ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid getting an evaluation for your child or yourself. However, a professional assessment can aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine their severity.
Your healthcare provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also speak with you and your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you think your child might have ADHD. He may refer you for more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the doctor will be interested in how your child's performance compares to other children. The provider may use standardized rating scales to assess the severity of your child's symptoms and determine how long they have been present.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history as well as mental health history in the family, and also their development. The doctor will also talk with you and other important adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. Discuss any issues you've observed in your child's behavior, for example, difficulty with homework or inability to complete assignments at school or at home.
Children and teens typically have a limited attention span and it's common for them to lose their focus when playing games or engaging in activities. If your child is unable to remember things easily, having trouble following directions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or at work, it could be a sign that they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around in class or while playing with their peers. At home, they may be seen running or climbing in inappropriate places or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They may interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and can be difficult to identify for adults who don't show 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 person's daily functioning, including at school, home or work. They can also cause issues with social interaction and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms do not realize that they suffer from an identifiable condition, and they aren't likely to seek help. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and let a doctor suggest treatments.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test as well as a detailed interview with the patient as well as a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or a doctor who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. Talk to your GP if you suspect that your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare professional will look over the patient's symptoms, medical history and previous treatment. The healthcare provider will perform an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings and search for any medical conditions that might explain the patient's symptomatology. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavioral rating scales, aswell as a thorough personal interview. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how these impact their lives at home and at school. They will also be asked to provide details from close family members and close friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more signs of inattention and/or five or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity as identified in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They must be noticeable in at least two different settings such as at school, at home or in the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by other mental health disorders or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient, someone close to them, or a friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance testing designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could be a major influence on family life, work and school, as well as social interactions. The medications reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different medications available and it can take several tries to find the one that works for a specific person. More Support and behavior modification can also be crucial elements of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will perform a thorough evaluation. They could refer the patient dependent on the results to a different health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then use standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also request someone who knows the patient well -- such as a spouse or sibling for adults; a coach, teacher, or parent for childrento complete an interview form, which includes specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. For resources , the most effective medication is stimulants. They work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that also need to be assessed and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important that parents and children discuss these health issues with their doctor. Ideally, the child with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions all at once to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
It is crucial to find a healthcare provider who is skilled in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to starting medication. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance plan for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of professional who are qualified. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask them to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator also reviews the individual's medical and family history. During the interview the evaluator will search for symptoms that match those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam may be recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
It is important for the evaluator information from people who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires that ask about the behavior of the person and how it impacts their home and work life. The evaluator might also request a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. If the person has a spouse or close friends they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them as well.
The evaluator also wants to be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. The evaluator may suggest a therapy for behavioral issues, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach the person the skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For example a therapist could assist the patient in learning to organize their belongings 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 get 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 might prescribe medication to manage symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications like changing the way a person does things or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.