ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional evaluation can help you determine the severity of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your past. They'll also conduct interviews with you and those in your life -- spouse or family members, as well as friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
Seek a referral if think your child might have ADHD. He may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician, for more extensive assessment or testing. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the doctor will be interested in how your child's performance compares to other children. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been present.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and the other key adults in your child's life, including teachers or coaches. Talk to your child about any difficulties you've seen in their behavior, like not finishing their homework or other school-related tasks or home.
Children and teens often have a short attention span and it's common for them to lose focus during games or other activities. However if your child appears to forget things easily, has difficulty following instructions or makes careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD It's not uncommon for children to be distracted or move around too much in class or when playing with their friends. If they're at home, they may climb or run around where it's inappropriate or struggle to sit still for an extended period of time. They may interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults with no 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
The symptoms of ADHD can hinder a person's daily functioning whether at home, school or at work. They can also cause problems with social interaction and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they suffer from a diagnosable disorder, and they may not seek treatment. A screening for ADHD can help to identify the disorder and a doctor may suggest treatment options.
Screening for ADHD includes a medical examination, a detailed interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a physician experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Talk to your GP in case you think your child may have ADHD. They can refer your child for a specialist evaluation.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will review the patient's symptoms, medical history and previous treatment. They will then conduct physical examinations, hearing and vision screenings and check for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD checklist of symptoms and standardized scores for behavioral ratings and a thorough assessment. The patient will also be asked about their past symptoms and how they affect their lives at home, at school and at work. The patient will be asked for information from close relatives and friends.
For children, a doctor can diagnose ADHD when they notice six or more signs of inattention, or five or more indicators of impulsivity and hyperactivity that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two different settings like home, school or the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by mental health disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or a close family member or friend. Other doctors use computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could affect work, family or school, as well as social relationships. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and can improve the functioning. There are a variety of medications available and it can take many attempts to find the one that works for a specific person. Therapy and behavior modification can also be important elements of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. The doctor may refer the patient, depending on the results, to another health professional, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will look over the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ standard rating scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms. The doctor will also interview anyone close to the patientfor example, a teacher, parent or sibling in the case of adults, or a spouse or a sibling in the case of children -- to fill out an interview form with questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective medication with the patient. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants, which act by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD frequently have other health conditions which need to be assessed, such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and children to discuss these other conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these issues at the same time to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve functioning.
When beginning treatment, it is important to locate an expert in the field who has experience 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 professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator also reviews the individual's medical and family history. During the interview the evaluator will search for symptoms that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical examination may be recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It is important for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires that ask about the person's conduct and how it affects their home and work life. The evaluator could also ask for a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other records. If the person has a spouse or close friends the evaluator may interview them as well.
The evaluator should also try to know how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school, and at work. The evaluator may suggest behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person the practical skills needed to manage their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. For adults diagnosed with adhd , a therapist might assist the patient to organize their belongings or schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances, the evaluator might suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to get more complete information about the abilities of the 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 may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes like changing the way a person conducts themselves or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.