How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers use clinical interviews as well as behavior ratings scales checklists of symptoms completed by the patient, and other people in their lives and medical histories and psychiatric history to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be used to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six symptoms that began before age 12 and affect your daily activities in two settings (home and school, or work and social situations). Getting the right diagnosis is essential for deciding on the most effective treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they'd like to consult a specialist for ADHD, the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine if they fit the diagnostic criteria. These are described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must be present for a period of six months or more to be diagnosed. The person must be suffering from at minimum five ADHD symptoms that persist and the symptoms are affecting their functioning in at least two different settings such as school and work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health issue.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They will also ask a person about their family history and also their medical and psychiatric history.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty organizing or finishing tasks. They might forget appointments or make careless mistakes at work. They have trouble staying focused to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by phone calls or TV shows. They might be restless or fidgety, talk too much and interrupt others, or have trouble waiting for their turn at games or other activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be having difficulty making decisions and following through on them, and also being unable to keep their hands off of things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms aren't treated they can lead to serious consequences like traffic violations and accidents. They can also affect relationships, and can be difficult to live with. Getting a diagnosis can help someone to take control of their lives and manage their symptoms using medications, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
The stigma associated with ADHD can keep people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. People who have ADHD are often accused of being lazy or not trying. They are also at risk of being overlooked in the workplace due to a shortage of psychiatrists for children and adolescents, and they face barriers to accessing psychiatric medications, including stigma and fear about the risks and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is important to consult a mental health professional with expertise in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor. A thorough assessment should include an assessment of the patient's clinical condition, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions about the person's medical history, as well as their development and behavior that go back to childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to discuss with people who are familiar with the patient -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers coaches, scout leaders and coaches for children to gather information about their observations of the child's behavior in different environments.
A physical exam is necessary to identify any health conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease as well as hearing and vision issues, or sleep disorders. A X-ray and various tests for the lab may be required as well.
The most valuable information comes from the patient's words about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is essential that the clinician listens carefully to the person's words. In rushing through an ADHD evaluation could cause a misdiagnosis or 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 a new responsibility or change in lifestyle might cause it to manifest in adults. A person may have difficulty in completing the requirements of a new job that requires frequent meetings.
If you notice a problem, it's a great idea to bring your child to an expert. This increases the chances that an issue will be discovered, treated quickly and reduce the chance of mistake that could cause serious long-term effects. Parents can request their school's counselor or principal to send them to a health care professional who is able to assess ADHD. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or consult an organization that supports local residents to find names of reputable specialists. One can also ask his or her primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for a list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is a crucial part of the process to determine ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on a person's life. Testing can also identify other mental health issues that may be associated with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. It can also help in determining the need for 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 as well as neuropsychological assessments. Interviews are also conducted with parents and teachers to get a full picture of the child's experience.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. For adults, the best method to get an accurate diagnosis is to conduct an interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and takes the time to look over the patient's medical background. Some healthcare professionals use computers to assess the level of impulsivity and attention. Brain scans can also be used.
It can take a variety of hours to complete an exhaustive assessment, but you should expect to spend a day in the clinic or hospital to receive a neuropsychological evaluation. It's a minimal time investment in exchange for clear answers and a strategy that will improve your life quality. It is not uncommon for patients to be emotionally moved when they receive their results, especially those who have had undiagnosed ADHD for a long time, or perhaps for a long time.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to provide an accurate, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not recommended by most mental health professionals, since they don't take into account the complexity of psychiatric disorders and the impact they have on the way people live their daily lives. The only way to obtain an official diagnosis is to undergo an examination by a qualified healthcare practitioner who adheres to the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare professional through your family physician, or ask for referrals from colleagues and friends who have 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 can be diagnosed with ADHD if they fulfill the criteria in only one setting.
Interviewing the patient is conducted by a health care professional who is conducting the examination. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. She will ask about the person's medical history and family background. She will probably utilize a checklist, or a standardized rating system, to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She will also ask for information from various sources, such as teachers, coaches and Scout leader and religious groups, as well as family members and friends who spend a significant time with the individual being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include a description of symptoms by both the patient and his caregivers, completion of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family, and a detailed review of a person's education level, surroundings, and upbringing. A mental health professional or physician may also conduct tests to determine whether the symptoms of a patient are due to a different condition like depression or anxiety disorder.
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 expertise will usually conduct a medical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask both the patient and anyone who is familiar with him, such as his spouse or close family members whether he suffers from ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the patient's background with other disorders that could interfere with concentration, such as depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
To find adhd diagnosis in adult who is able to conduct an ADHD evaluation, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. You can also reach out to the local ADHD support group or mental health organization for recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if they include specialists by specialization.