ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid getting an evaluation for your child or yourself. However, a professional evaluation will assist you in identifying the source of symptoms and determine their severity.
Your provider will review your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also conduct interviews with you and others in your life -- such as your spouse or family members, as well as friends -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Get a referral if you 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. You should also bring school records to your visit since the doctor will want to know how your child's condition compares to his peers with the same age. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
undiagnosed adhd in adults will look at your child's medical history, mental health history within the family and development. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's life like coaches or teachers. You should discuss what difficulties you've noticed in your child's behavior, for example, trouble with homework or failing to complete assignments at school or at home.
It's common for teens and children to have short attention spans and lose focus during activities or games. However it is a sign that your child appears to forget things easily or has trouble following instructions, or makes mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around excessively in class or while playing with their friends. At home, they could be seen running or climbing in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting for a long period of period of time. They might blurt out answers or interrupt conversations, and they're not able to wait for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults with no 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
The symptoms of ADHD can hinder the daily functioning of a person, including at school, home or at work. They can also cause problems with relationships and socialization. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they suffer from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they may not seek help. A screening for ADHD can help to identify the disorder and a physician can suggest treatment options.
The screening process for ADHD includes a medical exam, a detailed patient interview and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD, talk to your GP who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and medical history, as well as any previous treatments. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings, and look for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD checklist of symptoms 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, at school, and at work. The patient will be asked for information from close family members and friends.
For children, a doctor is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more signs of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms must be present for at least six month. They must be noticeable in at least two settings like school, home or workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by other mental health issues or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Certain doctors interview the patient or an immediate family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance testing designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can be a major influence on family life, work and school, as well as social interactions. The medications can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. Several different medications are available and it can take several attempts to find one that works for a particular individual. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also essential components of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. Based on the results, she may refer the patient to a different health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will look over a patient's medical history and mental health condition, and utilize standardized ratings scales to assess ADHD. The doctor may also inquire about someone close to the patientsuch as a teacher, parent or a sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or a sibling for children -- to complete an interview form that includes questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.
Many different kinds of medication are available to treat ADHD, and the doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate drug. For some people, the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD are also suffering from other health issues which also require to be assessed and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children discuss these issues with their healthcare professional. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should consult a specialist for these conditions all at once to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
When you are beginning a medication, it is important to find an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance plan for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of qualified professionals. 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 is suffering from ADHD If a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the individual's medical and family history. During the interview, he'll be looking for signs that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam might be suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It is important for the evaluator to collect information from people who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and its impact on their work and personal lives. The evaluator could also ask for a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in the context of relationships, school, and work. The evaluator may suggest a treatment such as family or marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For instance a therapist could assist the patient how to organize their possessions or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological 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 treat the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as altering the way the person does things or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.