ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid getting a diagnosis for yourself or your child. However, a professional evaluation will help you pinpoint the cause of symptoms and determine the severity.
Your healthcare provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also interview you and other people in your life, such as spouse, family members or friends to get a personal perspective that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD Get an appointment with your health care provider. He could refer you to more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's performance compares to other children. The provider will use standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history, mental health history within the family, and also their development. The doctor will also talk to you and the other key adults in your child's life, including coaches or teachers. Discuss any issues you've observed in your child's behavior, such as difficulties with homework or failure to complete assignments at home or school.
It is common for children and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during activities or games. If your child seems to forget things quickly, has trouble following directions or making a few mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or at work, it could indicate that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD, and it's common for children to fidget or move around a lot in class or while playing with their friends. At home, they could run or climb in unsuitable places or have difficulty sitting still for long periods of duration. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they can't wait their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and is difficult to recognize in adults who don't have 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 impact the person's ability to function in daily life at school, work or at home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms don't know that they are suffering from a diagnosable condition, so they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and let a doctor recommend treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam and a thorough interview with the patient, and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a physician experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Talk with your GP in case you think your child might be suffering from ADHD. They may refer your child to an evaluation by a specialist.
To establish a diagnosis the healthcare professional will look over the patient's symptoms, their history and previous treatment. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scores for behavioral ratings, and a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their previous 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 may diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six symptoms of inattentiveness, and/or at least five signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity as defined in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two places like school, home or workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused by mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient and an immediate family member or friend, but others prefer using specific psychological tests and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can affect family life, work, school, and social relationships. The medications can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and it could take several attempts to find the most appropriate one for a particular person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may be essential components of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will perform a thorough examination. Depending on diagnosis adhd , she might refer the patient to another health care professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also have someone who is familiar with the patient for example, a spouse or sibling for adults, or a teacher, coach or parent for childrento complete an interview form with specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD The doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate medication. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for some people. They enhance activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release once-daily preparations.
Children with ADHD frequently have other health conditions that need to be evaluated like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and child to talk about these other conditions with their physician. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions all at once to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
When starting medication it is essential to find a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of qualified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD, he or she will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the individual's medical and family history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that are similar to those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical examination may be suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
It is crucial for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it impacts their home and work life. The evaluator could also request a copy of the person's performance assessments or other records. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close friends of the person.
The evaluator also needs to know how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school and at work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving daily functioning. A therapist could, for example, teach the person how to organize their possessions and schedule routine activities to improve their time management.
Based on the specific situation, the evaluator might suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests in order 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to control the symptoms. The treatment plan could also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as altering the way the person does things or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes to a workplace that help those with disabilities to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.