ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional assessment will aid in determining the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your healthcare provider will use standard ADHD ratings scales to go over your history. They'll also conduct interviews with you and others in your life, such as spouse or family members, as well as friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, get a referral from his health healthcare provider. They may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive assessment or testing. You should also bring school records to the appointment as the doctor will want to know how your child's performance compares to his peers who are similar age. The provider will employ standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history, their mental health history within the family, and also their development. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's life like coaches or teachers. It is important to talk with your child about any difficulties you've seen in their behavior, for example, not finishing their homework or other tasks at school or home.
Children and teens often have a limited attention span, and it's normal for them to lose their focus during games or other activities. If your child seems to forget things easily, having trouble following directions, or making careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, this could be a sign that they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another sign of ADHD, and it's common for children to be distracted or move around a lot in class or when playing with their friends. At home, they may run or climb in unsuitable places or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they're unable to hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD can be mistaken for 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
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with a person's daily functioning such as at school, home or work. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms are unaware that they may have a diagnosable disorder, and aren't seeking treatment. A screening for ADHD can help identify the condition, and a doctor can recommend solutions.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test and a thorough interview with the patient as well as various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or physician who has been trained to recognize ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD consult your GP who will refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms and medical history and any previous treatment. The healthcare provider will perform an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings and search for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptom checklists, standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. The patient will also be asked about their past symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, at school, and at work. They will also be asked to provide details from family members and close friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more signs of inattention and/or five or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must exhibit these signs for at minimum six months. They should be evident in at least two places like home, school or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms must not be due to other physical or mental disorders.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools utilized for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient as well as an immediate family member or friend, but other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could interfere significantly with work, family or school, as well as social relationships. The medications can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different drugs available, and it may require several tries to locate the best one for you. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are also crucial components of treatment.
A physician trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. She may refer the patient, depending on the outcome to a different health professional, such a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then apply the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor could also request someone who knows the patient well -- such as a spouse or sibling for adults, or a teacher, coach or parent for children -to fill out an interview form that includes questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Different types of medications 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. They work by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD have other health problems that also need to be evaluated and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and the child to discuss about these other conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, the child with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions all at once to ensure they work together to improve functioning.
It is important to find a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD particularly when you are beginning medication. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered under your insurance for a recommendation or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of qualified professionals. You can also connect with 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 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 person's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, he will be looking for signs that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam might be advised to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is crucial that the person evaluating obtains information from people who know the person well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and how it impacts their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also ask for a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documentation. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator will also want to know how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school and at work. The evaluator might suggest a behavioral therapy such as family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or even marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach the person the skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For getting a adhd diagnosis could help the person learn to organize their belongings or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the specific situation, the evaluator might suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests in order to get more complete information about the individual's capabilities. 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 manage the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes, such as altering the way the person performs tasks or utilizing accommodations (tools or modifications to a workplace that allow someone with a disability to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.