span, and it's normal to see them lose focus during games or other activities. However if your child appears to be prone to forgetting things or has trouble following instructions or makes careless mistakes when it comes to homework, chores or schoolwork it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD It's not uncommon for kids to fidget or move around a lot in class or while playing with friends. When they're home, they may climb or run around in areas that aren't appropriate or have difficulty sitting for long periods of time. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentional 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
ADHD symptoms can impact the person's ability to function in daily life at work, school or at home. They can also cause problems with social interaction and relationships. Many people with these symptoms aren't aware that they have a diagnosable disorder, and aren't seeking treatment. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and let a doctor suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test and a thorough interview with the patient as well as a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neurologist or physician who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. Talk with your GP if you suspect that your child might be suffering from ADHD. They can refer your child for an evaluation by a specialist.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will review the patient's symptoms, their history and previous treatment. They will then conduct physical examinations, hearing and vision screenings and look for any medical conditions that may 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 as a thorough personal interview. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how they impact their lives at home and at school. adult adhd diagnoses will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.
For children, a doctor is able to diagnose ADHD when they notice six or more symptoms of inattention, or five or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms must be present for at least six month. They must be noticeable in at least two places like school, at home or in the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by other mental health conditions or physical ailments.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient and a close friend or sibling while other doctors prefer to use special psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can negatively impact family life, work or school, as well as social interactions. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and improve functioning. There are many different drugs available, and it may take several attempts to find the right 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. Depending on the results, she may refer the patient to a different health professional, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will look over the patient's medical and mental history, and then apply standard rating scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms. The doctor will also interview those who are close to the patient -such as a teacher, parent or sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or a sibling in the case of children to complete an interview form that contains questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best treatment options with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective medication for certain people. They boost activity in the brain areas that control attention and behaviour. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that need to be evaluated and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important that parents and children discuss these conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, the person with ADHD will visit specialists for all of these conditions at the same time, to ensure that they're working together to improve their performance.
It is essential to find a healthcare provider who is experienced in treating ADHD, especially when you are starting a medication. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified specialists. 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 a patient of having ADHD He will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the person's medical and family history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that match those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical examination may be suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
It is crucial for the evaluator information from those who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and its impact on their work and personal life. The evaluator may also request copies of the person's performance assessments or other documentation. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends, the evaluator might interview them too.
The evaluator will also want to know how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships school, work, and relationships. He or she may suggest behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or even marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person develop practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist could, for example, teach the patient how to organize their belongings and schedule routine activities to improve their time management.
Depending on the situation, the evaluator might recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan could also include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as altering the way the person conducts themselves or using accommodations (tools or changes to a workplace that make it easier for disabled people to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.