How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews and behavior ratings scales, checklists for symptoms filled out by the patient as well as other people in their lives along with medical history and psychiatric histories to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy may also be used to manage symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least six symptoms that started before age 12 and impede your daily activities in two different settings (home and school, or work and social settings). Making the right diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the most effective treatment strategy.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see an ADHD specialist the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. 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 be present for at least six months. The person must also be suffering from at least five continuous 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 other mental health disorder.
The first step is to talk with the patient about their symptoms and how they impact their lives. They'll also inquire about family history and the overall medical and psychiatric history.
ADHD can cause people to struggle with in completing tasks or organising their time. They might miss appointments or make a mistake at work. They have a difficult time paying attention during lectures or conversations and are easily distracted by calls to the phone or television shows. They might be agitated and fidgety. They may also talking too much, interrupting others or having difficulty waiting their turn in games or activities. Adults with ADHD might have trouble making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't be.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't treated they could lead to grave consequences, like traffic violations or accidents. They can also cause issues in relationships and be difficult to manage. A diagnosis can help a person take control of their lives and manage their symptoms with medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can keep people from seeking help or an assessment. The people who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or uninterested. A lack of child psychiatrists and adolescents in psychosis puts them at risk of being omitted by employers. They also face barriers in obtaining psychiatric drugs such as stigma as well as fear of the side effects, as well as barriers because of the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Examination
It is crucial to locate an expert in mental health or physician who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation must include a consultation with a clinician, testing for diagnostics and the completion of questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions about the patient's medical history as well as his or her development and behavior that go back to childhood. The examiner may benefit from speaking with people who know the patient, such as a spouse, sibling or parent for adults; coaches, teachers religious leaders, Scout leaders in the case of children, to gather details about their observations.
A physical exam is essential to determine if there are any health issues that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease, vision and hearing issues, or sleep disorders. An X-ray or other laboratory tests may be required in addition.
The most important information comes from the patient's words about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is crucial that the physician listens to the person's words. In rushing through an ADHD evaluation could lead to a misdiagnosis and not getting the right 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 can't "grow out" of ADHD, but they may be affected by a change in lifestyle or a new job. For example one could be offered an employment that requires regular meetings and they have trouble meeting those expectations.
When the first signs of trouble appear it's a good idea to bring your child to an expert. This increases the chance that the issue can be diagnosed and treated quickly, and also reduces the chance of a misdiagnosis which could have serious long-term consequences. Parents should talk with their school counselor or the principal to get suggestions to health professionals who are qualified to perform ADHD assessments. Adults can ask their friends and family for recommendations or contact an organization in the area to obtain names of specialists who are certified. A person may also contact his or their primary care physician or a psychiatric hospital for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
The psychological testing is a vital part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. It can also help inform interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are a variety of psychological tests that can be used to test for ADHD. These include rating scales and direct behavioral observations, and neuropsychological tests. There are also interviews with teachers and parents to get a complete picture of the child's experiences.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V symptom guide is really intended to help diagnose children, and the best method to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is to conduct a thorough clinical interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who takes the time to evaluate the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals use computer programs to measure the level of impulsivity and attention. Brain scans are sometimes also employed.
It can take a variety of hours to complete an extensive assessment, but you should expect to spend one day in the clinic or hospital to undergo a neuropsychological assessment. It's a minimal time investment for clear answers and a strategy that will improve your life quality. Patients are often moved by their results, especially when they've had undiagnosed ADHD for a long period of time or for a lifetime.
There are online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a definitive scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health experts, as they fail to consider the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms impact a person's functioning in their daily lives. The only way to get a formal diagnosis is through an examination by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can locate a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor 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 in the event that they meet the criteria in a single setting.
Interviewing the patient is conducted by a health professional conducting the examination. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. She will also ask about the family history of the person and medical background. She will probably use a checklist, or a standardized rating system, to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She will also ask for details from a variety of sources, such as teachers, coaches and Scout and religious leaders as well as family members and friends who spend a significant deal of time with the child being evaluated.
Read the Full Report should include the patient's account of symptoms, the completion of rating scales and questionnaires by him and his family and a thorough review of the person's childhood, education and environment. A mental health professional or physician may also conduct tests to determine whether a patient's symptoms are related to an anxiety disorder or depression.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be difficult since the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is designed toward children. A health care professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a medical interview to determine the diagnosis. The doctor 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 ask about the patient's background with other disorders that could affect focus, such as addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
To find a health care professional who is certified to perform an ADHD evaluation You can ask your primary health care provider for the referral. You can also contact the local support group for people who suffer from ADHD, or a mental illness organization for recommendations. You can also check your insurance policy to see if they include professionals by specialization.