ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid getting a diagnosis for your child or yourself. However, a professional evaluation will aid in determining the root of symptoms and determine their severity.
Your healthcare provider will use standard ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They'll also talk to you and others in your life, such as spouse, family members or friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect that your child has ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician, for more extensive assessment or testing. Bring school records to the appointment as the doctor will want to see how your child's performance compares to his peers with the same age. The doctor will use standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A comprehensive assessment will review your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's lives like teachers or coaches. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, such as difficulty with homework or inability to finish tasks at school or at home.
It's common for teens and children to have a limited attention span and lose focus during activities or games. However if your child appears to lose track of things easily or is unable to follow instructions, or makes mistakes in their homework, chores or schoolwork it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another sign of ADHD It's normal for children to be distracted or move around too much in class or while playing with friends. At home, they may climb or run in inappropriate places or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They might interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentional ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults with no 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 hinder the person's ability to function in everyday life at school, work or at home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they have a diagnosable condition, so they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to recommend treatments.
The test for ADHD includes a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist or psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been 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 professional will look over the patient's symptoms, medical history and past treatment. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings and look for any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD checklist of symptoms and standardized scores for behavioral ratings, and a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how they affect their lives, at home and at school. They will also be asked to provide details from family members and close friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity as defined in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two places, such as home, school or workplace, and exhibit significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health issues or physical ailments.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or a close family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance tests specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could negatively impact family life, work or school, as well as social relationships. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. There are many different medications available and sometimes it takes several tries to find one that works for a particular individual. Therapy and behavior modification can also be crucial elements of treatment.
A physician who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. The doctor might refer the patient, dependent on the results, to another health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient as well as their the psychiatric issue, and use standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. The doctor may also inquire about anyone close to the patientsuch as a teacher, parent or sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling in the case of children -- to fill out an interview form that contains questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best treatment options with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective drug for certain people. They increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that need to be assessed and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and the child to discuss about these other issues with their healthcare provider. Ideally, the person with ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these conditions at the same time, to ensure that they're working together to improve functioning.
When you are beginning a medication it is crucial to find an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance provider 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 obtain the names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD He will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator will also review the patient's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that are similar to those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
It's crucial that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the person very well, such as teachers and relatives. more info can use questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and how it affects their personal and professional lives. The evaluator might also request copies of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school, and at work. The evaluator may suggest behavioral therapy such as family or marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person gain practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist might for instance, show the patient how to organize their belongings and schedule regular activities in order to improve their time-management.
Based on the specific situation, the evaluator might suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests in order to get 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. Often, the evaluator will prescribe medication to control the symptoms. The treatment plan could also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way the person conducts themselves or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that allow disabled people to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.