ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid a diagnosis for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine their severity.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your past. They will also talk to you and your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists or self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect that your child has ADHD. He could refer you to more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist, such as psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring school records to your visit since the doctor will want to know how your child compares with his peers who are the same age. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and how long they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will review the development of your child, their family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and other important adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, for example, not finishing their homework or other tasks at school or home.
Children and teens often have short attention spans and it's common for them to lose their focus during games or other activities. If your child seems to forget things easily, having trouble following directions, or making careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could be a sign that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another sign of ADHD It's not uncommon for children to be distracted or move around a lot in class or while playing with their friends. At home, they may climb or run in inappropriate places or have difficulty sitting still for a long period of time. They may interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and is difficult to recognize in adults who don't have symptoms 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 daily functioning of a person such as at home, school or work. They can also cause issues with relationships and socialization. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they have a diagnosable condition, so they aren't likely to seek help. A test for ADHD can help to identify the disorder and a physician can 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 performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD consult your GP, who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.
To establish a diagnosis the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, history and previous treatment. They will then conduct physical examinations, hearing and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, as well conducting a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their history of symptoms and how they impact their life at home, at school and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from family members and close friend.
For children, a medical professional is able to diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more signs of inattention, 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 months. They must be visible in at least two places, such as school, home or the workplace, and show a significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health conditions or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient along with an immediate family member or friend while other doctors prefer specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could affect family life, work, school, and social interactions. The medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves functioning. There are many different medications available, and sometimes it takes several tries to find the one that works for a particular individual. Therapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an exhaustive assessment. She could refer the patient depending on the results to a different health professional, like 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 may also inquire about someone close to the patientsuch as a teacher, parent, or sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or sibling in the case children to fill out an interview form that includes questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective medication with the patient. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that need to be evaluated and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and children to talk about these other issues with their physician. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will visit specialists for all of these disorders at the same time, to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
When starting medication, it is important to locate a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Ask a doctor whose practice is covered by 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 get names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD, he will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the individual's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, the evaluator will look for signs that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam might be recommended to rule out some medical causes for the symptoms, for instance thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gets information from those who know the person well, like teachers and relatives. The evaluator may use questionnaires that inquire about the person's conduct and how it affects their work and home life. The evaluator may also ask for an account of the person's performance reviews, or other documents. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends the evaluator may interview them too.
The evaluator also wants to know how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships school, work, and relationships. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy like family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or even marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person gain practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For adhd diagnosis adult uk , a therapist might assist the patient in learning how to organize their possessions or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances the examiner may suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan may also include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like altering the way the person performs tasks or using accommodations (tools or modifications to a workplace that help those with disabilities to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.