ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can help you pinpoint the cause of the symptoms and determine their severity.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and other people in your life -- such as your spouse or family members -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD, get a referral from his health medical professional. He may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, for more extensive testing or evaluation. Bring school records to your visit, because the provider will want to determine how your child compares with his peers of the same age. The provider will employ standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been in the same condition for.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's development, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and other important adults in your child's life, like teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any issues you've observed in their behavior, such as not completing homework or other school-related tasks or at home.
It's common for kids and teens to have a limited attention span and lose concentration during games or activities. If your child is unable to remember things quickly, having difficulty following instructions, or making careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be a sign that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another sign of ADHD It's not uncommon for children to be distracted or move around a lot in class or when playing with friends. When they're at home, they might be seen running around or climbing up where it's inappropriate or struggle to sit still for an extended period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt conversations, and they're unable to hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults with no 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 the ability of a person to perform in everyday life whether at work, school, or home. They can also lead to problems with socialization and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they have an identifiable condition, and they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and let a doctor suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam and a thorough interview with the patient and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is done by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a physician skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD discuss it with your GP who can refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms and history and will also look into any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will conduct physical examinations, vision and audio screenings, and search for any medical conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD symptoms checklist as well as 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 for details from family members and friends.
For children, a medical professional is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more signs of inattention, or five or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity identified in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two settings such as at school, at home or in the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be due to other physical or mental illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools that are utilized for adolescents and children are not applicable to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or an immediate family member or friend. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult use computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may affect work, family or school, as well as social interactions. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. Several different medications are available, and sometimes it takes many attempts to find the one that works for a particular individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification can also be crucial components of treatment.
A physician who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. They could refer the patient depending on the outcome to a different health professional, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient and the psychiatric issue, and utilize standardized ratings scales to assess ADHD. The doctor could also ask someone who knows the patient well -- such as siblings or spouses for adults, or a coach, teacher or parent for childrento fill out an interview form, which includes specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD The doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective drug for certain people. They increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Many children who suffer from ADHD also have other health issues that also need to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and children to talk about these other conditions with their doctor. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will visit specialists for all of these disorders simultaneously, 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 and especially when it comes to starting treatment. Consult a doctor whose work 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 call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of 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 also reviews the patient's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gathers information from those who know the person very well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator may use questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and the impact it has on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also request the person's performance reviews, or other documents. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator should also try to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily functioning, such as in relationships, at school and at work. They may suggest a therapy for behavioral issues, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For example a therapist could help the person learn to organize their belongings or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend various neuropsychological or psychological tests to provide a more accurate understanding of the capabilities 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. The evaluator might prescribe medication to treat symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle like changing the way a person conducts themselves or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.