ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to not seek an evaluation for yourself or your child. However, a professional evaluation will aid in determining the root of your symptoms and determine their severity.
Your healthcare provider will review 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 to gain insight that self-tests and checklists cannot provide.
Symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect that your child has ADHD. He could refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician, for more extensive assessment or testing. It is also recommended to bring school records to your visit since the doctor will want to know how your child's condition compares to his peers who are the same age. The provider might use standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and determine how long they have been present.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history, their mental health history in the family, and also their development. The doctor will also speak to you and the other key adults in your child's life, including teachers or coaches. Discuss any issues you've observed in your child's behavior, for example, trouble with homework or failing to complete tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens typically have a limited attention span, and it's normal for them to lose their focus during games or other activities. However, if your child seems to lose track of things easily or has trouble following instructions or makes erroneous mistakes with their homework, chores or schoolwork it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD, and it's common for children to be distracted or move around too much in class or when playing with friends. When they're home, they might play or run around in places where it's inappropriate or have difficulty sitting for an extended period of time. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
adhd diagnosis in adults 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
ADHD symptoms can hinder the ability of a person to function in daily life whether at school, work or at home. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms are unaware that they have a diagnosable disorder, and they may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to recommend treatment options.
The screening for ADHD involves a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neurologist or doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD. Talk to your GP in case you think your child may be suffering from ADHD. They can refer your child for a specialist evaluation.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms as well as their history and will also look into any previous treatment. The healthcare provider will conduct an examination of the body, conduct vision and audio screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might explain the patient's symptomatology. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales as well as a thorough personal interview. The patient will be asked about their history of symptoms and how they impact their life at home, at school, and at work. The patient will be asked for details from family members and friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity as that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must exhibit these signs for at minimum six months. They must be apparent in at least two different settings, such as home, school or the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by other mental health issues or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Certain doctors interview the patient, a close family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can negatively impact work, family or school, as well as social interactions. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. There are a variety of drugs available, and it may take a few attempts to find the best one for an individual. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are important parts of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will perform an extensive examination. They may refer the patient, depending on the results to a different health professional, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then apply the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor might also request someone who is familiar with the patient like siblings or spouses for adults; a coach, teacher or parent for children -to fill out an interview form with specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment options with the patient. For some, the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that control behavior and attention. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD typically have other health conditions which need to be assessed like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and the child to discuss about these other conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, the person with ADHD will visit specialists for all of these conditions simultaneously, to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve functioning.
When beginning treatment, it is important to locate a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance policy for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of professional who are qualified. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD, he or she will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the person's medical and family 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 may be advised to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, for instance seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It's crucial that the evaluator gets information from those who know the individual well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires that ask about the person's behavior and how it impacts their home and work life. The evaluator may also ask for a copy of a person's performance reviews or other documents. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator will also want to determine how the individual's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school, and at work. They may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist might for instance, show the patient how to organize their belongings and plan routine activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances the assessor may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to get an overall picture of the person's abilities. 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. Often, the evaluator will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way a person conducts themselves or using accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that help someone with a disability to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.