ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can aid in determining the root of the symptoms and determine the severity.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your past. They will also interview you and your spouse, family or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists or self-tests can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may have ADHD Get an appointment from your health care provider. He may refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist such as 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's performance compares to his peers. The provider may use standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the length of time they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's development, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who play a role to your child's life such as teachers or coaches. You should talk to your child about any issues you've observed in their behavior, for example, not finishing homework or other assignments at school or home.
It's common for kids and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during activities or games. If your child is forgetting things quickly, has trouble following instructions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could be a sign they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD, and it's common for kids to fidget or move around too much in class or when playing with friends. At home, they might climb or run in inappropriate places or have difficulty sitting still for a long duration. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and is difficult to recognize for adults who don't show 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
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the daily functioning of a person whether at school, home or work. They can also cause issues with social interaction and relationships. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms do not realize that they suffer from a diagnosable condition, so they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and allow a doctor to suggest treatments.
The screening for ADHD includes a medical examination, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a doctor who has been experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Talk with your GP in case you think your child may have ADHD. They may refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
To establish a diagnosis the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, medical history and past treatment. They will then perform a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings and check for any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms, standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. The patient will also 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 provide details from family members and close friends.
For children, a healthcare provider is able to diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more symptoms of inattention and/or five or more indicators of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at minimum six months. They must be noticeable in at least two different settings such as at home, school or the workplace and have significant impairment. The symptoms must not be due to other physical or mental illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient and a close friend or sibling while other doctors prefer specific psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could affect family life as well as school and work, as well as social relationships. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. Several different medications are available and sometimes it takes many attempts to find one that works for a particular individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A physician who is trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. The doctor may refer the patient, depending on the outcome to a different health professional, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will look over the patient's medical and psychiatric background, and then employ the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor might also ask someone who is familiar with the patient for example, a spouse or sibling for adults; or a coach, teacher or parent for children -to complete an interview form, which includes specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best treatment with the patient. For some people the most effective treatment is stimulants, which work by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. adhd adult diagnosis uk is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD also have other health issues that also need to be evaluated and treated such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and the child to discuss about these other issues with their healthcare provider. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will visit specialists for all of these issues at the same time, to ensure that they're working together to improve their performance.
It is important to locate a healthcare professional who has experience in treating ADHD particularly when you are starting treatment. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance provider to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized specialists. 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 individual's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview the evaluator will search for symptoms that match those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam may be suggested to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It is important for the evaluator information from those who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and personal life. The evaluator may also ask for a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator should also be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships, school, and work. They may suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist might, for example, teach the patient how to manage their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time-management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological tests to provide a more accurate 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 control symptoms. The treatment plan may also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as altering the way the person does things or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that help someone with a disability to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.