ADHD Diagnosing
It's tempting to not to seek an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation can aid in determining the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your past. They will also interview you, your spouse, family or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
Get a referral if you suspect your child may have ADHD. He could refer you to more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. You should also bring school records to your visit, because the provider will want to see how your child compares with his peers with similar age. The provider will employ standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and how long they've been in the same condition for.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history, mental health history in the family and development. The doctor will also speak to you and other important adults in your child's life, including coaches or teachers. Talk to your child about any difficulties you've seen in their behavior, like not finishing their homework or other assignments at school or at home.
It's normal for children and teens to have short attention spans and lose focus during games or activities. However, if your child seems to forget things easily or is unable to follow instructions or makes erroneous mistakes with their homework, chores or schoolwork it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD, and it's common for kids to fidget or move around too much in class or when playing with friends. When they're home, they may play or run around in places in areas that aren't appropriate or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They might blurt out answers or interrupt other people in conversations, and they're unable to wait for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and it can be hard to diagnose 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 impact a person's ability to function in everyday life, whether at school, work or at home. They can also lead to difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they suffer from an identifiable disorder and may not seek treatment. A test for ADHD can help to identify the disorder and a physician can suggest treatments.
The test for ADHD includes a medical examination and a thorough patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD, talk to your GP who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms and medical history and any previous treatment. The healthcare professional will conduct an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how they affect their lives, both at home and in school. The patient will be asked for information from close family members and friends.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six symptoms of inattention, and/or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at minimum six months. They must be visible in at least two places, such as school, home or the workplace, and show a significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by other mental health disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools utilized for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient and the sibling or close friend while others prefer using specialized psychological testing and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could affect the family at work and school, as well as social interactions. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. There are a myriad of medications available, and it may take a few attempts to find the right one for you. Psychotherapy and behavior modification can also be important elements of treatment.
A physician qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. The doctor might refer the patient, depending on the results to a different health professional, such a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric background, and then employ the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor will also ask anyone close to the patient -for example, a teacher, parent or a sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or a sibling in the case children to complete an interview form that contains questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. For some people, the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that need to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for parents and children to discuss these conditions with their healthcare provider. Idealy, the person with ADHD should see specialists for these conditions all simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is essential to find a healthcare provider who is experienced in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to beginning treatment. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance provider to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified professionals. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult 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 someone has ADHD, he or she will ask them to describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also go over the patient's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, the evaluator will look for symptoms that match those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam may be suggested to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It's important for the evaluator to collect information from those who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to ask about the person's behavior and how it affects their work and personal life. The evaluator may also request a copy of the person's performance assessments or other documents. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close friends of the person.
The evaluator should also understand how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships, school, and work. They may suggest behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person the practical skills needed to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist might for instance, show the person how to organize their belongings and plan regular activities in order to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain a clearer understanding of the capabilities of a person. 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 can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as altering the way the person performs tasks or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.