ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid getting a diagnosis for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation will help you determine the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They will also speak with you as well as your spouse, family members or friends to gain personal insights that checklists and self-tests are not able to provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child might have ADHD seek an appointment with your health healthcare provider. He could refer you to more detailed testing or an evaluation to a specialist such as psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. The provider will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been in the same condition for.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and other important adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. Talk to your child about any difficulties you've seen in their behavior, for example, not finishing their homework or other school-related tasks or home.
It's normal for children and teens to have short attention spans and lose concentration during games or activities. If getting a adhd diagnosis is unable to remember things quickly, having difficulty following instructions or making a few mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, this could indicate that they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around a lot in class or while playing with their friends. When they're at home, they might play or run around in places when it's not appropriate or have difficulty sitting for long periods of time. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming. It can be difficult to identify for adults who don't show 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 work, school or at home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms are not aware that they suffer from an identifiable disorder and aren't seeking treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to recommend treatments.
The screening process for ADHD includes a medical exam and a thorough patient interview and a range of 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 your child has ADHD, talk to your GP who will refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history and will also look into any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, conduct vision and audio screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will use a combination ADHD symptoms checklist as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. The patient will also be asked about their past symptoms and how they impact their life at home, at school and at work. The patient will be asked for information from close relatives and friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity as described in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two different settings like school, home or workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused by mental health disorders or physical ailments.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Certain doctors interview the patient, someone close to them, or a friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance testing designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may negatively impact the family, work, school, and social relationships. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. Several different medications are available, and sometimes it takes many attempts to find the one that works for a specific person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.
A physician who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. Depending on the results, she might refer the patient to another health professional, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. 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 anyone 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 with questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best treatment options with the patient. For some, the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD also have other health issues that need to be evaluated and treated such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and child to talk about these other conditions with their doctor. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these conditions simultaneously, to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is important to find a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD, especially when you are starting a medication. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the patient's medical and family history. During the interview the evaluator 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 may be suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
It is essential that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the individual well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator may utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and how it impacts their home and work life. The evaluator might also request copies of the person's performance appraisals or other records. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close friends of the person.
The evaluator should also be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in the context of relationships, school, and work. He or she may suggest a treatment such as marital or family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or even marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist could teach the person how to organize their belongings and schedule routine activities to improve their time-management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological 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. The evaluator may prescribe medication to treat symptoms. The treatment plan may involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way the person performs tasks or making accommodations (tools or changes to the workplace that help disabled people to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.