ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid an evaluation for your child or yourself. A professional assessment can aid in determining the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your healthcare provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also interview you, your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists or self-tests can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect that your child has ADHD. He might refer you for more thorough testing or 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 other children. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and how long they've been in the same condition for.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history, mental health history in the family and development. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who are important in your child's life such as coaches or teachers. Talk to your child about any problems you've seen in their behavior, such as not finishing their homework or other school-related tasks or home.
It is common for kids and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during games or activities. If your child is unable to remember things quickly, having difficulty following directions, or making careless mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could be a sign they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another sign of ADHD It's normal for children to be distracted or flit around too much in class or when playing with friends. When they're at home, they might play or run around in places when it's not appropriate or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They might blurt out answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they're not able to wait their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming in adults without 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 interfere with the daily functioning of a person such as at school, home or at work. They can also cause problems with social interaction and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they have an identifiable condition, and they may not seek help. A screening for ADHD can help identify the disorder and a doctor may recommend treatment options.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test, a detailed interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD, talk to your GP, who will refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatment. They will then perform physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and check for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD symptoms checklist as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. The patient will also be asked about their history of symptoms and how they impact their life at home, in school and at work. The patient will be asked for information from close family members and friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more signs of inattention, or five or more indicators of hyperactivity and impulsivity that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must exhibit these signs for at least six months. They must be visible in at least two places, such as home, school or workplace, and exhibit a significant impairment. The symptoms should not be caused other mental disorders or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD, as the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors interview the patient, a close family member or friend. Others use computers to conduct continuous performance tests that are designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the signs can have a significant impact on family life at work and school, as well as social relationships. The medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different medications available, and it might take several attempts to find the most appropriate one for you. Therapy and behavior modification can be essential components of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an exhaustive examination. They may refer the patient, depending on the outcome to a different health professional, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will examine a patient's medical history and mental health condition, and utilize standardized ratings scales to assess ADHD. The doctor might also have someone who knows the patient well -- such as a spouse or sibling for adults; a coach, teacher or parent for childrento complete an interview form that includes specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD and the doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for a few people. They increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Many children suffering from ADHD also have other health issues that also need to be assessed and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and children to talk about these other issues with their physician. Idealy, the person with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions all simultaneously to ensure they work together to improve functioning.
When beginning treatment, it is important to locate an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance provider to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified specialists. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD He will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator also reviews the patient's medical and family history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that match those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical examination may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gets information from those who know the individual well, like teachers and family members. www.iampsychiatry.com can use questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and how it affects their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also request a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other documentation. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator also wants to know how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships, school, and work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach a person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving daily functioning. For instance a therapist could help the person learn to organize their belongings or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend various neuropsychological or psychological 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 the symptoms. The treatment plan may also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like altering the way the person does things or using accommodations (tools or changes to a workplace that make it easier for disabled people to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.