10 Basics About ADHD Diagnosing You Didn't Learn In School
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 the root of the problem.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to go over your past. They'll also talk to you and others in your life -- such as your spouse or family members to get a personal perspective that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect your child may have ADHD. He might refer you for more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist, such as psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the doctor will be interested in how your child compares to his peers. The doctor will use standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and how long they've been in the same condition for.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history as well as mental health history within the family, and also their development. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who are important in your child's lives such as teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any problems you've seen in their behavior, such as not finishing their homework or other assignments at school or at 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 a few mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could indicate that they are suffering from ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to fidget and move around excessively during class or playing with their friends. When they're at home, they may be seen running around or climbing up where it's inappropriate or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt conversations, and they're unable to wait for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming in adults with no 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 impact the ability of a person to function in everyday life at school, work or at home. They can also lead to issues with socialization and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they are suffering from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and allow a doctor to suggest treatment options.
The screening for ADHD involves a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a range of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or physician who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD consult your GP who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and history and any previous treatment. They will then conduct an examination of the body, conduct vision and hearing screenings, and look for any medical conditions that could 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 conduct a thorough interview. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and how these affect their lives, at home and at school. They will also be asked to supply information from close family members and close friends.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six symptoms of inattention, or at least five signs of impulsivity or hyperactivity as described in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two different settings such as at school, at home or in the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be due to other physical or mental disorders.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD due to the fact that the ADHD diagnostic tools utilized for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient along with the sibling or close friend while other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can negatively impact work, family, school, and social interactions. The medications can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. diagnosing adhd improves functioning. There are many different medications available, and sometimes it takes many attempts to find one that works for a particular individual. Therapy and behavior modification can be essential components of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she could refer the patient to another health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then use the standard rating scales for assessing ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also inquire about anyone close to the patient -such as a teacher, parent or a sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling in the case children to fill out an interview form with questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD, and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate drug. Stimulants are the most effective drug for some people. They increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once 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 for the parents and child to talk about these other conditions 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 their functioning.
When beginning treatment, it is important to find an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance policy for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to get a list qualified professionals. You can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the person's medical and family history. During the interview, the evaluator will look for symptoms that are similar to those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam might be recommended to rule out some medical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is essential that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the individual well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and personal life. The evaluator might also request copies of the person's performance assessments or other documentation. If the person has family members or a spouse they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them too.
The evaluator should also be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. He or she might suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or family or marital therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person gain practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist might, for example, teach the patient how to manage their possessions and schedule regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the specific situation the examiner may suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests in order to get a more comprehensive picture of 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 treat the symptoms. The treatment plan could also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way the person performs tasks or using accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that allow someone with a disability to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.