Diagnosis ADHD Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD, providers use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists which are completed by the patient and others in his or her life, as well as psychiatric histories and medical information. Psychotherapy may also be employed to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six signs that started before the age of 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two different settings (home and school or work and social situations). The correct diagnosis is essential to decide on the best treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see an ADHD specialist the doctor will look over their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. The symptoms must be present for six months or longer to be considered a diagnosis. The person must also have at minimum five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should get in the way of functioning well in two or more settings--for instance, at school or at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by other mental health issue.
The first step is for the doctor to talk with the patient about their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They'll also inquire about family history and the person's medical and psychiatric history.
People who have symptoms of ADHD frequently have difficulty managing or completing tasks. They may miss work or personal appointments. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures through phone calls or TV. They may be agitated or fidgety, speak too much and interrupt others, or have trouble waiting for their turn at games or activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be having difficulty making decisions and executing on them, as well as having difficulty keeping their hands off things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed they could lead to serious consequences, such as traffic violations or accidents. They can also interfere with relationships, and can be difficult to manage. Being diagnosed can help someone to take control of their lives and manage their symptoms using medications, lifestyle modifications or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People with ADHD are often accused of being lazy or failing to make an effort. They also face the risk of being ostracized in the workplace due to a deficiency of psychiatrists for children and adolescents, and they face barriers to accessing psychiatric medication such as stigma and a fear about the risks and side effects.
Physical Examination
It is crucial to talk with a mental health professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor. A thorough assessment should include a medical interview as well as the use of diagnostic tests and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions about the person's medical history and his or her development and behavior dating back to the time of childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to discuss with people who know the patient -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult; teachers, religious leaders as well as scout leaders, coaches and coaches for children to collect information on their observations of the child's behavior in various environments.
A physical exam is required to rule out any health conditions which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid diseases as well as hearing and vision issues, or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, could be needed.
The most important information comes from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is essential for the physician to listen carefully to what the patient is saying. Doing a rush on an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for misdiagnosis and missing crucial information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD cannot be made for an adult unless the signs are present in childhood too. Adults can't "grow out" of ADHD however, they can be triggered by changes in lifestyle or a new job. One may have trouble meeting the expectations of an employment that requires frequent meetings.
It's a good idea for children to see a specialist when problems first occur. This increases the chance that the problem can be diagnosed and treated quickly, and it decreases the chance of a wrong diagnosis that can have serious long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school director or counselor to send them to a medical professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD. Adults should ask their friends and family members for recommendations or consult a local support group to get names of qualified specialists. You may also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric institution for a list.
Psychological tests
The psychological test is an essential element of diagnosing ADHD. It is able to confirm the diagnosis and provide an extensive analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that may co-occur along with ADHD such as anxiety or depression. It can also provide information for interventions and accommodations.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. There are also interviews with teachers and parents to get a full picture of the child's experiences.
Diagnosing ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is designed to diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is to conduct a thorough clinical interview conducted by an expert in ADHD who takes the time to evaluate the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals use computers to assess impulsivity and attention. Brain scans are sometimes also used.
It can take a variety of time to finish an extensive assessment, but you should expect to spend one day in the clinic or hospital for a neuropsychological examination. This is a small investment of time in exchange for clear, unbiased results and a roadmap that can improve the quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to be emotional when they hear their results, particularly when they have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or a lifetime.
There are a variety of online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a definitive, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. The majority of mental health experts do not recommend these tools because they do not consider the complexity of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms affect a person's daily functioning. A healthcare professional who is qualified and adheres to the DSM guidelines can only provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can locate a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask colleagues and friends who have expertise in ADHD for referrals.
Family History
Currently, under DSM-5 guidelines, a child must demonstrate symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity in two or more settings, including home and school, before a diagnosis can be made. Adults, however can be diagnosed in the event that they meet the criteria in one setting.
The health care professional conducting the examination will talk to the patient. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their effects on the daily activities. She will also inquire about the person's family history and medical background. She will likely employ an assessment checklist or standardized rating scale to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek details from a variety of sources, including teachers, coaches and religious and scout leader as well as family members and friends who spend a great amount of time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history should include the description of symptoms by both the patient and his caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family, and a review of a person's education, environment and upbringing. A mental health professional or physician may also conduct tests to determine whether the patient's symptoms are related to another illness, such as anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared towards children, making it difficult to determine ADHD in adults. A diagnosis is usually made only through a thorough clinical interview, conducted by a health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD. how is adhd diagnosed in adults will ask both the patient and those who knows him well, such as his spouse or close family members, if he has ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the person's background with other disorders that affect focus, such as depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
To locate a health care professional who is certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. You can also contact the local ADHD support group or mental health organization to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also provide specialists by specialization and you can consult with your insurance provider to determine whether they have ADHD specialists in your area.