ADHD Diagnosing
It's tempting to not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. However, a professional evaluation will aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine the severity.
Your provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and those in your life -- spouse or family members to get a personal perspective that self-tests and checklists cannot provide.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may have ADHD, get an appointment from your health care provider. He might refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to other children. The provider will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been present.
A thorough assessment will look at your child's medical history as well as mental health history in the family and development. The doctor will also speak to you and the other key adults in your child's life, including teachers or coaches. You should talk to your child about any issues you've seen in their behavior, for example, not finishing their homework or other assignments at school or home.
Children and teens typically have a limited attention span and it's common to see them lose focus during games or other activities. However, if your child seems to be prone to forgetting things or is unable to follow instructions, or makes mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD, and it's common for children to be distracted or flit around too much in class or while playing with their friends. At home, they may be seen running or climbing in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting still for long periods of duration. They may interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as 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 hinder the ability of a person to perform in everyday life, whether at work, school, or home. They can also cause issues with relationships and socialization. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms don't know that they have a diagnosable condition, so they aren't likely to seek help. A screening for ADHD can help to identify the disorder, and a doctor can suggest treatments.
The test for ADHD involves a medical examination and a thorough patient interview and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history, as well as any previous treatments. They will then perform an examination of the body, conduct hearing and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might explain the patient's symptoms. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, as well conducting a thorough interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how they impact their lives at home and at school. They will also be asked to provide information from family members and close friends.
For children, a medical professional is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattention and/or five or more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two different places such as home, school or workplace, and show an impairment that is significant. The symptoms must not be due to other physical or mental illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient along with a close friend or sibling however, other doctors prefer specialized psychological testing and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could negatively impact family life, work, school, and social interactions. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are a myriad of medicines available, and it could take several attempts to find the right one for a particular person. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A physician who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. They could refer the patient depending on the outcome to a different health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient as well as their mental health condition, and employ standardized scales of ratings to evaluate ADHD. The doctor may also request someone who knows the patient well like siblings or spouses for adults, or a teacher, coach or parent for children -to complete an interview form that includes specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD, and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective medication for a few people. They boost the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Many children who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other health issues which also require to be evaluated and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important that parents and children talk about these other health issues with their doctor. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will visit specialists for all of these disorders simultaneously, to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve their functioning.
It is crucial to find a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to starting medication. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance company to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified professionals. You can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD, he will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator also reviews the person's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview, he'll be looking for signs that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical causes for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is crucial for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and how it affects their work and personal life. The evaluator may also request a copy of the person's performance assessments or other documents. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator should also try to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school and at work. He or she might suggest some behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach a person the skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For example a therapist could help the person learn to manage their belongings and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend various neuropsychological or psychological tests to provide a more accurate picture of the abilities of a person. adult diagnosis of adhd 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle such as altering the way the person conducts themselves, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.