ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to get an assessment for yourself or your child. A professional assessment can help you determine the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your provider will review your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and those in your life, such as spouse or family members, as well as friends to gain insight that self-tests and checklists cannot provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect your child may have ADHD. He could refer you to more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist, such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the doctor will be interested in how your child compares to his peers. The provider will employ standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history, mental health history within the family, and developmental. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, such as difficulty with homework or inability to complete assignments at school or at home.
It is common for children and teens to have short attention spans and lose concentration during games or activities. However if your child appears to be prone to forgetting things or is unable to follow instructions or makes erroneous mistakes when it comes to schoolwork, chores or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD, and it's common for kids to fidget or move around a lot in class or with friends. If they're at home, they may climb or run around where it's inappropriate or struggle to sit still for an extended period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt conversations, and they can't hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and it is difficult to recognize in adults who do not show 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 interfere with a person's daily functioning whether at school, home or work. They can also lead to difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms are unaware that they suffer from a disorder that is diagnosable, and aren't seeking treatment. A screening for ADHD will help in identifying the disorder and a physician can suggest treatments.
The screening process for ADHD includes a medical examination, a detailed patient interview and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or a doctor who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP, who will refer them to a specialist assessment.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, history and past treatment. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how these impact their lives at home and at school. They will also be asked to provide information from family members and close friend.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six signs of inattention, and/or at least five indicators of impulsivity or hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at least six months. They must be visible in at least two locations, such as school, home or at the workplace, and exhibit a significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health disorders or physical ailments.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. diagnosis for adhd in adults I Am Psychiatry interview the patient or someone close to them, or a friend. Other doctors use computerized continuous performance testing 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, as well as social interactions. The medications can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves functioning. There are a myriad of medicines available, and it may take several attempts to find the right one for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an exhaustive evaluation. Depending on the results, she could refer the patient to another health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor will also interview those who are close to the patient -- a parent, teacher or sibling in the instance of adults, or a spouse or sibling in the case children to complete an interview form that contains questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.
Many different kinds of medication are available to treat ADHD, and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for some people. They enhance activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.
Many children who suffer from ADHD also have other health issues that also need to be assessed and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and the child to discuss about these other conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these conditions at the same time to ensure that they're working together to improve their performance.
When beginning treatment, it is important to find an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the person's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, he'll be looking for symptoms that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It's important for the evaluator to collect information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's conduct and how it affects their home and work life. The evaluator can also request the person's performance reviews, or other documents. If the person has family members or a spouse, the evaluator might interview them too.
The evaluator should also try to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school, and at work. The evaluator may suggest a treatment such as marital or family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or even marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For instance therapy may help the person learn to organize their belongings or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the specific situation the examiner may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain an overall 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 changes to lifestyle like changing the way a person conducts themselves or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.