ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid getting a diagnosis for your child or yourself. But a professional evaluation can aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine their severity.
Your provider will review your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They will also talk to you as well as your spouse, family members or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists or self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child might have ADHD, get an appointment from your health care provider. They may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, for more extensive assessment or testing. It is also recommended to bring school records to the appointment, because the provider will want to know how your child's performance compares to his peers of the same age. The provider might use standardized rating scales to determine the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the length of time they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's development, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who play a role to your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. You should talk to your child about any issues you've observed in their behavior, such as not finishing homework or other tasks at school or home.
It's normal for children and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during activities or games. However, if your child seems to be prone to forgetting things or is unable to follow instructions, or makes mistakes in their homework, chores or schoolwork it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be a sign of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be distracted and move around excessively in class or when playing with their friends. When they're home, they might be seen running around or climbing up when it's not appropriate or have trouble sitting still for a long period of time. They might blurt out answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they can't wait for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and it can be difficult to identify in adults who do not 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
ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of a person to perform in everyday life whether at school, work or at home. They can also cause issues with social interaction and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms don't know that they are suffering from a diagnosable condition, so they might not seek treatment. A test for ADHD will help in identifying the condition and a physician can recommend treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam and a thorough interview with the patient as well as various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or a doctor who has been trained to recognize ADHD. Talk to your GP if you suspect that 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 any previous treatments. adhd diagnosing will then conduct physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavioral rating scales as well as a thorough personal interview. The patient will be asked about their past symptoms and how they affect their life at home, in school and at work. The patient will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.
For children, a medical professional is able to diagnose ADHD when they notice six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two places such as school, home or at the workplace, and show an impairment that is significant. The symptoms must not be caused by mental health disorders or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools that are utilized for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient and the sibling or close friend, but others prefer using specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may affect family life, work or school, as well as social interactions. The medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves functioning. There are a variety of medications available and sometimes it takes many attempts to find the one that works for an individual. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also essential components of treatment.
A physician who is trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she may refer the patient to a different health care professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient as well as their mental health condition, and employ standardized scales of ratings to evaluate ADHD. The doctor could also have someone who is familiar with the patient for example, siblings or spouses for adults, or a teacher, coach or parent for childrento fill out an interview form with specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate medication. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for a few people. They boost activity in brain areas that control attention and behaviour. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release once-daily preparations.
Many children who suffer 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 crucial that parents and children talk about these issues with their healthcare professional. Idealy, the person with ADHD should consult a specialist for these issues all simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve functioning.
It is important to locate a healthcare professional who is skilled in treating ADHD particularly when you are starting treatment. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized professionals. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also go over the patient's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, he will be looking for signs that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule out some medical causes of the symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It's important for the evaluator information from people who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and how it impacts their work and home life. The evaluator may also ask for the review of performance or other evidence. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close friends of the person.
The evaluator should also understand how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. They may suggest a behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For example therapy may assist the patient in learning to organize their belongings or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The evaluator 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 might prescribe medication to manage symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as changing how the person conducts themselves or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.