ADHD Diagnosing
It's tempting to not to get an evaluation for yourself or your child. However, a professional assessment can aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine the severity.
Your provider will review your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They will also interview you, your spouse, family or friends to gain personal insights that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect your child may have ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician for more thorough testing or evaluation. It is also recommended to bring school records to your visit since the doctor will want to know how your child's performance compares to his peers who are similar age. The provider will use standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's development, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and the other key adults in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. Talk to your child about any issues you've seen in their behavior, such as not completing homework or other tasks at school or home.
Teens and children often have a limited attention span and it's common for them to lose their focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However if your child appears to lose track of things easily, has difficulty following instructions or makes erroneous mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another sign of ADHD It's normal for children to fidget or flit around too much in class or when playing with friends. If they're at home, they might play or run around in places where it's inappropriate or have difficulty sitting for long periods of time. They may interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming among adults who don't show any 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 ability of a person to perform in everyday life, whether at school, work or at home. They can also cause issues with socialization and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms are unaware that they suffer from an identifiable disorder and aren't seeking treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and enable a physician to recommend treatment options.
The test for ADHD includes a medical exam as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a doctor who has been skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD discuss it with your GP, who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will review the patient's symptoms, their history and previous treatment. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, conduct audio and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavioral rating scales as well an extensive personal interview. The patient will be asked about their history of symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, at school, and at work. The patient will be asked to provide information from close relatives and friends.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six symptoms of inattention, and/or at least five signs of impulsivity or hyperactivity as described in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two locations such as home, school or workplace, and demonstrate a significant impairment. The symptoms should not be caused by mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents do not apply to adults. adhd diagnoses will interview the patient as well as the sibling or close friend, but other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may interfere significantly with work, family or school, as well as social relationships. The medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and it may take several attempts to find the best one for a particular person. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are essential components of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an exhaustive evaluation. Based on the results, she may refer the patient to a different health care professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will look over the patient's medical and mental history, and then use the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor could also have someone who is familiar with the patient for example, siblings or spouses for adults; or a teacher, coach or parent for childrento complete an interview form with specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment options with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for a few people. They boost the activity of brain regions that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release once-daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD also have other health issues which also require to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and children to discuss these conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should see specialists for these issues all simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve their functioning.
When you are beginning a medication it is essential to seek out a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to get a list professional who are qualified. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask them to describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the person's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that match those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
It is crucial for the evaluator to collect 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 impacts their work and home life. The evaluator may also ask for an account of the person's performance reviews or other documentation. If the person has a spouse or close friends the evaluator may interview them as well.
The evaluator should also try to know how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school and at work. He or she might suggest a therapy for behavioral issues like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. Therapists can teach the patient how to manage their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time-management.
Based on the specific situation the assessor may suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests in order to get a more comprehensive picture of the 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 treat symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes like changing the way a person does things or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.