ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid getting an evaluation for your child or yourself. A professional evaluation will help you determine the severity of symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your healthcare provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and others in your life -- spouse or family members -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Symptoms
Get a referral if you think your child might have ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician for more thorough assessment or testing. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the doctor will be interested in how your child's progress compares to other children. The provider might use standardized rating scales to determine the severity of your child's symptoms, and also determine the length of time they've been present.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's development, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's life such as teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, such as not finishing their homework or other school-related tasks or home.
Teens and children often have a short attention span and it's common for them to lose their focus in games or activities. If your child is forgetting things quickly, having difficulty following instructions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work, this could indicate that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around a lot in class or while playing with their peers. At home, they might climb or run in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They might interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and it can be hard to diagnose in adults who do not show 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
ADHD symptoms can affect the person's ability to function in everyday life at school, work, or home. They can also cause issues with relationships and socialization. Many people with these symptoms are unaware that they have a disorder that is diagnosable, and may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and enable a physician to recommend treatments.
The screening process for ADHD includes a medical examination and a thorough patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a doctor who has been experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD consult your GP, who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms and history and will also look into any previous treatments. They will then perform physical examinations, hearing and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms and standardized scores for behavioral ratings, and a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their past symptoms and how they impact their life at home, at school and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from close family members and close friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity 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 locations like school, home or at the workplace, and show an impairment that is significant. Symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health issues or physical ailments.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Highly recommended Resource site will interview the patient, an immediate family member or friend. Others use computerized continuous performance tests specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can be a major influence on family life at work and school and social relationships. The medications can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different medications available and sometimes it takes several tries to find one that works for a particular individual. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A physician who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. Depending on the results, she may refer the patient to a different health professional, for example, psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient and mental health condition, and employ standardized scales of ratings to determine ADHD. The doctor will also ask those who are close to the patientfor example, a teacher, parent or sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or a sibling in the case children -- to complete an interview form with questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different kinds of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective medication for some people. They enhance activity in the brain areas that control attention and behaviour. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD have other health problems that also need to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and children to talk about these other conditions with their physician. Ideally, the child with ADHD should consult a specialist for these issues all simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve their functioning.
When starting medication it is essential to find an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified specialists. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask them to describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the patient's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview the evaluator will search 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, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
It is important for the evaluator to get information from those who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and the impact it has on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also request an account of the person's performance reviews or other documents. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator also wants to understand how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships school, work, and relationships. The evaluator might suggest a behavioral therapy such as family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person the practical skills needed to manage their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. For example a therapist could assist the patient in learning how to organize their possessions or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The evaluator may recommend various neuropsychological or psychological tests to gain a clearer picture of a person's abilities. 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 manage symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as altering the way the person does things or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.