ADHD Diagnosing
It's tempting to not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional assessment can help you determine the severity of symptoms and determine the cause.
Your provider will review your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also interview you and your spouse, family or friends to gain personal insight that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect that your child has ADHD. He may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician for more thorough testing or evaluation. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. The provider might employ standardized rating scales to assess the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the length of time they've been present.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history as well as mental health history within the family and development. The doctor will also talk with you and other important adults in your child's life, including coaches or teachers. Talk to your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, such as not finishing homework or other tasks at school or home.
It's common for children and teens to have a short attention span and lose concentration during games or activities. However it is a sign that your child appears to forget things easily, has difficulty following instructions, or makes mistakes when it comes to homework, chores or schoolwork it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be a sign 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 be seen running or climbing in inappropriate places or struggle to sit still for long periods of period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they're unable to hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and can be difficult to identify in adults who don't have 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
The symptoms of ADHD can affect a person's daily functioning, including at school, home or work. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people with these symptoms are not aware that they have a disorder that is diagnosable, and may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and let a doctor suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam as well as a detailed interview with the patient and several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD. Talk to your GP in case you think your child might be suffering from ADHD. They can refer your child for a specialist evaluation.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms and history, as well as any previous treatment. The healthcare professional will conduct an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms, standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how these affect their lives, both at home and at school. The patient will be asked to provide information from close relatives and friends.
For children, a medical professional is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattention, or five or more signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity as identified in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two places, such as school, home or the workplace, and demonstrate a significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused other mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents are not applicable to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or someone close to them, or a friend. Others use computerized continuous performance tests specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can negatively impact the family, work or school, as well as social relationships. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different medications available, and sometimes it takes several attempts to find the one that works for a specific person. Therapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. She might refer the patient, depending on the outcome to a different health professional, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and mental history, and then use standard rating scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also inquire about those who are close to the patient -- a parent, teacher, or a sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or a sibling for children to fill out an interview form that contains questions about ADHD symptoms and the impact on.
Many different kinds of medication can be used to treat ADHD The doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for certain people. They increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release once-daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD frequently have other health issues that require evaluation, such as depression, anxiety, or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children discuss these other health issues with their doctor. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these conditions simultaneously, to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
When starting medication, it is important to locate a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized professionals. You can also connect with 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 describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also go over the individual's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview the examiner will search 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, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
It's important for the evaluator to get information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and how it impacts their personal and professional lives. The evaluator might also request copies of the person's performance assessments or other records. If the person has a spouse or close friends, the evaluator might interview them as well.
The evaluator also wants to understand how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. They may suggest behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach a person the practical skills needed to manage their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. Therapists can for instance, show the person how to organize their belongings and plan regular activities in order to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances, the evaluator might suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests in order to get a more comprehensive 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. how to diagnosis adhd could prescribe medication to manage symptoms. The treatment plan could also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way the person conducts themselves or using accommodations (tools or modifications to a workplace that help those with disabilities to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.