ADHD Diagnosing
It's tempting to not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional evaluation can help you determine the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They will also interview you and your spouse, family or friends to gain personal insight that checklists or self-tests are not able to provide.
Symptoms
Get a referral if you suspect your child may have ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician for more thorough evaluation or testing. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the doctor will be interested in how your child's performance compares to other children. 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 examine your child's medical history as well as mental health history within the family, and developmental. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults that are important to your child's life like coaches or teachers. It is important to talk with your child about any difficulties you've observed in their behavior, for example, not finishing their homework or other assignments at school or home.
It's common for teens and children to have a short attention span and lose concentration during games or activities. If your child seems to forget things easily, having trouble following directions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores or at work, it could be a sign that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around in class or while playing with their friends. If they're at home, they might play or run around in places in areas that aren't appropriate or struggle to sit still for an extended period of time. They might interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentional ADHD can be misinterpreted as 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
ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of a person to function in daily life whether at work, school or at home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms don't know that they have a diagnosable condition, so they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and allow a doctor to recommend treatments.
The screening process for ADHD includes a medical exam as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a doctor who has been skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD consult your GP, who will refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms and medical history and any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will perform physical examinations, vision and audio screenings, and search for any medical conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, as well conducting a thorough interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how they impact their lives at home and at school. The patient will be asked for information from close relatives and friends.
For children, a doctor is able to diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more signs of inattention and/or five or more indicators of impulsivity and hyperactivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two different places such as school, home or the workplace, and demonstrate significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health disorders or physical ailments.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Some doctors interview the patient, someone close to them, or a friend. Others use computerized continuous performance testing specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could affect family life as well as school and work as well as social interactions. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. There are a variety of medications available and it can take several tries to find one that works for an individual. adhd diagnosis uk adult and behavior modification may be essential components of treatment.
A physician who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health care professional, for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then apply standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor could also ask someone who knows the patient well -- such as a spouse or sibling for adults; or a teacher, coach or parent for childrento fill out an interview form that includes specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact on the patient.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment options with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective drug for certain people. They enhance activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.
Children with ADHD frequently have other health issues that need to be evaluated, such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important that parents and children discuss these health issues with their doctor. Ideally, the child with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions at once to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
It is important to locate a healthcare professional who has experience in treating ADHD, especially when starting treatment. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask them to describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the individual's medical and family history. During the interview, he will be looking for symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be recommended to rule out some medical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
It's important for the evaluator information from people who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and its impact on their work and personal lives. The evaluator may also request a copy of a person's performance reviews, or other evidence. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them too.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school, and at work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach the person the skills to manage their symptoms and improving daily functioning. A therapist might, for example, teach the patient how to manage their possessions and schedule routine activities to improve their time management.
Depending on the situation the assessor may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain more complete information about the person's abilities. 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications like changing the way a person performs tasks or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.