ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to get a diagnosis for you or your child. But a professional evaluation can assist you in identifying the source of your symptoms and determine the severity.
Your doctor will go over your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also speak with you, your spouse, family or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists or self-tests cannot provide.
Signs and symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect your child may have ADHD. He might refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring school records to the appointment, because the provider will want to know how your child's condition compares to his peers who are similar age. The provider may utilize standardized rating scales in order to measure the severity of your child's symptoms, and also determine how long they have been present.
A thorough assessment will examine the development of your child, their family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in your child's life, like teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any issues you've seen in their behavior, like not finishing homework or other school-related tasks or at home.
Children and teens typically have short attention spans, and it's normal to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However it is a sign that your child appears to forget things easily or has trouble following instructions, or makes mistakes with their homework, chores or schoolwork it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around a lot in class or while playing with their peers. If they're at home, they may play or run around in places when it's not appropriate or have difficulty sitting for an extended period of time. They may interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentional ADHD 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
The symptoms of ADHD can hinder a person's daily functioning such as at school, home or at work. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms don't know that they have a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to recommend treatments.
Screening for ADHD includes a medical examination and a thorough interview with the patient, and several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a physician experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If adhd in adults diagnosis suspect your child is suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP, who will refer them to a specialist assessment.
To establish a diagnosis the healthcare provider will review the patient's symptoms, their history and previous treatment. The healthcare professional will conduct physical examinations, audio and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales as well an extensive personal interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how they affect their lives, both at home and in school. They will also be asked to supply information from family members and close friend.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six signs of inattention, or at least five signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two settings like home, school or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms should not be caused by mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient along with an immediate family member or friend, but others prefer using specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can affect family life, work and school, as well as social interactions. The medications reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. There are a myriad of medicines available, and it may take a few attempts to find the best one for a particular person. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A physician trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. Depending on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health care professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine a patient's medical history and mental health condition, and use standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor may also ask someone who knows the patient well -- such as a spouse or sibling for adults; or a teacher, coach or parent for children- to complete an interview form, which includes specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. For some the most effective treatment is stimulants, which act by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD have other health problems that need to be assessed and treated such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important for parents and children to discuss these health issues with their doctor. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these issues at the same time, to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
It is crucial to find a healthcare provider who has experience in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to you are starting a medication. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the person's medical and family history. During the interview, he will be looking for symptoms that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
It is important for the evaluator to get information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their home and work life. The evaluator could also request a copy of the person's performance assessments or other documents. If the person has a spouse or close friends the evaluator may interview them too.
The evaluator will also want to know how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school and at work. The evaluator may suggest a treatment such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. Therapists can for instance, show the patient how to manage their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time management.
The examiner may suggest various 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. The evaluator might prescribe medication to manage symptoms. The treatment plan could also include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way a person performs tasks or using accommodations (tools or modifications to the workplace that help those with disabilities to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.