ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek an evaluation for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can assist you in identifying the source of symptoms and determine their severity.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and others in your life -- such as your spouse, family members or friends -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect that your child has ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive assessment or testing. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the provider will be interested in how your child compares to other children. adult adhd diagnoses may employ standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the time since they've been present.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history, their mental health history in the family and development. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who are important in your child's lives like teachers or coaches. You should talk to your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, like not finishing homework or other assignments at school or home.
It's common for kids and teens to have short attention spans and lose concentration during games or activities. If your child is unable to remember things quickly, having difficulty following directions, or making careless mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, this could indicate that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around excessively in class or while playing with their peers. At home, they could climb or run in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting for a long period of period of time. They may interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming. It can be difficult to identify in adults who do not show symptoms 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 a person's ability to function in daily life whether at school, work or at home. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms are not aware that they may have an identifiable disorder and aren't seeking treatment. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and enable a physician to suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD includes a medical examination as well as a detailed interview with the patient as well as a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist or a physician trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, talk to your GP, who can refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and history, as well as any previous treatment. The healthcare provider will perform an examination of the body, conduct vision and audio screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, as well an extensive 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. They will also be asked to supply information from close family members and close friends.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity listed in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six month. They must be apparent in at least two locations such as school, home or at the workplace, and exhibit significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by mental health issues or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents are not applicable to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient as well as a close friend or sibling while other doctors prefer special psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can be a major influence on family life at work and school and social relationships. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and sometimes it takes several tries to discover the one that is effective for a particular individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may also be important components of treatment.
A doctor who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Depending on the results, she could refer the patient to another health care professional, for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then use the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor might also ask someone who is familiar with the patient like a spouse or sibling for adults; a teacher, coach or parent for children -to complete an interview form that includes specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Many different kinds of medication can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective medication for some people. They increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behaviour. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.
Children with ADHD frequently suffer from other health conditions which need to be assessed like depression, anxiety, or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children talk about these issues with their healthcare professional. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should consult a specialist for these conditions all simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve functioning.
It is important to locate a healthcare professional who has experience in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to you are starting a treatment. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance for a recommendation or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of experts who are certified. You can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also go over the person's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview the evaluator will search for symptoms that match those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is essential that the evaluator gets information from those who know the individual well, like teachers and family. The evaluator may utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and home life. The evaluator may also ask for a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documentation. The evaluator may also interview the spouse or close friends of the person.
The evaluator also needs to determine how the individual's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, such as in relationships, at school, and at work. He or she might suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For example therapy may assist the patient in learning to organize their belongings or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances, the evaluator might recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to get an overall picture of the abilities of the 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 may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as changing how the person performs tasks or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.