How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers conduct clinical interviews as well as behavior ratings scales checklists for symptoms filled out by the patient and other people in their lives, as well as medical history and psychiatric histories to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy may also be employed to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six signs that began before age 12 and affect your daily activities in two different settings (home and school, or work and social situations). It is essential to obtain the correct diagnosis prior to making a decision on the best treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they would like to see an expert for ADHD The doctor will evaluate their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. 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 a period of six months or more to be considered a diagnosis. The person must also be suffering from at least five ongoing ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should get in the way of functioning well in a variety of settings, for example, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by any other mental health issue.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to learn about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They'll also inquire about family history and the overall medical and mental health history.
ADHD can cause people to have trouble completing tasks or organizing their time. They may miss work or personal appointments. They have a difficult time staying focused to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by phone calls or TV shows. They may be unfocused, fidgety or talk too much, interrupting others or having difficulty waiting their turn in games or other activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to struggle with making decisions and following through on them, and also having difficulty keeping their hands off things they should not be doing.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed they could result in grave consequences, like traffic violations or accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and can be difficult to live around. A diagnosis can help a person take control of their lives and manage their symptoms through medication, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However the stigma that surrounds ADHD can hinder people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People who have ADHD are still frequently accused of being lazy or not trying. They also face the risk of being ostracized in the workplace due to a deficiency of child and adolescent psychiatrists and also face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications such as stigma and a fear about the risks and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is essential to speak with an expert in mental health who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough assessment should include a clinical interview as well as the testing for diagnostics and the filling out of questionnaires. The examiner will also inquire regarding the person's medical history and his or her development and behavior going back to the time of childhood. It is usually beneficial for the examiner to discuss with people who know the patient such as spouse, siblings or parents for an adult and religious leaders, teachers coaches, scout leaders and coaches for children -- to get information about their observations of the child's behavior in various environments.
A physical exam is essential to identify any health conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid diseases, vision and hearing issues, or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, may also be required.
Most of the time, the most valuable piece of information is what the patient has to tell the doctor about his or her own ailments and how they have affected the person's life. getting diagnosed with adhd is important that the clinician listens carefully to the person's words. In rushing through an ADHD assessment could cause a misdiagnosis or missing important information.
Most experts agree that a diagnosis of ADHD is not appropriate for an adult unless the signs are present in childhood too. It is not common for a person to "outgrow" ADHD, but a new responsibility or change in life could trigger it in adults. For instance, a person might get an occupation that requires regular meetings and has trouble meeting those expectations.
It's a good idea for children to see a specialist as soon as problems begin to arise. This will increase the likelihood that an issue will be discovered, treated quickly and reduce the chance of mistake that could result in negative long-term consequences. Parents should speak with their school counselor or principal for recommendations to health professionals who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. Adults may consult their family and friends for recommendations or contact a local group to get names of professionals who are qualified. You can also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric center for the list.
Psychological Tests
The psychological test is an essential element of diagnosing ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide a more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their effects on a person's daily life. Testing can also detect other mental health conditions that can co-occur with ADHD, like anxiety or depression. It can also help inform interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are a variety of psychological tests that can be used to determine for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations, as well as neuropsychological assessments. Interviews are also conducted with parents and teachers to get a complete picture of the child's experience.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. For adults, the best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to conduct an interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and who takes the time to look over the patient's medical background. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to measure the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans can also be used.
It can take a range of time to finish an extensive evaluation, but you can expect to spend one day in the clinic or hospital to undergo a neuropsychological assessment. This is a small time investment in exchange for clear answers and a plan of action which will improve your quality of life. Patients are often enthralled by their results, especially those who have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a lifetime.
There are online ADHD self-assessments that claim to give you a definitive, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. The majority of mental health professionals do not recommend these tools because they do not consider the complexity of psychiatric disorders and how they affect a person's daily functioning. The only way to receive a diagnosis is through an examination by a licensed healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can locate a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask your friends and colleagues with experience in ADHD for recommendations.
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 when they meet the criteria in a single setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by a health care professional conducting the assessment. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. She will inquire about the person’s medical history and background. She will probably use a checklist, or a standard rating system, to determine if the signs are ADHD. She may also seek information from various sources, such as teachers, coaches and Scout and religious leaders and family members and friends who spend a great time with the individual being assessed.
A thorough psychiatric history should include a description of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, completion of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family members, and a thorough review of the person's education, environment and upbringing. A mental health care specialist or physician can also conduct tests to determine if a patient's symptoms are due to a different condition, such as anxiety disorder or depression.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult because the majority of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted toward children. A health care professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him (such as your spouse or a close friend about the existence of ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the presence of other disorders that could affect concentration, such as depression or drug abuse.
Ask your primary care physician for an appointment with a medical professional who is skilled in ADHD evaluations. You can also call the local support group for people with ADHD or a mental illness group, to get recommendations. You can also look through your insurance policy to see if they include specialists with specialization.