ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid an evaluation for yourself or your child. However, a professional evaluation will assist you in identifying the source of your symptoms and determine the severity.
Your provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and others in your life -- spouse, family members or friends -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child may 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 a pediatrician or psychiatrist. You should also bring school records to the appointment since the doctor will want to see how your child's condition compares to his peers of the same age. The provider may use standardized rating scales to determine the severity of your child's symptoms and determine how long they have been present.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history, mental health history within the family and development. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who play a role to your child's life such as coaches or teachers. You should talk to your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, for example, not completing homework or other tasks at school or at home.
It's normal for teens and children to have a limited attention span and lose focus during activities or games. If your child is forgetting things quickly, having difficulty following instructions, or making careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work, this could be a sign they suffer from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around a lot in class or when playing with their friends. When they're at home, they may climb or run around where it's inappropriate or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentional ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and is difficult to recognize in adults who do not show symptoms 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
The symptoms of ADHD can hinder the daily functioning of a person whether at home, school or at work. They can also cause issues with social interaction and relationships. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms aren't aware that they suffer from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and enable a physician to recommend treatments.
The test for ADHD includes a medical exam, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD consult your GP who will refer them to a specialist assessment.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms and medical history, as well as any previous treatments. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptom checklists, standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how these impact their lives both at home and at school. They will also be asked to provide information from family members and close friend.
For children, a doctor is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattention, or five or more signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at least six months. They must be visible in at least two different places such as school, home or at the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be due to other mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools used in children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient and an immediate family member or friend while other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can affect family life as well as school and work, as well as social interactions. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and it may take a few attempts to find the right one for a particular person. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are crucial components of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to another health care specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient as well as their the psychiatric issue, and employ standardized scales of ratings to assess ADHD. The doctor might 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, which includes specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Many different kinds of medication are available to treat ADHD, and the doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate drug. For some people the most effective treatment is stimulants, which work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release once-daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD often have other health issues which need to be assessed like depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and the child to discuss about these other conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, the child with ADHD should consult a specialist 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 experienced in treating ADHD, especially when you are starting a treatment. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered under your insurance policy for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of experts who are certified. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD He will ask them to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator also reviews the patient's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult , he'll be looking for signs that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is suggested to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gathers information from those who know the individual well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator could use questionnaires that inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and home life. The evaluator could also ask for the review of performance or other evidence. If the person has family members or a spouse the evaluator may interview them as well.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school and at work. He or she may suggest a treatment like family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For example a therapist could assist the patient in learning to manage their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances the examiner may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain a more comprehensive picture of the abilities of the 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 control the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like altering the way the person conducts themselves or using accommodations (tools or changes in the workplace that allow disabled people to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.