How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD, providers use clinical interviews behavioral rating scales, checklists of symptoms completed by the patient and others in their life, as well as psychiatric history and medical history. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
You must have six symptoms that first appeared before 12 years old and interfered with your daily activities at two different places (home and school or at work or social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is important to get the right diagnosis before making a decision on the best treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides to consult an ADHD specialist the doctor will look over their symptoms and determine whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed 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 diagnosed. The person must also be suffering from at least five ongoing ADHD symptoms and the symptoms must hinder functioning well in two or more settings--for example, at school and at work. In addition, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by a different mental health issue.
The first step is for the doctor to interview the person about their symptoms and how they affect their life. They will also inquire with the person about their family history and also their medical and mental health histories.
People who have symptoms of ADHD often have difficulty organizing their tasks or completing them. They might not remember appointments for work or personal. They are easily distracted during lectures or conversations through phone calls or TV. They may be agitated or fidgety often, talk too much and interrupt others, or have difficulty waiting their turn in games or other activities. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands from things they shouldn't be.
If ADHD symptoms aren't treated they can cause serious consequences, such as traffic violations and accidents. They can also interfere with relationships, and are difficult to live with. Being diagnosed can help a person take charge of their life and manage their symptoms through medications, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
However, the stigma attached to ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. People who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unable to try. A lack of child psychiatrists and adolescent psychiatrics puts them at risk of being ignored by employers. They also face barriers in obtaining psychiatric drugs such as stigma, fear of side effects, and barriers due to the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Examination
It is essential to find a mental health professional or physician with training in the diagnosis of ADHD. This person can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor. A thorough assessment should include an assessment of the patient's clinical condition as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions about the person's medical history as well as his or his or her behavior and development dating back to childhood. It is usually beneficial for the examiner to speak with those who know the patient (spouse, sibling or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers as well as scout leaders, coaches and coaches for children to collect information on their observations of the child's behavior in different settings.
A physical exam is necessary to identify any health conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease as well as hearing and vision problems or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other lab tests, may also be needed.
Often, the most important piece of information is what the patient has to tell the clinician about their personal symptoms and how they have affected the person's life. It is essential that the physician listens to the patient's words. Rushing through an ADHD assessment is a recipe for a misdiagnosis or omitting crucial information.
Most experts agree that a diagnosis of ADHD can't be made for an adult unless the signs are present in childhood as well. A person doesn't usually "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in life could trigger it in adults. A person may have difficulty meeting the expectations of an employment that requires frequent meetings.
It is a good idea for children to see a specialist when problems first develop. This increases the likelihood that the problem will be identified and treated quickly, and also decreases the chance of a mistaken diagnosis that could have long-lasting consequences. Parents should talk with their school's principal or counselor for referrals to health care experts who are certified to conduct ADHD assessments. get diagnosed with adhd should ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact a local support group to obtain names of qualified specialists. You may also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric institution for an inventory.
Psychological Tests
Psychological test is an essential component of diagnosing ADHD. It is able to confirm the diagnosis and give an accurate assessment of the symptoms, and their impact on the person's daily activities. Testing can also detect other mental health conditions that may co-occur along with ADHD, like anxiety or depression. It can also help in determining how to treat ADHD.
For children, there are many psychological tests that can be used to test for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct observations of behavior and neuropsychological tests. There are also interviews with teachers and parents to get a full picture of the child's experiences.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is meant to be used to diagnose children and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is through a thorough interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals also use computers to assess the level of impulsivity and attention, and brain scans are often employed as well.
The time required to complete a comprehensive psychological assessment can vary, but one can expect to spend a day in a hospital or clinic to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment for ADHD. This is a relatively small investment for clear answers and a strategy which will improve your quality of life. Patients are often moved by their results, particularly those who have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD over many years or even for a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to give you an exact, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health experts because they do not consider the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms impact a person's functioning in their daily lives. The only way to obtain a diagnosis is through an evaluation by a qualified healthcare practitioner who follows the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can locate a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask colleagues and friends who have experience with 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, may be diagnosed in the event that they satisfy the criteria in just one setting.
The patient will be interviewed by the health care professional conducting the evaluation. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their effects on the daily activities. She will also ask about the family history of the person and medical history. She will probably utilize a checklist, or a standard rating system, to determine if the signs are ADHD. She will also request information from various sources, such as coaches, teachers religious and scout leaders and family members who spend a lot of time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the description of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family members, and a thorough review of the person's education, surroundings and upbringing. A mental health care professional or physician may also conduct tests to determine if the symptoms of a patient are due to another condition like depression or anxiety disorders.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be tricky, as most of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted towards children. The diagnosis usually comes only after a thorough clinical interview conducted by a health care professional who specializes in ADHD. She will inquire with the patient and those who know him well like your spouse or a close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related problems. She will also ask about the patient's background with other disorders that could affect concentration, such as addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
To locate a health care professional who is qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation Ask your primary care physician for an appointment. You can also call an organization that offers local support for people who suffer from ADHD or a mental illness group to receive recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if it lists professionals by specialization.