ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation can help you determine the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also conduct interviews with you and others in your life -- such as your spouse or family members, as well as friends to get a personal perspective that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Signs and symptoms
Seek a referral if suspect your child may have ADHD. He could refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive assessment or testing. It is also recommended to bring school records to the appointment since the doctor will want to see how your child compares with his peers with the same age. The doctor may utilize standardized rating scales in order to assess the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine how long they have been present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk with you and other important adults in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. Discuss any issues you've noticed in your child's behavior, for example, difficulty with homework or inability to finish tasks at school or at home.
Children and teens often have a short attention span and it's not uncommon for them to lose their focus during games or other activities. However if adhd uk diagnosis appears to be prone to forgetting things or is unable to follow instructions or makes erroneous mistakes when it comes to homework, chores or schoolwork it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be distracted and move around a lot during class or playing with their peers. At home, they might be seen running or climbing in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they're not able to wait their turn.
Inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming in adults without indications of hyperactivity. Adults with this form of the disorder often don't meet symptom criteria for either the hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD, so providers assign an unspecified diagnosis.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the daily functioning of a person such as at home, school or work. They can also lead to difficulties with social interaction and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms don't know that they are suffering from an identifiable condition, and they aren't likely to seek help. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and allow a doctor to suggest treatment options.
The screening for ADHD involves a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or physician who has been trained to recognize ADHD. Talk to your GP in case you think your child might be suffering from ADHD. They can refer your child for a specialist evaluation.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and medical history and will also look into any previous treatment. They will then perform an examination of the body, conduct hearing and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, as well an extensive personal interview. The patient will be asked about their past symptoms and how they affect their lives at home, at school and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from family members and close friends.
For children, a doctor is able to diagnose ADHD when they notice six or more symptoms of inattention, or five or more indicators of impulsivity and hyperactivity as that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six month. They must be apparent in at least two places, such as school, home or the workplace, and demonstrate a significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by mental health issues or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for adolescents and children are not applicable to adults. adhd uk diagnosis interview the patient, a close family member or friend. Other doctors use computers to conduct continuous performance tests that are specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may affect the family, work, school, and social interactions. The medication reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are many different medications available and it can take several attempts to find the one that works for a specific person. Often, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also crucial components of treatment.
A doctor who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will perform an exhaustive evaluation. She might refer the patient, dependent on the results to a different health professional, such psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review a patient's medical history and mental health condition, and utilize standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor may also inquire about anyone close to the patient -- a parent, teacher, or a sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling in the case of children -- to complete an interview form with questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best treatment options with the patient. For some the most effective medication is stimulants. They work by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that regulate behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release once-daily preparations.
Children with ADHD frequently have other health conditions that require evaluation like depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and the child to discuss about these other issues with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should see specialists for these issues all at once to ensure that they are working together to improve their functioning.
When starting medication, it is important to find a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor who's practice is covered by your insurance for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of experts who are certified. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also go over the individual's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, he'll be looking for signs that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
It is crucial for the evaluator to get information from people who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires that ask about the person's conduct and how it impacts their work and home life. The evaluator may also ask for a copy of the person's performance appraisals or other records. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator should also know how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in the context of relationships school, work, and relationships. The evaluator may suggest behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving their daily functioning. For instance, a therapist might help the person learn how to organize their possessions or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
Based on the circumstances, the evaluator might recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain an overall picture of the individual's capabilities. These tests might include cognitive testing, such as IQ or academic achievement tests, as well as brain wave measurements using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG).
The evaluator will decide if the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD and whether they fall under the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way a person does things or using accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that help someone with a disability to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.