ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional assessment will help you determine the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your provider will review your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also talk to you and your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists and self-tests are not able to provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect your child may have ADHD. He could refer you to more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist such as psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the doctor will be interested in how your child's performance compares to his peers. The doctor may utilize standardized rating scales in order to assess the severity of your child's symptoms, and also determine the length of time they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's development, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults that are important in your child's lives such as 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 school or at home.
Children and teens often have short attention spans, and it's normal to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However, if your child seems to lose track of things easily or has trouble following instructions, or makes mistakes when it comes to schoolwork, chores or work it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around during class or playing with their peers. At home, they might run or climb in unsuitable locations or have trouble sitting still for a long time. They may interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentional ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults without any 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 affect a person's ability to function in daily life at work, school, or home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people with these symptoms are unaware that they have an identifiable disorder and they may not seek treatment. A screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and a physician can recommend solutions.
The screening for ADHD involves a medical examination, a detailed patient interview and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. Talk to your GP when you suspect your child may have 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. They will then perform physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might explain 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 explain their symptoms and how they impact their lives both at home and at school. The patient will be asked for details from family members and friends.
For children, a doctor is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattention, or five or more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at least six months. They must be noticeable in at least two settings like school, at home or in the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by mental health disorders or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient along with a close friend or sibling, but other doctors prefer to use special psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults who suffer 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. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve functioning. There are many different medications available, and it might take a few attempts to find the right one for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are also crucial components of treatment.
A physician who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. adhd diagnosed could refer the patient dependent on the results to a different health professional, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and psychiatric background, and then employ the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor might also have someone who is familiar with the patient -- such as a spouse or sibling for adults; or a coach, teacher, or parent for childrento fill out an interview form, which includes specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different kinds of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best treatment with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for some people. They increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Many children with ADHD have other health problems that need to be evaluated and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and the child to discuss about these other conditions with their healthcare provider. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these issues at the same time to ensure that they're working together to improve their functioning.
It is essential to find a healthcare provider who is skilled in treating ADHD, especially when starting treatment. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance provider to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized professionals. 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 the doctor will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the individual's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, the evaluator will look for signs that are similar to those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It's crucial that the evaluator gets information from those who know the person very well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and personal lives. The evaluator may also request an account of the person's performance reviews, or other documentation. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them too.
The evaluator will also want to know how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school and at work. They might suggest a behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist might for instance, show the patient how to organize their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time-management.
Based on the specific situation, the evaluator might suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests to gain more complete information about 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. The evaluator may prescribe medication to control symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications, like altering the way the person does things or making accommodations (tools or modifications to a workplace that help disabled people to be a part of a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.