How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers use clinical interviews and behavior ratings scales, symptom checklists filled out by the patient as well as other people in their lives and medical history and psychiatric histories to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be used to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six signs that started before the age of 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 before deciding on a treatment plan.
read here of Symptoms
If a patient decides they want to see a specialist for ADHD, the doctor will evaluate their symptoms and determine if they satisfy the diagnostic criteria. These are outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must be present for at least six months to be considered a diagnosis. The person must be suffering from at least five ADHD symptoms that are ongoing, and these symptoms have to hinder their performance in at minimum two different environments such as school or at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be than another mental health issue.
The first step is for the doctor to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they affect their life. They will also ask the person about their family history, and also their medical and psychiatric history.
People who have symptoms of ADHD often have trouble organizing their tasks or completing them. They might not remember appointments for work or personal. They have trouble paying attention in lectures or discussions and are easily distracted by calls to the phone or television shows. They could be unfocused or fidgety often, talk too much and interrupt others, or have difficulty waiting for their turn at games or activities. Adults with ADHD might have difficulty making decisions, staying on track and keeping their hands from things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed they could lead to serious consequences like traffic violations and accidents. They can also impact relationships and be difficult to live with. Being diagnosed can help someone to take control of their lives and manage their symptoms using medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can hinder people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People with ADHD are often accused of being lazy or not trying. They also face the risk of being ostracized in the workplace due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications which includes stigma and fears about the dangers and side effects.
Physical Examination
It is important to consult a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This person can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough examination should consist of an assessment of the patient's clinical condition as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner can also inquire about the patient's medical history, his or their behavior and growth from the time of their childhood. The examiner will often benefit from talking to people who know the patient, for example a spouse, sibling or parent for adults; teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and Scout leaders in the case of children, to get information on their observations.
A physical exam is necessary to identify any health conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease as well as hearing and vision issues or sleep disorders. A X-ray and other tests for the lab may be required as well.
The most important information comes from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is crucial that the doctor listens to the patient's words. Rushing through an ADHD assessment could result in a wrong diagnosis and not getting the right information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD is not appropriate for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood as well. The average person does not "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in life can cause it in adults. A person may have difficulty meeting the expectations of a new job that requires frequent meetings.
If you notice a problem it's a good idea to take your child to an expert. This will increase the chance that the problem will be recognized and treated swiftly, and decrease the risk of a mistake that could cause serious long-term effects. Parents can ask their school's principal or counselor to recommend them to a medical professional who is qualified to assess ADHD. Adults may ask their friends and family for recommendations, or contact an organization local to request names of professionals who are qualified. You may also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric facility for a list.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is an essential component of the process to determine ADHD. It can confirm the diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that might be associated with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. It can also provide information on how to treat ADHD.
For children, there are numerous psychological tests that can be used to assess for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to gain an overall picture of the child.
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 an extensive clinical interview with a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess the history of a patient. Some healthcare professionals also use computer programs to measure the impulsivity and attention of patients and brain scans are often used as well.
It can take a variety of time to finish an extensive assessment, but you can expect to spend one day in a hospital or clinic for a neuropsychological examination. This is a small amount of time spent in exchange for clear, well-informed answers and a path forward that can improve the quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to be overwhelmed by their results, especially if they have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time, or perhaps for a lifetime.
There are a variety of online ADHD self-assessments that claim to give you a specific, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health professionals, since they do not consider the complex nature of psychiatric disorders as well as how their symptoms affect the way people live their daily lives. The only way to receive a diagnosis is through an assessment by a qualified healthcare practitioner who follows the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family physician, or request recommendations from colleagues and friends 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 when they meet the criteria in one setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by the health care professional conducting the examination. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their impact on daily living. She will inquire about the person’s medical history and background. She will likely employ an assessment checklist or standardized rating scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek information from a variety of sources, such as coaches, teachers, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend a lot of time with the person being assessed.
A comprehensive psychiatric past will include the patient's descriptions of symptoms, the submission of questionnaires and rating scales by his family and friends and a review on the person's upbringing, education and surroundings. A mental health professional or physician may also conduct tests to determine if a patient's symptoms are due to a different condition, such as anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is targeted specifically for children, which makes it difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The diagnosis usually comes only from a careful clinical interview conducted by a health care professional who specializes in ADHD. She will ask the patient and those who knows him well like his spouse or close friends, if he has ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the person's history with other disorders that could interfere with concentration, such as addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
Consult your primary physician for the referral to an expert in health care who is skilled in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact the local ADHD support group or a mental health organization for recommendations. You can also look through your insurance plan to see if they list professionals by specialization.