How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews as well as behavior ratings scales checklists of symptoms completed by the patient and other people in their lives along with psychiatric histories and medical information to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be employed to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six signs that started before age 12 and impede your daily activities in two environments (home and school or work and social situations). It is crucial to receive the right diagnosis before choosing a treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see a specialist for ADHD The doctor will evaluate their symptoms and determine if they satisfy the diagnostic criteria. These are described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To be considered a diagnosis the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months. The person must also be suffering from at least five ongoing ADHD symptoms and the symptoms must hinder functioning well in two or more settings--for example, at school and at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by another mental health condition.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to learn about their symptoms and the impact they can have on their lives. They'll also ask someone about their family history and also their medical and mental health histories.
People with symptoms of ADHD often have difficulty managing or completing tasks. They might forget work or personal appointments. They have trouble staying focused during lectures or conversations and are easily distracted by calls to the phone or television shows. They may be unfocused and fidgety. adhd in adults diagnosis may also talk too much, disrupting others or struggling to wait their turn in games or activities. Adults with ADHD might have trouble making decisions, following through and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't treated they could lead to serious consequences, including traffic violations or accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and be difficult to live with. Being diagnosed can help a person take charge of their lives and manage their symptoms using medications, lifestyle modifications or therapy.
However the stigma that surrounds ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unable to try. They also run the risk of being disregarded in the workplace due to a shortage of psychiatrists for children and adolescents, and they face barriers to accessing psychiatric medications such as stigma and a fear about the dangers and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is crucial to talk with a mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation should include an assessment of the clinical situation as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions regarding the person's medical history as well as his or her development and behavior going back to the time of childhood. The examiner may benefit from talking to people who know the patient, such as siblings, spouses or parent for adults; teachers, coaches or religious leaders, as well as Scout leaders in the cases of children, to get information on their observations.
A physical exam is required to identify any health conditions which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid diseases or hearing, vision and eye problems or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, could be needed.
The most valuable information is what the patient has to tell the doctor about their personal symptoms and how they have affected the patient's life. It is essential that the doctor listens to the patient's words. Doing a rush through an ADHD evaluation could cause a misdiagnosis or missing important details.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD can't be made for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood too. Adults do not "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be affected by changes in the way of life or a job. A person may have difficulty in completing the requirements of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
When problems first appear, 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 reduces the chance of a wrong diagnosis which could have serious long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school counselor or principal to send them to a health care professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or call a local support group to obtain names of qualified professionals. You may also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric institution for an inventory.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is a crucial part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It can help confirm the diagnosis and provide a more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their effects on a person's daily life. Tests can also reveal other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. It can also help in determining accommodations and interventions.
For children, there are many psychological tests that can be used to determine for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct observation of behavior, as well as neuropsychological assessments. There are also interviews with teachers and parents to get a full picture of the child's life.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. For adults, the best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to schedule an interview with a specialist who is familiar with ADHD and takes the time to review the patient's medical history. Some healthcare practitioners also use computers to assess attention and impulsivity, and brain scans are often used as well.
The amount of time required to conduct a comprehensive psychological evaluation will differ, but one can expect to spend a day in the hospital or clinic for a thorough neuropsychological examination for ADHD. It is a minimal investment of time in exchange for clear, informed results and a roadmap that will improve the quality of life. Patients are often moved by their results, particularly when they've had undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a long time.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim that they provide an exact, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. The majority of mental health professionals don't recommend these assessments since they do not take into consideration the complexity of psychiatric illnesses and how their symptoms affect the person's daily activities. The only way to obtain an official diagnosis is to undergo an evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask your friends and colleagues 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 if they meet the criteria in a single setting.
The health professional who is conducting the exam will interview the patient. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on daily living. She will inquire about the person's medical history and family background. She will probably employ a checklist or a standard rating system, to determine if the signs are ADHD. She will also request information from various sources, such as coaches, teachers religious and scout leaders and family members who spend much time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include a descriptions of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family, and a detailed review of the person's education, environment and upbringing. A mental health professional or physician may also test to determine whether a patient's symptoms are related to an anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is designed towards children, making it difficult to identify ADHD in adults. A diagnosis will often emerge only through a thorough clinical interview, conducted by a health care specialist who is trained in ADHD. She will inquire with the patient and those who know him well like the spouse or a close friend -- about the existence of ADHD-related problems. She will also inquire about the patient's past history with other disorders that hinder focus, such as depression, addiction to drugs or alcoholism.
Consult your primary physician for the referral to an expert in health care who is qualified in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact the local ADHD support group or mental health group to receive recommendations. Insurance plans often have specialists listed by specialization and you can consult with your insurer to find out whether there are ADHD specialists in your area.