ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional assessment will aid in determining the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also conduct interviews with you and other people in your life -- such as your spouse, family members or friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
Get 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 extensive testing or evaluation. It is also recommended to bring school records to the appointment, because the provider will want to see how your child compares with 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 present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's development, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk 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, such as difficulty with homework or inability to complete tasks at school or at home.
It is common for children and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during games or activities. However it is a sign that your child appears to lose track of things easily or is unable to follow instructions or makes careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around in class or when playing with their friends. When they're home, they may play or run around in places when it's not appropriate or struggle to sit still for a long period of time. They might interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentional ADHD can be mistaken for daydreaming in adults without 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 impact a person's ability to function in daily life, whether at school, work or at home. They can also lead to issues with socialization and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they have an identifiable disorder and they may not seek treatment. A test for ADHD can help identify the condition, and a doctor can recommend solutions.
The test for ADHD includes a medical exam as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. Talk with your GP when you suspect your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history, as well as any previous treatments. adult diagnosis adhd will then perform an examination of the body, conduct hearing and vision screenings and look for any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination 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 they impact their lives both at home and in school. The patient will be asked to provide information from close family members and friends.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six symptoms of inattention, or at least five indicators of hyperactivity or impulsivity as described in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms must be present for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two different places, such as school, home or at the workplace, and exhibit an impairment that is significant. The symptoms must not be caused other physical or mental illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents are not applicable to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient as well as a close friend or sibling however, other doctors prefer special psychological tests and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could be a major influence on family life, work and school as well as social relationships. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are a myriad of drugs available, and it might take a few attempts to find the right one for you. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are essential components of treatment.
A physician trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. Depending on the results, she might refer the patient to another health specialist, such as a 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 assess ADHD. The doctor will also ask those who are close to the patient -for example, a teacher, parent or sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or a sibling in the case children -- to fill out an interview form that contains questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Several different types of medication can be used to treat ADHD The doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate drug. For some the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD also have other health issues which also require to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and children to talk about these other issues with their doctor. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should see specialists for these issues all at once to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional who is skilled in treating ADHD, especially when beginning medication. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance plan for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of qualified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD the doctor will ask them to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator will also go over the person's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview, he'll be looking for symptoms that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is crucial for the evaluator to get information from those who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires that inquire about the person's conduct and how it affects their work and home life. The evaluator can also request the person's performance reviews or other evidence. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator should also try to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school and at work. The evaluator may suggest a treatment such as family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist could, for example, teach the patient how to organize their belongings and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The examiner may suggest a variety of neuropsychological or psychological tests to provide a more accurate 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. Often, the evaluator will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications like changing the way a person does things or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.