ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional assessment will help you determine the severity of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They will also talk to you as well as your spouse, family members or your friends to gain personal insights that checklists and self-tests can't provide.
Symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect that your child has ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician for more thorough 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 doctor may use standardized rating scales to assess the severity of your child's symptoms, and also determine how long they have been present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at the development of your child, their family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also speak with you and other important adults in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. Discuss any issues you've observed in your child's behavior, such as trouble with homework or failing to complete tasks at home or school.
It's common for children and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during activities or games. However, if your child seems to lose track of things easily or has trouble following instructions or makes careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or work, it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD It's normal for children to be distracted or move around too much in class or with their friends. At home, they may be seen running or climbing in inappropriate places or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt other people in conversations, and they can't wait for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming. It can be hard to diagnose in adults who do not 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
ADHD symptoms can impact a person's ability to function in everyday life, whether at work, school, or home. They can also cause issues with socialization and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms aren't aware that they have a diagnosable disorder, and may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and enable a physician to suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam and a thorough interview with the patient as well as various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is done by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a doctor who has been experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Talk to your GP if you suspect that your child may have ADHD. They can refer your child for a specialist evaluation.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, history and previous treatment. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct vision and hearing screenings, and check for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms, standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their previous symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, at school and at work. They will also be asked to provide details from family members and close friends.
For children, a healthcare provider is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more signs of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two different places like home, school or workplace, and demonstrate a significant impairment. The symptoms should not be due to other physical or mental illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient, a close family member or friend. Other doctors use computers to conduct continuous performance tests that are specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could have a significant impact on the family at work and school and social relationships. The medications reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are Iam Psychiatry of medications available, and it might require several tries to locate the best one for an individual. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are important parts of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an extensive assessment. She might refer the patient, depending on the results to a different health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric background, and then employ standard rating scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms. The doctor could also have someone who knows the patient well like a spouse or sibling for adults; a coach, teacher, or parent for childrento complete an interview form with questions specific to ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Many different kinds of medication are available to treat ADHD and the doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate medication. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for certain people. They enhance activity in brain areas that control attention and behaviour. The most frequently prescribed medication 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 need to be treated and evaluated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and children to talk about these conditions with their physician. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will see 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 is experienced in treating ADHD particularly when you are beginning treatment. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance policy for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of professional who are qualified. 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 is suffering from ADHD, he or she will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the individual's medical and family history. During the interview, the evaluator will look for signs that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical examination may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
It is essential that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to ask about the person’s behavior and how it affects their work and personal life. The evaluator may also request the review of performance or other documentation. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends, the evaluator might interview them as well.
The evaluator will also want to know how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school, and at work. The evaluator may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person gain practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For instance a therapist could assist the patient how to organize their possessions or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend various 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 treat symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications like changing the way a person performs tasks or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.