ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation will aid in determining the severity of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your healthcare provider will use standard ADHD ratings scales to look over your history. They'll also conduct interviews with you and those in your life -- such as your spouse or family members, as well as friends -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD seek an appointment with your health medical professional. He might refer you for more detailed testing or an evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the provider will be interested in how your child compares to his peers. The doctor may utilize standardized rating scales in order to assess the severity of your child's symptoms, and also determine the time since 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 also their development. The doctor will also speak with you and other important adults in your child's life, like teachers or coaches. Talk to your child about any difficulties you've seen in their behavior, such as not finishing homework or other tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens often have a limited attention span and it's not uncommon for them to lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. If your child is unable to remember things easily, having trouble following instructions or making a few mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or at work, it could indicate that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be a sign of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around in class or while playing with their friends. If they're at home, they might climb or run around where it's inappropriate or struggle to sit still for an extended period of time. They may interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentional ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming among adults who don't 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 impact a person's ability to perform in everyday life at work, school, or home. They can also lead to difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms do not realize that they suffer from an identifiable condition, and they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and let a doctor suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam and a thorough interview with the patient, and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is carried out by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD consult your GP, who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.
To make 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 explain the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD checklist of symptoms as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how they impact their lives both at home and in school. The patient will be asked to provide information from close relatives and friends.
For children, a healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more signs of inattention, or five or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at minimum six months. They should be evident in at least two places, such as home, school or the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by mental health issues or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools utilized for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient along with a close friend or sibling while other doctors prefer specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can interfere significantly with family life, work or school, as well as social relationships. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. There are a variety of medications available and sometimes it takes several tries to find one that works for a specific person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may be essential components of treatment.
A physician who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine a patient's medical history and psychiatric condition, and then employ standardized scales of ratings to determine ADHD. The doctor will also ask anyone close to the patient- a parent, teacher or a sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or a sibling in the case children to fill out an interview form that contains questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
killer deal of medications can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective medication for some people. They enhance the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that also need to be treated and evaluated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children discuss these other health issues with their doctor. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should consult a specialist for these conditions all at once to ensure they work together to improve functioning.
When you are beginning a medication, it is important to find an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified specialists. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask them to describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the person's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, the evaluator will look for symptoms that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule out some medical causes of the symptoms, for instance seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gathers information from those who know the person very well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and its impact on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also request a copy of the person's performance appraisals or other documentation. 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, and work. He or she might suggest some behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improve daily functioning. Therapists can teach the patient how to organize their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances the assessor may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain an overall picture of the individual's capabilities. 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 control symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications like changing the way a person conducts themselves or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.