ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. However, a professional assessment can aid in determining the root of your symptoms and determine the severity.
Your provider will review your history and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also speak with you as well as your spouse, family members or close friends to gain a personal insights that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Signs and symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect your child may have ADHD. He may refer you for more detailed testing or an evaluation to a specialist like psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, as the provider will be interested in how your child's performance compares to other children. The provider will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history, mental health history within the family, and developmental. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults that are important in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. You should talk to your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, such as not finishing homework or other tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens often have a limited attention span and it's common for them to lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However it is a sign that your child appears to lose track of things easily or is unable to follow instructions, or makes mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around excessively in class or while playing with their friends. At home, they may run or climb in unsuitable places or struggle to sit still for long periods of duration. They might blurt out answers or interrupt conversations, and they can't wait their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as 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 the daily functioning of a person such as at school, home or at work. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they have an identifiable condition, and they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD includes a medical examination, a detailed interview with the patient as well as various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or physician who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD discuss it with your GP, who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms as well as their history, as well as any previous treatment. The healthcare provider will perform an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD symptom checklists as well as standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how they affect their lives, both at home and in school. Click On this page will also be asked to provide information from family members and close friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six symptoms of inattention, and/or at least five symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity as described in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two locations like school, home or the workplace, and show an impairment that is significant. The symptoms cannot be caused by other mental health conditions or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient and a close friend or sibling however, other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can affect the family, work and school as well as social interactions. The medication reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and sometimes it takes several attempts to find the one that works for a particular individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are also crucial components of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. The doctor might refer the patient, depending on the results, to another health professional, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then use standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor might also ask someone who is familiar with the patient for example, siblings or spouses for adults, or a teacher, coach or parent for children -- to complete an interview form that includes questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective medication with the patient. For some the most effective medication is stimulants, which work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that regulate behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Many children who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that need to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and the child to discuss about these other issues with their physician. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these disorders simultaneously, to ensure that they're working together to improve their performance.
It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional who is experienced in treating ADHD, especially when you are starting a medication. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD the doctor will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the person's medical and family history. During the interview, he will be looking for signs that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam might be suggested to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gets information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and how it affects their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also request the person's performance reviews, or other documents. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends, the evaluator might interview them too.
The evaluator also needs to know how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school, and at work. The evaluator may suggest behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. A therapist might teach the patient how to manage their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time-management.
The examiner may suggest a variety of neuropsychological or psychological assessments to get a better picture of the abilities of a 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 manage the symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as altering the way the person conducts themselves, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.