ADHD Diagnosing
It's tempting to not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine the severity.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your past. They'll also interview you and those in your life, such as spouse, family members or friends to get a personal perspective that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Request a referral if you think your child might have ADHD. He may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician for more thorough assessment or testing. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, as the doctor will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. The provider may employ standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the length of time they've been present.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history as well as mental health history within the family, and developmental. The doctor will also speak to you and the other key adults in your child's life, including teachers or coaches. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, like difficulties with homework or failure to complete tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens typically have a limited attention span and it's not uncommon for them to lose their focus during games or other activities. If your child is unable to remember things quickly, has trouble following instructions or making mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, this could be a sign they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD It's not uncommon for kids to fidget or flit around too much in class or when playing with their friends. When they're home, they might be seen running around or climbing up in areas that aren't appropriate or struggle to sit still for a long period of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt conversations, and they're not able to hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming. It can be difficult to identify in adults who don't have 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 person's ability to function in everyday life, whether at work, school or at home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms do not realize that they suffer from a diagnosable condition, so they might not seek treatment. A screening for ADHD will help in identifying the condition and a doctor may suggest treatments.
The test for ADHD involves a medical examination and a thorough patient interview and a variety other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a doctor who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. Talk to your GP in case you think your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to an evaluation by a specialist.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms and medical history and will also look into any previous treatment. The healthcare professional will conduct physical examinations, vision and audio screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will use a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavioral rating scales, as well conducting a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their previous symptoms and how they affect their life at home, in school and at work. They will also be asked to provide details from close family members and close friends.
For children, a doctor is able to diagnose ADHD when they notice six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity identified in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at minimum six months. They must be apparent in at least two different settings like school, at home or in the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused other mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used in adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient as well as a close friend or sibling, but others prefer using specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can be a major influence on family life, work and school as well as social relationships. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and can improve the functioning. There are a myriad of medicines available, and it could require several tries to locate the best one for a particular person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may be essential elements of treatment.
A physician who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. They may refer the patient, depending on the results, to another health professional, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then use standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor could also request someone who is familiar with the patient -- such as siblings or spouses for adults; a teacher, coach or parent for children -to complete an interview form, which includes questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Several different types of medication can be used to treat ADHD, and the doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective medication for a few people. They boost activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Children with ADHD frequently suffer from other health conditions that require evaluation, such as depression, anxiety, or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and the child to discuss about these other issues with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions at once to ensure they are working together to improve functioning.
When starting medication it is essential to find an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Find adhd adults diagnosis 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 specialists. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD, he will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the patient's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview the examiner will search for signs that are similar to 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, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
It's crucial that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the person very well, like teachers and relatives. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and the impact it has on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also ask for a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. If the person has family members or a spouse, the evaluator might interview them too.
The evaluator should also be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships school, work, and relationships. They may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach a person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. Therapists can, for example, teach the person how to organize their belongings and schedule routine activities to improve their time-management.
Based on the circumstances the assessor may suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests in order to get an overall picture of the individual's capabilities. 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 may also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes, such as altering the way the person performs tasks or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes to the workplace that make it easier for someone with a disability to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.