ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to get a diagnosis for you or your child. However, a professional evaluation will aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine their severity.
Your provider will review your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also speak with you, your spouse, family or friends to gain personal insight that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD Get a referral from his health healthcare provider. He could refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician, for more extensive testing or evaluation. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the provider will be interested in how your child compares to other children. The provider will employ standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been present.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history as well as mental health history in the family and development. The doctor will also speak with you and other important adults in your child's life, like coaches or teachers. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, like trouble with homework or failing to finish tasks at home or school.
It is common for children and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during activities or games. However, if your child seems to forget things easily or is unable to follow instructions or makes erroneous mistakes when it comes to homework, chores or schoolwork, it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD, and it's common for children to fidget or move around a lot in class or with their friends. At home, they could run or climb in unsuitable places or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They might interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming among adults who don't show indications 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 home. They can also cause problems with socialization and relationships. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms don't know that they have a diagnosable condition, so they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and enable a physician to suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test and a thorough interview with the patient, and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is carried out by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, 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 a specialist assessment.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms and history and any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will conduct an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings and search for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales as well an extensive personal interview. The patient will also be asked about their history of symptoms and how they impact their life at home, at school and at work. The patient will be asked for information from close family members and friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more symptoms of inattention and/or five or more indicators of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two places such as at school, home or workplace and have significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be due to other physical or mental disorders.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or someone close to them, or a friend. Others use computerized continuous performance testing designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may negatively impact the family, work or school, as well as social interactions. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. Several different medications are available and it can take many attempts to find the one that works for a specific person. Therapy and behavior modification can be essential elements of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will perform an exhaustive assessment. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health care 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 will also interview someone close to the patient -such as a teacher, parent or a sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or a sibling in the case of children to complete an interview form that contains questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD, and the doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate medication. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for some people. They increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release daily preparations.
Children with ADHD typically have other health issues which need to be assessed for anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children talk about these other health issues with their doctor. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these disorders simultaneously, to ensure that they're working together to improve functioning.
When starting medication it is essential to locate an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. Ask a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance policy for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of experts who are certified. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator will also review the person's medical and family history. During the interview, he will be looking for signs that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be recommended to rule out some medical causes for the symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It's crucial that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the person very well, like teachers and relatives. The evaluator could use questionnaires that ask about the person's conduct and how it affects their home and work life. The evaluator might also request copies of the person's performance assessments or other documentation. read here can also talk to the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator should also understand how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. The evaluator may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For example, a therapist might assist the patient how to organize their possessions or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the specific situation, the evaluator might recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain an overall 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan could also include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way a person does things or using accommodations (tools or changes to a workplace that allow someone with a disability to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.