How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales, checklists for symptoms filled out by the patient and other people in their lives along with medical histories and psychiatric history to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy may also be utilized to manage symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that started before 12 years old and affected your daily activities at two different places (home and school or at work and social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. The correct diagnosis is essential to decide on the best treatment strategy.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see an expert for ADHD, the doctor will evaluate their symptoms and determine if they fit the diagnostic criteria. These are outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must have been present for a period of six months or more in order to be classified as ADHD. The person must also be suffering from at least five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should hinder functioning in two or more settings--for example, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by any other mental health disorder.
The doctor will first interview the patient to learn about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They will also ask about family history as well as the person's medical and psychiatric history.
People who have symptoms of ADHD often have difficulty organizing or finishing tasks. They might miss appointments or make a mistake at work. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures by phone calls or television. They may be agitated or fidgety often, talk too much and disrupt others, or have difficulty waiting for their turn at games or activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to struggle with making decisions and following through on them, in addition to having trouble keeping their hands off things they should not be doing.
If adhd diagnoses aren't addressed, they may cause serious consequences, such as traffic violations and accidents. They can also impact relationships and be difficult to manage. Getting a diagnosis can help someone take control of their life and manage their symptoms through medication, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can deter people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. People who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unable to take the initiative. They are also at risk of being disregarded in the workplace due to a shortage of psychiatrists for children and adolescents, and they face barriers to accessing psychiatric medication which includes stigma and fears about the risks and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is important to find a mental health professional or a doctor who has experience in the diagnosis of ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation must include a medical interview, using diagnostic tests, and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner may also ask about the patient's medical history, as well as her behavior and development from the time of his or her childhood. It can be helpful for the examiner to discuss with those who know the patient -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers 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 essential to determine if there are any health issues which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease as well as hearing and vision issues or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray or other lab tests, might also be needed.
The most important piece of information is what the patient has to tell the doctor about their own issues and how they've affected the person's life. adhd diagnosing is crucial for the doctor to pay attention to what the person is saying. Doing a rush on an ADHD evaluation is a recipe for misdiagnosis or missing important information.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults if the signs were present in the early years of childhood. A person doesn't usually "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in lifestyle might trigger it in adults. A person may have difficulty meeting the expectations of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
If you notice a problem, it's a great idea to bring your child to a specialist. This increases the likelihood that the issue will be identified and treated promptly, and minimizes the risk of a misdiagnosis which could have serious long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school's principal or counselor to send them to a health professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD. Adults can ask family and friends for recommendations, or contact an organization in the area to obtain names of specialists who are certified. One may also contact his or their primary care physician or a psychiatric hospital for a list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
The psychological testing is a crucial component of diagnosing ADHD. It can help confirm the diagnosis and provide a more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Testing can also help identify other mental health issues that could be associated with ADHD like depression or anxiety. It can also provide information for interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are numerous psychological tests that can be used to assess for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations, as well as neuropsychological assessments. There are also adhd diagnostic with parents and teachers to get a complete picture of the child's life.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to identify. The DSM-V is designed to identify children. For adults, the best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to schedule a clinical interview with an expert who is familiar with ADHD and who takes the time to review the patient's medical history. Some healthcare professionals employ computers to assess the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans are also sometimes employed.
The amount of time required to conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment will vary, but one can expect to spend a day in the hospital or clinic for a thorough neuropsychological examination for ADHD. This is a small time investment in exchange for clear answers and a plan of action which will improve your quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to feel emotional when they hear their results, especially if they have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for years or even for a lifetime.
There are a variety of online ADHD self-assessments that claim they can provide a precise, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. The majority of mental health experts don't recommend these assessments because they do not consider the complexity of psychiatric conditions and how their symptoms affect the person's daily activities. A licensed healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines can only give a formal ADHD diagnosis. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask for referrals from friends and colleagues who have had experience with ADHD.
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 if they satisfy the criteria in just one setting.
The health care professional conducting the evaluation will interview the patient. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their effects on daily living. She will also ask about the family history of the person and medical background. She will probably use a checklist, or standardized rating system to determine if the signs are ADHD. She will also request information from many sources, including teachers, coaches as well as religious and scout leader and family members who spend a lot of time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the patient's description of symptoms, the submission of questionnaires and rating scales by his family and friends and a review on the person's upbringing, education and environment. A mental health care professional or physician may also perform tests to determine if the symptoms of a patient are due to another illness like depression or anxiety disorder.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult since the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is geared toward children. A health professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a medical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask the patient as well as anyone who knows him well, such as his spouse or close family members, if he has ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the history of other disorders that could interfere with concentration like depression or addiction to drugs.
To find a health care professional who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment Ask your primary care physician for an appointment. You can also call the local support group for people suffering from ADHD, or a mental health organization to receive recommendations. Many insurance plans also have specialists listed by specialization and you can check with your insurance provider to determine whether there are ADHD specialists in your area.