ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get an assessment for yourself or your child. However, a professional assessment can help you pinpoint the cause of symptoms and determine the severity.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to look over your history. They'll also talk to you and others in your life -- spouse, family members or friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that your child might have ADHD Get an appointment with your health care provider. He might refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist, such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. It is also recommended to bring school records to the appointment since the doctor will want to see how your child's condition compares to his peers with the same age. The provider will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been present.
A thorough assessment will examine the development of your child, their family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who are important in your child's life such as teachers or coaches. Talk to your child about any problems you've seen in their behavior, for example, not finishing homework or other school-related tasks or at home.
It's normal for kids and teens to have a short attention span and lose focus during activities or games. However if your child appears to forget things easily, has difficulty following instructions, or makes mistakes when it comes to homework, chores or schoolwork it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD, and it's common for kids to fidget or flit around too much in class or with their friends. At home, they may be seen running or climbing in inappropriate places or have difficulty sitting still for a long period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt other people in conversations, and they can't hold their breath waiting for their turn.
Inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming among adults who don't show 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 a person's ability to perform in everyday life at school, work, or home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms don't know that they have a diagnosable condition, so they may not seek help. A test for ADHD can help to identify the condition, and a doctor can recommend solutions.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test, a detailed interview with the patient and several other tests and questionnaires. adhd diagnosis adult uk is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or physician who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP, who can refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will review the patient's symptoms, medical history and previous treatment. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD symptom checklists, standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their past symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, in school and at work. The patient will be asked to provide information from close family members and friends.
For children, a healthcare provider is able to diagnose ADHD when they notice six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at minimum six months. They must be apparent in at least two different settings such as at home, school or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be due to other physical or mental illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient as well as the sibling or close friend while other doctors prefer specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could affect the family, work, school, and social interactions. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. There are many different medications available and sometimes it takes several tries to find one that works for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will perform an extensive evaluation. She may refer the patient, depending on the results, to another health professional, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient as well as their mental health condition, and utilize standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. The doctor may also inquire about those who are close to the patient- a parent, teacher or sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling for children -- to complete an interview form with questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD The doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate drug. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants, which work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that regulate behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other health conditions that require evaluation like anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and child to talk about these other conditions with their doctor. Ideally, the child with ADHD should see specialists for these conditions at once to ensure that they work together to improve functioning.
When beginning treatment it is essential to locate an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance provider to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified specialists. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD If a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the patient's medical and family history. During the interview, he'll be looking for symptoms that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical examination may be recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
It is crucial for the evaluator information from those who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator may utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and the impact it has on their work and personal lives. The evaluator could also request copies of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. If the person has family members or a spouse the evaluator may interview them as well.
The evaluator will also want to know how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in the context of relationships school, work, and relationships. 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 develop practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. Therapists can, for example, teach the patient how to organize their belongings and plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Depending on the situation the assessor may suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests 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 could prescribe medication to control symptoms. The treatment plan could also include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way the person conducts themselves or utilizing accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that allow those with disabilities to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.