ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. But a professional evaluation can assist you in identifying the source of your symptoms and determine their severity.
Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your past. They'll also interview you and other people in your life, such as spouse or family members, as well as friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Symptoms
Seek a referral if think your child might have ADHD. He could refer you to more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. It is also recommended to bring school records to the appointment, because the provider will want to determine how your child compares with his peers with similar age. The doctor may use standardized rating scales to determine the severity of your child's symptoms, and also determine the time since they've been present.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history as well as mental health history in the family, and developmental. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. Discuss any issues you've noticed in your child's behavior, for example, trouble with homework or failing to complete tasks at home or school.
Teens and children often have a short attention span and it's not uncommon to see them lose focus during games or other activities. However, if your child seems to lose track of things easily or has trouble following instructions or makes erroneous mistakes when it comes to schoolwork, chores, or work, it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around excessively during class or playing with their peers. If they're at home, they might be seen running around or climbing up in areas that aren't appropriate or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming. It can be difficult to identify for adults who don't show 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 interfere with the person's daily functioning such as at home, school or at work. diagnosis adhd can also cause issues with social interaction and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms do not realize that they have an identifiable condition, and they aren't likely to seek help. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to recommend treatments.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam as well as a detailed interview with the patient, and several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is carried out by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or physician who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatment. They will then perform an examination of the body, conduct vision and hearing screenings, and look for any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist, standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to explain their symptoms and how these impact their lives both at home and at school. They will also be asked to supply information from family members and close friends.
For children, a healthcare provider is able to diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more signs of inattention, or five or more indicators of impulsivity and hyperactivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two locations like school, home or the workplace, and show an impairment that is significant. The symptoms must not be caused other physical or mental illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or an immediate family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computers to conduct continuous performance tests that are specifically designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could have a significant impact on the family, work and school and social interactions. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and improve functioning. Several different medications are available and sometimes it takes several tries to find one that works for a particular individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.
A doctor who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. Depending on the results, she may refer the patient to another health care specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also have someone who knows the patient well -- such as a spouse or sibling for adults; a teacher, coach or parent for childrento complete an interview form, which includes specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Several different types of medication are available to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate drug. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for certain people. They enhance activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other health issues which also require to be assessed and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children talk about these additional issues with their healthcare professional. Idealy, the person with ADHD should consult a specialist for these conditions simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve their functioning.
When you are beginning a medication, it is important to locate an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance policy for a recommendation or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of professional who are qualified. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator will also go over the individual's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview, the evaluator will look for symptoms that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam may be suggested to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It is crucial for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and how it affects their work and personal lives. The evaluator may also request copies of the person's performance assessments or other documents. If the person has family members or a spouse, the evaluator might interview them as well.
The evaluator also wants to know how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in the context of relationships, school, and work. The evaluator may suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist might, for example, teach the patient how to manage their possessions and schedule regular activities in order to improve their time-management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological tests to provide a more accurate 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to control the symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as changing how the person does things or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.
