How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers conduct 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 diagnoses , you must have at least six signs that began before age 12 and impede your daily activities in two environments (home and school or work and social situations). It is important to get the correct diagnosis before choosing a treatment plan.
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 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 minimum six months. The person must also have at least five continuous ADHD symptoms, and the symptoms must get in the way of functioning in a variety of settings, for instance, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by any other mental health condition.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to find out about their symptoms and their impact on their lives. They will also inquire with a person about their family history, and also their medical and mental health histories.
ADHD can cause people to have difficulty working through tasks or managing their time. They may forget appointments or make mistakes at work. They have a difficult time paying attention to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by calls from their phones or television shows. They might be agitated and fidgety, or talk too much, disrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn in games or activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have problems making decisions and following through on them, as well as having difficulty keeping their hands off of things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed, they may result in serious consequences such as traffic violations and accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and be difficult to live around. A diagnosis can help a person manage their lives and manage their symptoms by treatment, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can deter people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People who have ADHD are often accused of being lazy or not trying. They also run the risk of being overlooked in the workplace due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, and they face barriers to accessing psychiatric medication such as stigma and a fear about the dangers and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is essential to find 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 should include an assessment of the clinical situation as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the patient's medical history, as well as his or his behavior and development since childhood. The examiner will often benefit from speaking to people who are familiar with the patient, like parents, spouses, or parents for adults; coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and Scout leaders in the case of children, in order to obtain information on their observations.
A physical exam is required to rule out any health conditions which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid diseases as well as hearing and vision problems or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other lab tests, might also be required.
Often, the most valuable information is what the patient shares with the clinician about his or her own symptoms and how they have affected the patient's life. It is essential for the physician to pay attention to what the person is saying. Doing a rush on an ADHD evaluation is a recipe for misdiagnosis or missing important information.
Most experts agree that a diagnosis of ADHD can't be made for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood too. The average person does not "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in life can cause it to manifest in adults. A person may have difficulty fulfilling the requirements of an employment that requires frequent meetings.
It's a good idea for children to see an expert when issues first arise. This increases the chances that the problem can be diagnosed and treated quickly, and it reduces the chance of a misdiagnosis that can have serious long-term consequences. Parents should talk with their school counselor or the principal to get recommendations to health experts who are certified to perform ADHD evaluations. Adults can ask their friends and family for recommendations or contact an organization local to request names of specialists who are certified. One can also ask his or her primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is an essential part of the process to diagnose ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide more complete evaluation of symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that could be associated with ADHD like anxiety or depression. It can also help inform adjustments and interventions.
There are a variety of psychological tests that aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These include rating scales and direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. Interviews are also conducted with teachers and parents to get a complete picture of the child's life.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V symptoms guide is actually intended to help diagnose children, and the best method to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is to conduct an exhaustive clinical interview with an expert in ADHD who examines the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to measure the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans are sometimes also used.
It can take a variety of hours to complete an extensive evaluation, but you can anticipate spending a full day in a hospital or clinic for a neuropsychological examination. It is a minimal investment of time in exchange for clear, unbiased answers and a path forward that will improve quality of life. Patients are often enthralled by their results, especially those who have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD over many years or even for a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim that they provide an accurate, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. The majority of mental health experts do not recommend these tools because they do not consider the complexity of psychiatric conditions and how they affect a person's daily functioning. The only way to get a diagnosis is through an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family physician or ask your friends and colleagues 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 could be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in a single setting.
The health care professional who conducts the examination will talk to the patient. She will ask about symptoms and how they affect the daily routine. She will also ask about the person's family history as well as medical background. She will probably use a checklist, or standardized rating system to determine if the signs are ADHD. She may also seek details from a variety of sources, including teachers, coaches and Scout leader and religious groups as well as family members and friends who spend a large deal of time with the child being assessed.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include the description of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, completion of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family members, and a review of a person's education level, surroundings and upbringing. A mental health doctor or a medical professional may also conduct tests to determine if the patient's symptoms are related to another condition like depression or anxiety disorders.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be a challenge because the majority of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted toward children. A health care professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him like your spouse or a close friend about the presence of ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the patient's previous history of other disorders that could affect focus, such as depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
Consult your primary physician for a referral to an expert in health care who is certified in ADHD evaluations. You can also inquire with a local ADHD support group or mental health organization to get recommendations. Insurance plans often provide specialists by specialization, and you can check with yours to see whether they have ADHD specialists in your region.