ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to not seek an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation can aid in determining the severity of symptoms and determine the cause.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also interview you and other people in your life -- such as your spouse or family members, as well as friends to get a personal perspective that self-tests and checklists cannot provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child might have ADHD seek an appointment from your health medical professional. He could refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive assessment or testing. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, as the doctor will be interested in how your child compares to other children. The provider might use standardized rating scales to determine the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the time since they've been present.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's development, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and the other key adults in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. Discuss the issues you've observed in your child's behavior, such as trouble with homework or failing to complete tasks at home or school.
Children and teens often have short attention spans and it's common for them to lose their focus when playing games or engaging in activities. If getting a adhd diagnosis is unable to remember things quickly, having difficulty following instructions or making mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could indicate that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around a lot in class or when playing with their peers. When they're home, they may play or run around in places where it's inappropriate or struggle to sit still for a long period of time. They might interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming among adults who don't show 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 interfere with a person's daily functioning, including at home, school or work. They can also cause issues with socialization and relationships. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms don't know that they suffer from an identifiable condition, and they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and allow a doctor to suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam and a thorough interview with the patient, and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD consult your GP, who can refer them for a specialist assessment.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms as well as their history, as well as any previous treatments. The healthcare professional will conduct an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings, and look for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD symptoms checklist, standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their history of symptoms and how they affect their lives at home, in school and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from family members and close friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at minimum six months. They should be evident in at least two different places such as school, home or at the workplace, and demonstrate an impairment that is significant. The symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health disorders or physical ailments.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Certain doctors interview the patient or a close family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can affect work, family, school, and social interactions. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. There are many different medications available, and it could require several tries to locate the best one for an individual. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also essential components of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will perform a thorough evaluation. She might refer the patient, dependent on the results to a different health professional, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient as well as their the psychiatric issue, and employ standardized scales of ratings to assess ADHD. The doctor may also inquire about someone close to the patientfor example, a teacher, parent or sibling in the instance of adults, or a spouse or a sibling in the case of children -- to complete an interview form that includes questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective drug for certain people. They increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other health conditions which need to be assessed like depression, anxiety, or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and the child to discuss about these other conditions with their doctor. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these issues simultaneously, to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve functioning.
It is crucial to find a healthcare provider who is skilled in treating ADHD, especially when beginning treatment. Ask a physician 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 call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD He will ask them to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator also examines the person's medical and family history. During the interview the evaluator will search for symptoms that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam might be suggested to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It's crucial that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and home life. The evaluator can also request the review of performance or other evidence. If the person has a spouse or close friends the evaluator may interview them too.
The evaluator should also be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships school, work, and relationships. The evaluator may suggest behavioral therapy such as family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person the skills to manage their symptoms and improving daily functioning. For instance therapy may assist the patient to organize their belongings or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances, the evaluator might suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests in order to get more complete information about 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 may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle like changing the way a person performs tasks or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.