ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can help you pinpoint the cause of symptoms and determine their severity.
Your doctor will go over your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also conduct interviews with you and those in your life -- such as your spouse or family members, as well as friends -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect your child may have ADHD. He may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician for more thorough assessment or testing. It is also recommended to bring school records to the appointment, because the provider will want to determine how your child compares with his peers who are the same age. The doctor may employ standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the length of time they've been present.
adhd diagnose will look at the development of your child, their family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. You should talk to your child about any issues you've observed in their behavior, for example, not finishing homework or other assignments at school or home.
It is common for children and teens to have short attention spans and lose focus during activities or games. However if your child appears to be prone to forgetting things, has difficulty following instructions or makes careless mistakes in their homework, chores or schoolwork it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD, and it's common for kids to fidget or move around too much in class or when playing with their friends. If they're at home, they may play or run around in places when it's not appropriate or have trouble sitting still for an extended period of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt conversations, and they're not able to wait their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming among adults who don't show 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
ADHD symptoms can impact the person's ability to function in everyday life whether at school, work or at home. They can also lead to problems with socialization and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms are unaware that they may have a disorder that is diagnosable, and may not seek treatment. A test for ADHD can help identify the condition and a doctor may suggest treatment options.
The screening process for ADHD includes a medical examination, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist or physician who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. Talk with your GP if you suspect that your child may have ADHD. They could refer your child to an evaluation by a specialist.
To establish a diagnosis the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, their history and past treatment. The healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, conduct audio and vision screenings, and search for any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist and standardized scores for behavioral ratings and conduct a thorough interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how these impact their lives both at home and in school. They will also be asked to provide information from family members and close friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more signs of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity as that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two different settings such as at home, school or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by mental health disorders or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Certain doctors interview the patient or a close family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can affect the family as well as school and work, as well as social interactions. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. Several different medications are available, and sometimes it takes several attempts to discover the one that is effective for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may also be crucial components of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will perform a thorough examination. They may refer the patient, depending on the outcome, to another health professional, such psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient as well as their mental health condition, and utilize standardized ratings scales to assess ADHD. The doctor may also have someone who is familiar with the patient for example, siblings or spouses for adults; or a coach, teacher or parent for children- to complete an interview form with specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Many different kinds of medication are available to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate drug. Stimulants are the most effective medication for some people. They enhance the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Children with ADHD typically have other health conditions that need to be evaluated, such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children talk about these issues with their healthcare professional. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these disorders at the same time to ensure that they're working together to improve functioning.
When starting medication it is essential to locate a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that 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 person's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview, the evaluator will look for signs that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
It's crucial that the evaluator gets information from those who know the person well, like teachers and family. The evaluator could use questionnaires that ask about the behavior of the person and how it impacts their work and home life. The evaluator could also ask for the person's performance reviews or other documentation. If the person has family members or a spouse they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them too.
The evaluator also wants to be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. The evaluator may suggest a treatment such as family or marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or even marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person the practical skills needed to manage their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. For instance a therapist could help the person learn to organize their belongings or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain a clearer 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. The evaluator could prescribe medication to treat symptoms. The treatment plan could also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way a person conducts themselves or utilizing accommodations (tools or modifications to the workplace that help those with disabilities to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.