ADHD Diagnosing
It's tempting to not to seek an evaluation for yourself or your child. However, a professional evaluation will aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine the severity.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and other people in your life -- such as your spouse, family members or friends to get a personal perspective that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD, get an appointment with your health healthcare provider. He could refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive testing or evaluation. 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 may use standardized rating scales to determine the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the time since they've been present.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history as well as mental health history within the family, and also their development. The doctor will also talk with you and other important adults in your child's life, including coaches or teachers. Talk to your child about any difficulties you've observed in their behavior, for example, not finishing homework or other school-related tasks or home.
It is common for children and teens to have a limited attention span and lose focus during activities or games. However, if your child seems to be prone to forgetting things, has difficulty following instructions or makes careless mistakes when it comes to schoolwork, chores or work it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around a lot during class or playing with their friends. When they're at home, they might climb or run around in areas that aren't appropriate or have difficulty sitting for an extended period of time. They might interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
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
ADHD symptoms can impact the ability of a person to perform in everyday life, whether at school, work, or home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms do not realize that they are suffering from an identifiable condition, and they may not seek help. A test for ADHD can help to identify the disorder and a physician can suggest solutions.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test and a thorough interview with the patient, and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is done by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or physician who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD consult your GP who will refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, medical history and treatment history. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, conduct audio and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptom checklists as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to explain their symptoms and how these impact their lives at home and at school. The patient will be asked to provide information from close family members and friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six signs of inattention, or at least five indicators of impulsivity or hyperactivity as described in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at minimum six months. They must be visible in at least two locations such as school, home or at the workplace, and demonstrate significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by other mental health disorders or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Certain doctors interview the patient, an immediate family member or friend. Other doctors use computerized continuous performance tests specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
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If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can interfere significantly with the family, work, school, and social relationships. The medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different medications available, and sometimes it takes several attempts to discover the one that is effective for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are crucial components of treatment.
A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will perform an extensive examination. Depending on the results, she may refer the patient to another health professional, for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then apply standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor could also have someone who is familiar with the patient for example, siblings or spouses for adults, or a coach, teacher, or parent for children- to complete an interview form with specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best treatment with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective drug for certain people. They boost the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release once-daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD also have other health issues that also need to be assessed and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important that parents and children discuss these issues with their healthcare professional. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these conditions at the same time to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is crucial to find a healthcare provider who is experienced in treating ADHD, especially when starting treatment. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance company 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 the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone has ADHD, he or she 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 are similar to those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
It is crucial for the evaluator to get information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and the impact it has on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also request an account of the person's performance reviews or other documentation. 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 know how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. He or she might suggest a therapy for behavioral issues like cognitive behavior therapy or family or marital therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person the skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For instance therapy may help the person learn how to organize their possessions or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances the assessor may suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests in order to get a more comprehensive 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 might prescribe medication to control symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as changing how the person conducts themselves or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.