ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid a diagnosis for your child or yourself. A professional assessment will help you determine the severity of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your history. They'll also conduct interviews with you and other people in your life -- spouse, family members or friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Get a referral if you think your child might have ADHD. He could refer you to more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist, such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child's performance compares to his peers. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at the development of your child, their family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and other important adults in 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, such as not finishing their homework or other assignments at school or at home.
Children and teens often have short attention spans and it's common to see them lose focus in 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 at work, it could be a sign they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be distracted and move around excessively in class or when playing with their friends. At home, they might run or climb in unsuitable locations or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt other people in conversations, and they can't hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults without 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 affect a person's ability to function in daily life at school, work, or home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people with these symptoms aren't aware that they may have a diagnosable disorder, and aren't seeking treatment. A screening for ADHD can help identify the disorder, and a doctor can recommend treatments.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam, a detailed interview with the patient and several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neurologist or physician who has been trained to recognize ADHD. Talk to your GP if you suspect that your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will analyze the patient's symptoms, their history and treatment history. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, conduct vision and audio screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD checklist of symptoms, standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their previous symptoms and how they affect their life at home, at school, and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from family members and close friends.
For children, a healthcare provider is able to diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more signs of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two places like school, at home or in the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused other physical or mental illnesses.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient as well as the sibling or close friend, but other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could be a major influence on the family at work and school, as well as social interactions. The medications can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. Several different medications are available and sometimes it takes several attempts to find one that works for a particular individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may also be important components of treatment.
A physician qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. They might refer the patient, depending on the outcome to a different health professional, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will look over the medical history of the patient as well as their mental health condition, and utilize standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor might also ask someone who is familiar with the patient for example, a spouse or sibling for adults; or a coach, teacher, or parent for children -to complete an interview form with specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Several different types of medication can be used to treat ADHD, and the doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate treatment. For some the most effective treatment is stimulants, which act by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD have other health problems which also require to be evaluated and treated such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. adhd diagnosis in adults uk is essential that parents and children talk about these additional conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these disorders at the same time to ensure that they're working together to improve their functioning.
It is crucial to find a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD particularly when you are starting treatment. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance provider to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized specialists. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD He will ask them to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator will also review the patient's medical and family history. During the interview, the evaluator will look for signs 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 reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It's important for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator could use questionnaires to ask about the behavior of the person and how it affects their work and personal life. The evaluator might also ask for a copy of the person's performance assessments or other records. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends the evaluator may interview them too.
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. They may suggest a treatment such as family or marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or even marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. For example, a therapist might assist the patient to organize their belongings or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
The evaluator may recommend a variety of 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 treat the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle such as altering the way the person performs tasks or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.