ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid getting a diagnosis for your child or yourself. A professional assessment will help you determine the severity of symptoms and determine the cause.
Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They'll also talk to you and other people in your life -- such as your spouse or family members to gain insight that self-tests and checklists cannot provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD, get an appointment from your health medical professional. He may refer you for more detailed testing or an evaluation to a specialist, such as psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, as the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to other children. The provider may utilize standardized rating scales in order to determine the severity of your child's symptoms and determine how long they have been present.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's growth, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults that are important in your child's lives like coaches or teachers. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, like difficulty with homework or inability to finish tasks at home or school.
Teens and children often have short attention spans and it's common for them to lose focus in games or activities. If your child is forgetting things easily, having trouble following instructions, or making careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work, this could be a sign that they suffer from ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around in class or while playing with their peers. At home, they may be seen running or climbing in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting for a long period of duration. They might blurt out answers or interrupt conversations, and they're not able to hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and 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 perform in everyday life at work, school, or home. They can also cause problems with socialization and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they suffer from an identifiable condition, and they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and enable a physician to suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD includes a medical examination as well as a detailed interview with the patient, and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or physician who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD, talk to your GP, who can refer them for a specialist assessment.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms and medical history and will also look into any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, conduct audio and vision screenings, and search for any medical conditions which could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, aswell conducting a thorough interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how these impact their lives both at home and in school. The patient will be asked to provide information from close relatives and friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six symptoms of inattentiveness, and/or at least five indicators of impulsivity or hyperactivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They must be noticeable in at least two places like home, school or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused other mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used in children and adolescents don't apply to adults. adhd adults diagnosis interview the patient or an immediate family member or friend. Other doctors use computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can have a significant impact on family life as well as school and work and social relationships. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. There are a myriad of medicines available, and it may take a few attempts to find the most appropriate one for an individual. Therapy and behavior modification can be essential elements of treatment.
A physician trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. Depending on the results, she may refer the patient to a different health care professional, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will look over the medical history of the patient and psychiatric condition, and then use standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor may also inquire about anyone close to the patient -- a parent, teacher or a sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling for children -- to complete an interview form that includes questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD The doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate treatment. For some people, the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that also need to be assessed and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and the child to discuss about these conditions with their healthcare provider. Idealy, the person with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions all simultaneously to ensure they work together to improve functioning.
It is crucial to find a doctor who is skilled in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to starting medication. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance plan for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to get a list professional who are qualified. 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 the doctor will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also go over the person's medical history, family and psychiatric histories. During the interview, he'll be looking for symptoms that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is suggested to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, for instance seizures or thyroid issues.
It is essential that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the individual well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator could use questionnaires to ask about the person's behavior and how it affects their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also ask for an account of the review of performance or other documentation. If the person has a spouse or close friends they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them as well.
The evaluator should also know how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships school, work, and relationships. The evaluator may suggest a therapy for behavioral issues like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person gain practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist could teach the patient how to manage their belongings and plan routine activities to improve their time management.
The examiner may suggest 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 manage the symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle such as altering the way the person performs tasks or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.