ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional evaluation can aid in determining the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your provider will review your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also interview you and your spouse, family or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect your child may have ADHD. He could refer you to more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist, such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. The provider will employ standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and how long they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history, mental health history within the family, and developmental. read here will also speak to you and other important adults in your child's life, including coaches or teachers. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, for example, difficulty with homework or inability to complete tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens often have a short attention span and it's not uncommon to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. If your child is unable to remember things quickly, having difficulty following directions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be a sign that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around a lot during class or playing with their friends. When they're home, they might climb or run around where it's inappropriate or have trouble sitting still for a long period of time. They might interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for 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 affect a person's ability to function in daily life whether at work, school or at home. They can also cause issues with relationships and socialization. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms don't know that they are suffering from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they may not seek help. A screening for ADHD will help in identifying the condition and a doctor may suggest treatments.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test as well as a detailed interview with the patient, and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is done by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a doctor who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. Talk with your GP when you suspect your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will perform an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings, and search for any medical conditions which could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptom checklists, standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to explain their symptoms and how they affect their lives, at home and at school. The patient will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.
For children, a doctor is able to diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more signs of inattention and/or five or more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity identified in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must exhibit these signs for at least six months. They must be noticeable in at least two settings, such as home, school or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by other mental health disorders or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient as well as a close friend or sibling while other doctors prefer specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may negatively impact work, family, school, and social interactions. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and can improve the functioning. Several different medications are available and it can take several tries to discover the one that is effective for a specific person. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are essential components of treatment.
A doctor who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. Based on the results, she could refer the patient to a different health care professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient and psychiatric condition, and then use standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor may also ask someone who knows the patient well like siblings or spouses for adults; or a teacher, coach or parent for children- to complete an interview form with questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Several different types of medication can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate drug. For some, the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug 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 also need to be treated and evaluated such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and children to discuss these additional conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should consult a specialist for these issues all at once to ensure they work together to improve functioning.
It is important to locate a healthcare professional 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 specialized professionals. You can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD If a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the individual's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, he'll be looking for symptoms that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is advised to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It's crucial that the evaluator gets information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family. The evaluator may use questionnaires that ask about the person's conduct and how it affects their home and work life. The evaluator may also request copies of the person's performance assessments or other documents. If the person has family members or a spouse the evaluator may interview them as well.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. They may suggest a behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For example a therapist could assist the patient in learning how to organize their possessions or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The examiner may suggest a variety of neuropsychological or psychological tests to provide a more accurate picture of the abilities of a 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 treat the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as changing how the person performs tasks or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.