ADHD Diagnosing
It's tempting to not to seek an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation can aid in determining the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also interview you and those in your life -- spouse or family members, as well as friends -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Request a referral if you think your child might have ADHD. He could refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician, for more extensive evaluation or testing. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the doctor will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. The doctor will use standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been in the same condition for.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history, mental health history in the family, and developmental. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who play a role to your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. It is important to talk with your child about any difficulties you've observed in their behavior, like not completing homework or other school-related tasks or home.
Children and teens typically have a short attention span and it's common to see them lose focus in 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, it could indicate that they suffer from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD It's normal for children to be distracted or move around a lot in class or with friends. When they're home, they may climb or run around in areas that aren't appropriate or struggle to sit still for a long period of time. They might interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming in adults without 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 affect the person's ability to function in everyday life, whether at school, work, or home. They can also lead to difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people with these symptoms aren't aware that they may have a disorder that is diagnosable, and they may not seek treatment. A test for ADHD can help to identify the condition and a doctor may recommend treatments.
The screening process for ADHD involves a medical examination, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been trained to recognize ADHD. Talk with your GP when you suspect your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to an evaluation by a specialist.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, their history and past treatment. They will then perform physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, as well as a thorough personal interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how these impact their lives at home and at school. The patient will be asked for details from family members and friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six symptoms of inattention, or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two locations, such as school, home or the workplace, and show a significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused by physical or mental disorders.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient or someone close to them, or a friend. Other doctors use computers to conduct continuous performance tests that are designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may negatively impact family life, work, school, and social relationships. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are a variety of medications available and it can take several attempts to find one that works for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.
A physician who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health care professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient as well as their psychiatric condition, and then utilize standardized ratings scales to assess ADHD. The doctor will also ask those who are close to the patient -for example, a teacher, parent or a sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or sibling for children -- to fill out an interview form with questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different kinds of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective medication with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective medication for certain people. They increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behaviour. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Children who suffer from ADHD frequently have other health issues which need to be assessed for depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children talk about these additional conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these issues at the same time to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is important to find a healthcare provider who is skilled in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to beginning medication. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of experts who are certified. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD, he will ask them to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator also reviews the patient's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, he will be looking for symptoms that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). adult diagnosis of adhd may be suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
It is important for the evaluator to get information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and how it affects their work and personal life. The evaluator could also request copies of the person's performance assessments or other records. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator will also want to know how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. The evaluator might suggest a behavioral therapy like family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or even marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist could teach the patient how to organize their belongings and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend various neuropsychological or psychological assessments to get a better picture of a 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 manage the symptoms. The treatment plan may also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way a person does things or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes to the workplace that allow disabled people to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.