ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional assessment can help you determine the severity of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They'll also interview you and other people in your life -- such as your spouse, family members or friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
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 psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, as the doctor will be interested in how your child compares to other children. The doctor may utilize standardized rating scales in order to determine the severity of your child's symptoms and determine how long they have been present.
Suggested Looking at will look at your child's development, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who are important in your child's lives like coaches or teachers. Discuss any issues you've noticed in your child's behavior, for example, difficulties with homework or failure to complete tasks at home or school.
It is common for kids and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during games or activities. If your child is unable to remember things quickly, having difficulty following instructions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be a sign they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around excessively in class or when playing with their peers. At home, they may climb or run in inappropriate places or struggle to sit still for long periods of period of time. They may interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming in adults with no 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 hinder a person's daily functioning, including at home, school or work. They can also cause problems with socialization and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms aren't aware that they have a diagnosable disorder, and may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and allow a doctor to recommend 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 performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. Talk with your GP when you suspect your child may have ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will review the patient's symptoms, history and treatment history. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings, and look for any medical conditions that may explain the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptom checklists, standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their history of symptoms and how they affect their lives at home, in school and at work. The patient will be asked for details from family members and friends.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity as defined in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms must be present for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two settings, such as school, home or workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by mental health conditions or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient as well as the sibling or close friend while other doctors prefer to use specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can affect family life as well as school and work and social relationships. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different medications available and it can take many attempts to find the one that works for a specific person. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also crucial components of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. The doctor may refer the patient, dependent on the results, to another health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient as well as their the psychiatric issue, and use standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. The doctor will also ask anyone close to the patient- a parent, teacher or sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or sibling for children to fill out an interview form that includes questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD The doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate medication. For some the most effective treatment is stimulants, which work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD frequently have other health issues which need to be assessed, such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and the child to discuss about these conditions with their doctor. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will visit specialists for all of these issues at the same time to ensure that they are 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 medication. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified professionals. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. Suggested Looking at will also go over the patient's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, he'll be looking for symptoms that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
It is important for the evaluator information from people who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires that inquire about the person's behavior and how it affects their work and home life. The evaluator could also request a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other records. If the person has family members or a spouse, the evaluator might interview them too.
The evaluator will also want to know how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For example therapy may assist the patient in learning to manage their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances the assessor may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests in order to get a more comprehensive 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. The evaluator may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as altering the way the person performs tasks, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.