ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to not seek an evaluation for your child or yourself. A professional evaluation will aid in determining the severity of symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your healthcare provider will use standard ADHD ratings scales to review your past. They will also talk to you and your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect that your child has ADHD. He could refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive assessment or testing. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child compares to other children. The doctor may use standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and determine the length of time they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will review 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 like teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any difficulties you've seen in their behavior, for example, not finishing their homework or other assignments at school or at home.
Children and teens often have a limited attention span and it's common for them to lose their focus during games or other activities. If your child seems to forget things quickly, having difficulty following instructions, or making careless mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, this could be a sign they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around a lot in class or while playing with their peers. At home, they could run or climb in unsuitable places or have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and it can be hard to diagnose in adults who don't have 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, including at home, school or work. They can also cause issues with social interaction 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 allow a doctor to suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam and a thorough interview with the patient, and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD. If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD consult your GP, who will refer them to a specialist assessment.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will conduct an examination of the body, conduct vision and audio screenings, and look for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. 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 previous 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.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six symptoms of inattention, or at least five signs of impulsivity or hyperactivity as defined in the diagnostic criteria of 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 exhibit an impairment that is significant. The symptoms cannot be caused other physical or mental illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or an immediate family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could affect family life as well as school and work as well as social interactions. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and improve functioning. Several different medications are available and it can take several tries to find one that works for a specific person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may also be important components of treatment.
A physician who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health care specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor will also interview someone close to the patient -- a parent, teacher, or a sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling in the case of children -- to complete an interview form with questions regarding ADHD symptoms and the impact on.
Different types 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 activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. I Am Psychiatry is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release once-daily preparations.
Many children who suffer from ADHD have other health problems which also require to be assessed and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and children to talk about these conditions with their physician. Ideally, the person with ADHD will visit specialists for all of these conditions at the same time to ensure that they are working together to improve their performance.
It is crucial to find a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to you are starting a medication. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified specialists. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask them to describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the individual's medical and family history. During the interview, he'll be looking for symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
It is important for the evaluator information from those who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to ask about the behavior of the person and the impact it has on their work and personal lives. The evaluator may also request a copy of the person's performance appraisals or other documentation. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator will also want to be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. He or she might suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist might for instance, show the patient how to manage their belongings and schedule routine activities to improve their time-management.
Depending on the situation the assessor may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to get more complete information about 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. Often, the evaluator will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications like changing the way a person does things or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.