ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional evaluation can help you determine the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your past. They'll also conduct interviews with you and those in your life, such as spouse, family members or friends to gain insight that self-tests and checklists cannot provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect that your child has ADHD. He might refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist, such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as 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 the long they've been in the same condition for.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in your child's life, like teachers or coaches. Discuss the issues you've noticed in your child's behavior, like trouble with homework or failing to complete tasks at home or school.
adhd adults diagnosis and teens typically have a short attention span and it's not uncommon to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However, if your child seems to forget things easily, has difficulty following instructions or makes careless mistakes in their homework, chores or schoolwork it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD It's not uncommon for kids to fidget or move around a lot in class or when playing with their friends. If they're at home, they might be seen running around or climbing up when it's not appropriate or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They may interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentive ADHD can be mistaken for daydreaming in adults without indications 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 a person's daily functioning whether at home, school or at work. They can also cause difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms are not aware that they have a disorder that is diagnosable, and aren't seeking treatment. A test for ADHD can help to identify the disorder and a physician can suggest solutions.
The screening process for ADHD involves a medical examination, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist or a physician skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. Talk with your GP when you suspect your child may have ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatment. The healthcare professional will conduct a physical exam, conduct audio and vision screenings and search for any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will use a combination ADHD symptoms checklist, standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. The patient will be asked about their previous symptoms and how they impact their life at home, in school and at work. The patient will be asked for information from close family members and friends.
For children, a healthcare provider is able to diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more signs of inattention and/or five or more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms must be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two places such as at school, home or workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by mental health disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for children and adolescents do not apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient, an immediate family member or friend. Other doctors use computerized continuous performance tests specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could interfere significantly with work, family, school, and social relationships. The medications can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are many different medications available, and sometimes it takes several attempts to find one that works for an individual. Therapy and behavior modification can be essential elements of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. Based on the results, she could refer the patient to a different health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will look over a patient's medical history and psychiatric condition, and then utilize standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. The doctor might also ask someone who knows the patient well for example, a spouse or sibling for adults, or a coach, teacher or parent for children -to fill out an interview form with specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD The doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate medication. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants. They work by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that control behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once 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 crucial for parents and the child to discuss about these conditions with their physician. Ideally, the person with ADHD will see specialists for all of these conditions simultaneously, to ensure that they are working together to improve their performance.
When beginning treatment it is crucial to seek out an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Ask a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of experts who are certified. 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 that someone is suffering from ADHD If a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the person's medical and family history. During the interview, he'll be looking for symptoms that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical examination may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It is important for the evaluator information from people who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and the impact it has on 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 functioning, for example in relationships, at school, and at work. The evaluator may suggest a therapy for behavioral issues like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach the person the skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist could, for example, teach the patient how to manage their possessions and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The examiner may suggest various neuropsychological or psychological tests to provide a more accurate understanding of the capabilities 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 could prescribe medication to treat symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as changing how the person does things, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.