ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to not seek an assessment for yourself or your child. A professional assessment can help you determine the severity of symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your past. They'll also interview you and others in your life -- such as your spouse, family members or friends -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD seek an appointment with your health care provider. He could refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive testing or evaluation. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's performance compares to other children. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been in the same condition for.
A comprehensive assessment will review the development of your child, their family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and the other key adults in your child's life, including teachers or coaches. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, like difficulties with homework or failure to complete tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens often have a short attention span and it's common for them to lose their focus in games or activities. If your child seems to forget things quickly, having difficulty following instructions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be a sign they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD, and it's common for kids to fidget or move around too much in class or while playing with their friends. At home, they may be seen running or climbing in inappropriate places or struggle to sit still for a long time. They might blurt out answers or interrupt conversations, and they're unable to wait their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for 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 the person's ability to function in daily life whether at work, school or at home. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people with these symptoms are unaware that they may have a diagnosable disorder, and may not seek treatment. A screening for ADHD can help identify the disorder and a doctor may recommend solutions.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam and a thorough interview with the patient, and several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is done by a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist or physician who is skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD consult your GP who will refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms as well as their history and will also look into any previous treatment. They will then perform an examination of the body, conduct hearing and vision screenings and look for any medical conditions that might explain the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms and standardized scores for behavioral ratings, and a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their past symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, in school and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from family members and close friend.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two places, such as home, school or workplace, and demonstrate an impairment that is significant. adhd in adults undiagnosed must not be caused other mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for adolescents and children are not applicable to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient and a close friend or sibling while other doctors prefer to use specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could affect the family at work and school and social relationships. The medications can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves functioning. There are a variety of medications available and sometimes it takes several attempts to find the one that works for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A physician trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. Depending on the results, she might refer the patient to another health care professional, for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient and mental health condition, and employ standardized scales of ratings to assess ADHD. The doctor may also ask someone who knows the patient well for example, a spouse or sibling for adults; a coach, teacher or parent for children -to complete an interview form, which includes questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Many different kinds of medication are available to treat ADHD, and the doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate treatment. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants. They work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that control attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Many children suffering from ADHD also have other health issues that also need to be treated and evaluated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important for parents and children to discuss these other issues with their healthcare professional. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these issues at the same time to ensure that they're working together to improve their functioning.
It is important to locate a healthcare professional who has experience in treating ADHD, especially when beginning treatment. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance plan for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to get a list experts who are certified. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD If a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the patient's medical and family history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that match those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
It is crucial that the person evaluating obtains information from people who know the individual well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires that inquire about the person's behavior and how it affects their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also request a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator also needs to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school and at work. The evaluator may suggest some behavioral therapy, 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. Therapists can teach the patient how to manage their belongings and plan regular activities in order to improve their time-management.
Based on the specific situation the assessor may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to get a more comprehensive picture of the individual's capabilities. 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 could prescribe medication to manage symptoms. The treatment plan could also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way the person does things or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes to a workplace that make it easier for those with disabilities to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.