ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. However, a professional evaluation will help you pinpoint the cause of the symptoms and determine their 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 insights that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD Get a referral from his health healthcare provider. He may refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive evaluation or testing. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to other children. The doctor 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 thorough examination will review your child's medical history, mental health history in the family, and developmental. The doctor will also speak to you and the other key adults in your child's life, including teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any difficulties you've seen in their behavior, for example, not completing homework or other school-related tasks or home.
It is common for teens and children to have a limited attention span and lose focus during activities or games. If your child seems to forget things quickly, having difficulty following directions or making a few mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or at work, it could be a sign that they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around excessively during class or playing with their peers. If they're at home, they may be seen running around or climbing up in areas that aren't appropriate or struggle to sit still for an extended period of time. They might interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming. It can be difficult to identify for 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 function in everyday life at school, work or at home. They can also cause issues with relationships and socialization. Many people who experience these symptoms are not aware that they may have an identifiable disorder and they may not seek treatment. adhd diagnosis in adults uk for ADHD can help to identify the condition, and a doctor can recommend treatments.
The test for ADHD includes a medical examination, a detailed patient interview and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is done by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a physician skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP who can refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and medical history and will also look into any previous treatments. They will then perform a physical examination, conduct vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptom checklists as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how these affect their lives, at home and at school. The patient will be asked to provide information from close family members and friends.
For children, a healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD when they observe six or more signs of inattentiveness and/or five or more indicators of hyperactivity and impulsivity listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two places, such as home, school or workplace, and show a significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by other mental health conditions or physical illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents do not apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient as well as the sibling or close friend while other doctors prefer to use special psychological tests and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could have a significant impact on the family, work and school as well as social interactions. The use of medication can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. There are a variety of medications available, and sometimes it takes several attempts to discover the one that is effective for an individual. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also essential components of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will perform an extensive evaluation. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to another health professional, for example, psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and mental background, and then employ standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also inquire about anyone close to the patient -such as a teacher, parent, or sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling for children to fill out an interview form that includes questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the most effective treatment with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for certain people. They boost activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release once-daily preparations.
Many children who suffer from ADHD also have other health issues that also need to be assessed and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children discuss these health issues with their doctor. Idealy, the person with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these issues all at once to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
When starting medication it is crucial to seek out an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance provider to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified specialists. You can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator will also review the individual's medical and family history. During the interview, he will be looking for symptoms that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
It is essential that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator could use questionnaires that inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also request a copy of the person's performance evaluations or other records. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close friends 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 at school, work, and other social interactions. The evaluator might suggest a behavioral therapy like family or marital counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person gain practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. Therapists can teach the person how to organize their belongings and plan regular activities in order to improve their time management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety of neuropsychological or psychological tests to gain a clearer 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle such as changing how the person performs tasks or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.