How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers conduct clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales, checklists for symptoms filled out by the patient as well as other people in their lives and medical histories and psychiatric history to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six signs that started before the age of 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two environments (home and school, or work and social situations). It is important to get the correct diagnosis before making a decision on a treatment plan.
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When a patient decides to consult an ADHD specialist the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. 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 at least six months to be considered a diagnosis. The person must also have at least five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms must hinder functioning in multiple settings, for instance, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health disorder.
The doctor will begin by interviewing the patient to learn about their symptoms and their impact on their lives. They'll also inquire about family history as well as the person's medical and psychiatric history.
ADHD can cause people to have difficulty completing tasks or organizing their time. They might miss appointments or make a mistake at work. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures by TV or phone calls. They might be restless or fidgety or talk too much and disrupt others, or have trouble waiting to be the first to play games or activities. Adults with ADHD might have trouble making decisions, staying on track and keeping their hands from things they shouldn't be.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed, they can lead to serious consequences, including traffic violations or accidents. They can also affect relationships, and can be difficult to manage. A diagnosis can help a person take control of their lives and manage their symptoms by medication, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However, the stigma attached to ADHD can hinder people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People who have ADHD are often accused of being lazy or uninterested. They are also at risk of being ostracized in the workplace due to a shortage of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medication which includes stigma and fears about the dangers and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is essential to find a mental health professional or physician with training in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough examination should consist of an assessment of the patient's clinical condition, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner may also ask about the patient's medical history, his or their behavior and growth from childhood. It is usually beneficial for the examiner to talk with people who know the patient such as spouse, siblings or parents for an adult; teachers, religious leaders coaches, scout leaders and coaches for children -- to collect information on their observations of the child's behavior in different situations.
A physical exam is required to determine if there are any health issues which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid diseases as well as hearing and vision issues or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other laboratory tests, may also be needed.
The most valuable information is derived from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It's crucial for the clinician to listen carefully to what the person is saying. Doing a rush through an ADHD evaluation could cause a misdiagnosis or leaving out crucial information.
Most experts agree that a diagnosis of ADHD can't be made for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood as well. Adults don't "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be triggered by a change in life or a new job. One may have trouble meeting the expectations of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
It's a good idea for children to see a specialist when problems first develop. This will increase the chance that the problem will be recognized, treated quickly and reduce the chance of mistake that could result in negative long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school director or counselor to send them to a health care professional who is qualified to assess ADHD. Adults should ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact a local support group to find names of reputable specialists. You can also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric institution for a list.
Psychological tests
The psychological testing is a crucial component of diagnosing ADHD. It is able to confirm the diagnosis and give a more comprehensive assessment of the symptoms, and their impact on a individual's life. Tests can also identify other mental health issues that may co-occur along with ADHD, like anxiety or depression. It can also inform interventions and accommodations.
There are a variety of psychological tests that aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These can include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological assessments. Interviews are also conducted with teachers and parents to get a full picture of the child's experiences.
Adult ADHD is harder to diagnose. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is designed to diagnose children, and the best method of making an accurate diagnosis for adults is through a thorough clinical interview with a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to gauge impulsivity and attention. Brain scans can also be used.
It could take a range of hours to complete an exhaustive assessment, but you can anticipate spending a full day in a hospital or clinic to receive a neuropsychological evaluation. This is a small time investment that will yield clear answers and a strategy that will enhance your quality of life. Patients are often enthralled by their results, particularly if they've been living with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a long time.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to give you an exact, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These tools are not recommended by most mental health experts because they don't take into account the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms affect the person's performance in their daily lives. The only way to receive a formal diagnosis is through an evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family physician or ask colleagues and friends with experience 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 when they meet the criteria in a single setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by the health care professional conducting the evaluation. She will inquire about the patient's symptoms and how they affect the daily routine. She will inquire about the person's medical history as well as their family background. She will likely employ a checklist or a standardized rating system, to determine if the signs are ADHD. She may also seek out information from various sources, including coaches, teachers as well as religious and scout leader and family members who spend much time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history should include a description of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family, and a thorough review of a person's education, surroundings and upbringing. A psychiatrist or mental health professional may also test to determine whether a patient's symptoms are caused by depression or an anxiety disorder.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be difficult because the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is designed towards children. A diagnosis is usually made only through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a health professional who specializes in ADHD. She will ask the patient and anyone who is familiar with him like his spouse or close family members, if he has ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the person's background with other disorders that could hinder focus, including addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
Consult your primary physician for a referral to an expert in health care who is certified in ADHD evaluations. You can also inquire with a local ADHD support group or a mental health organization to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans provide specialists by specialization and you can check with your insurance provider to determine if there are any ADHD specialists in your area.