ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional assessment will aid in determining the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They will also talk to you as well as your spouse, family members or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD Get an appointment from your health care provider. He may refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. It is also recommended to bring school records to the appointment as the doctor will want to know how your child's performance compares to his peers who are the same age. diagnosing adhd will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been in the same condition for.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history as well as mental health history in the family, and also their development. The doctor will also speak with you and other important adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. Discuss any issues you've noticed in your child's behavior, for example, trouble with homework or failing to complete assignments at home or school.
It is common for kids and teens to have a short attention span and lose concentration during games or activities. However if your child appears to forget things easily or is unable to follow instructions, or makes mistakes in their homework, chores or schoolwork, it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD, and it's common for children to fidget or flit around too much in class or when playing with friends. At home, they may run or climb in unsuitable locations or have trouble sitting for a long period of duration. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentional ADHD can be mistaken for daydreaming in adults without any 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
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with a person's daily functioning such as at home, school or at work. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they suffer from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they aren't likely to seek help. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and enable a physician to recommend treatment options.
The screening for ADHD includes a medical exam, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a doctor who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, talk to your GP who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will review the patient's symptoms, history and past treatment. The healthcare provider will perform an examination of the body, conduct vision and audio screenings, and look for any medical conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptoms checklists and standard 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, in school and at work. The patient will be asked to provide information from close relatives and friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six symptoms 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 visible in at least two locations, such as home, school or workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms should not be caused by mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient and the sibling or close friend however, other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can be a major influence on family life at work and school as well as social interactions. The medication reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and it might take several attempts to find the most appropriate one for an individual. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are essential components of treatment.
A physician who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Depending on the results, she might refer the patient to another health care professional, for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and mental history, and then apply standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor might also have someone who is familiar with the patient like siblings or spouses for adults; or a teacher, coach or parent for children -to complete an interview form that includes questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. For some people the most effective treatment is stimulants, which work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that control attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Children with ADHD typically have other health issues that need to be evaluated for depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for parents and children to discuss these other health issues with their doctor. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should consult a specialist for these issues all at once to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional who has experience in treating ADHD particularly when you are beginning treatment. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance policy for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of experts who are certified. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the patient's medical and family history. 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 suggested to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, for instance seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It's crucial that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the person very well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator can use questionnaires that ask about the person's conduct and how it impacts their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also request the person's performance reviews, or other documentation. If the person has a spouse or close friends they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them too.
The evaluator will also want to be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. They may suggest behavioral therapy such as family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person develop practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist might for instance, show the patient how to organize their possessions and schedule regular activities in order to improve their time-management.
Based on the specific situation the assessor may suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to get more complete information about 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 might prescribe medication to manage symptoms. The treatment plan may also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way a person conducts themselves or utilizing accommodations (tools or modifications to the workplace that help someone with a disability to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.