ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to not seek an assessment for yourself or your child. However, a professional evaluation will assist you in identifying the source of symptoms and determine their severity.
Your healthcare provider will use standard ADHD ratings scales to go over your history. They will also speak with you and your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insights that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD, get an appointment from your health healthcare provider. He might refer you for more detailed testing or an evaluation to a specialist like psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. The provider will employ standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been afflicted for.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history as well as 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. Talk to your child about any issues you've seen in their behavior, for example, not finishing homework or other assignments at school or at home.
Children and teens often have a short attention span and it's not uncommon for them to lose their focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However if your child appears to lose track of things easily or has trouble following instructions, or makes mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around excessively in class or while playing with their friends. At home, they could run or climb in unsuitable locations or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They might interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
adhd diagnosed can be mistaken for daydreaming in adults without 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 person's ability to perform in everyday life at school, work, or home. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms are unaware that they may have an identifiable disorder and may not seek treatment. A test for ADHD can help to identify the disorder, and a doctor can recommend treatments.
The screening process for ADHD involves a medical examination and a thorough patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or a doctor who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. Talk with your GP if you suspect that your child may have ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will review the patient's symptoms, medical history and previous treatment. The healthcare professional will conduct an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scores for behavioral ratings and conduct a thorough interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how they impact their lives both at home and in school. The patient will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six symptoms of inattentiveness, and/or at least five indicators of hyperactivity or impulsivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two locations like home, school or workplace, and exhibit significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be due to other physical or mental illnesses.
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 a close friend or sibling however, other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can affect family life as well as school and work, as well as social relationships. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. Several different medications are available, and sometimes it takes many attempts to find the one that works for an individual. Therapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an exhaustive examination. Depending on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health professional, for example, psychiatrist or psychologist. 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 will also ask those who are close to the patientfor example, a teacher, parent, or sibling in the instance of adults; or a spouse or sibling in the case of children -- to complete an interview form that contains questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate medication. Stimulants are the most effective medication for a few people. They increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Children with ADHD typically have other health conditions which need to be assessed, such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and children to talk about these other conditions with their physician. Ideally, the child with ADHD should see specialists for these conditions all simultaneously to ensure they work together to improve functioning.
When starting medication, it is important to seek out an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance provider to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified specialists. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD, he will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the patient's medical and family history. During the interview the evaluator will search for symptoms that match those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam might be advised to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It is crucial that the person evaluating obtains information from people who know the individual well, like teachers and family. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and its impact on their work and personal life. The evaluator may also ask for a copy of a person's performance reviews or other documents. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends the evaluator may interview them too.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school and at work. The evaluator may suggest behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or even marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person develop practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For instance, a therapist might assist the patient how to organize their possessions or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety of neuropsychological or psychological tests to provide a more accurate 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan may involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way the person does things or making accommodations (tools or changes to the workplace that help disabled people to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.