How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers use clinical interviews and behavior ratings scales, checklists for symptoms filled out by the patient as well as other people in their lives and medical histories and psychiatric history to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that first appeared before the age of 12 and affected your daily activities in two different locations (home and school or at work or social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is essential to obtain the correct diagnosis prior to making a decision on the best treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
If a patient decides they'd like to consult an expert for ADHD The doctor will examine their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. These are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be diagnosed the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months. The person must also have at minimum five ongoing ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should hinder functioning effectively in two or more settings--for instance, at school and at work. In addition, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by a different mental health issue.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to inquire about their symptoms and the impact they can have on their lives. They'll also ask someone about their family history as well as their medical and psychiatric histories.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty organizing or finishing tasks. They may forget work or personal appointments. They are easily distracted during lectures or conversations by TV or phone calls. They might be restless or fidgety, talk too much and disrupt others, or have trouble waiting to be the first to play games or other activities. Adults with ADHD might have trouble making decisions, following through and avoiding their hands from things they shouldn't be.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't treated they could lead to serious consequences, including traffic violations or accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help a person to take control of their life and manage their symptoms by medication, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can hinder people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. People with ADHD are often accused of being lazy or not trying. A shortage of child psychiatrists and adolescent psychiatrists put them at risk of being omitted by employers. They also face challenges in obtaining psychiatric medication which include stigma and fear of adverse negative side effects, and obstacles because of the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Exam
It is important to find a mental health professional or physician who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor. adhd diagnosis in adults should include an assessment of the clinical situation as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the patient's previous medical history, his or their behavior and growth since the time of their childhood. The examiner can often benefit from speaking to people who know the patient, like siblings, spouses or parent for adults; coaches, teachers or religious leaders, as well as Scout leaders in the case of children, to gather details about their observations.
A physical exam is necessary to rule out any health conditions which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease or hearing, vision and eye problems or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other laboratory tests, could be required.
The most valuable piece of information is what the patient tells the clinician about their personal symptoms and how they have affected the person's life. It is important that the clinician listens carefully to the person's words. In rushing through an ADHD evaluation could cause a misdiagnosis or missing important details.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults if the symptoms were present during childhood. Adults do not "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be triggered by changes in life or a new job. Someone may have trouble fulfilling the requirements of a new job that requires frequent meetings.
When the first signs of trouble appear when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to take your child to a specialist. This increases the chances that an issue will be discovered, treated quickly and reduce the chance of mistake that could result in serious long-term effects. Parents should talk with their school's counselor or the principal to get referrals to health care experts who are certified to perform ADHD assessments. Adults may consult their family and friends for recommendations, or call an organization in the area to obtain names of qualified professionals. You may also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric facility for the list.
Psychological tests
The psychological test is an essential part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide a more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that could be a part of ADHD like depression or anxiety. It can also provide information for interventions and accommodations.
There are a variety of psychological tests that help diagnose ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations, and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to obtain an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. For adults, the best way to determine the correct diagnosis is to conduct a clinical interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and takes the time to review the patient's medical history. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to measure impulsivity and attention. Brain scans are also sometimes used.
The amount of time required to complete a comprehensive psychological assessment can vary, but one can expect to spend a day in a hospital or clinic for a thorough neuropsychological examination for ADHD. This is a modest investment of time in exchange for clear, well-informed answers and a path forward that will improve the quality of life. Patients are often overwhelmed by their results, especially if they've been living with undiagnosed ADHD over many years or for a lifetime.
There are online ADHD self-assessments that claim they can provide a precise scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. Most mental health experts don't recommend these assessments because they don't take into account the complexity of psychiatric conditions and how their symptoms impact the way people live their lives. The only way to get an official diagnosis is to undergo an examination by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask for referrals from friends and colleagues who have had experience with ADHD.
Family History
Currently, under DSM-5 guidelines, a child must demonstrate symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity in two or more settings, including home and school, before a diagnosis can be made. Adults could be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in a single setting.
The health professional who is conducting the evaluation will interview the patient. She will inquire about the patient's symptoms and how they affect daily life. She will also ask about the person's family history and medical background. She will probably employ a checklist or a standard rating system, to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She will also ask for information from various sources, such as coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups, as well as family members and friends who spend a great deal of time with the child being assessed.
A complete psychiatric history should include the patient's description of symptoms, the completion of rating scales and questionnaires by the family and him and a review on the patient's education, upbringing and the environment. A mental health professional or physician may also test to determine if a patient's symptom are due to depression or anxiety.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult, as most of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted towards children. A health care professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him -- such as your spouse or a close friend about the existence of ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the presence of other disorders that may affect concentration like addiction to drugs or depression.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a medical professional who is certified in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact the local support group for people who suffer from ADHD or a mental illness group for recommendations. You can also look through your insurance plan to see if it lists specialists by specialization.