ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation can help you determine the extent of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to go over your past. They will also talk to you and your spouse, family or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists and self-tests cannot provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child may have ADHD, get an appointment with your health healthcare provider. He may refer you for more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist. It is also recommended to bring school records to your visit as the doctor will want to determine how your child's performance compares to his peers of the same age. The provider will employ standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and how long they've been afflicted for.
A comprehensive assessment will review your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and the other key adults in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. It is important to talk with your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, like not completing homework or other assignments at school or home.
Teens and children often have a short attention span and it's common for them to lose focus during games or other activities. However, if your child seems to forget things easily or is unable to follow instructions or makes careless mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD It's not uncommon for kids to fidget or flit around too much in class or when playing with friends. At Iampsychiatry , they may climb or run in inappropriate locations or have trouble sitting still for long periods of duration. They may interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentive ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming. It can be difficult to identify for adults who don't show signs 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 hinder the person's daily functioning whether at school, home or work. They can also lead to issues with socialization and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms are not aware that they may have a disorder that is diagnosable, and may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and enable a physician to recommend treatment options.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test as well as a detailed interview with the patient as well as several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or physician who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect your child is suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP, who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history and will also look into any previous treatments. They will then perform a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings and look for any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist, standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment. The patient will also be asked about their past symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, in school and at work. They will also be asked to provide details from family members and close friend.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six signs of inattention, and/or at least five indicators of impulsivity or hyperactivity as defined in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. They must have these symptoms for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two locations, such as school, home or the workplace, and demonstrate an impairment that is significant. The symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health disorders or physical illnesses.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a challenge, because most of the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Certain doctors interview the patient or a close family member or friend. Other doctors use computerized continuous performance tests designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could interfere significantly with work, family, school, and social relationships. The medications reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves the functioning. There are a variety of medications available and it can take several attempts to find the one that works for a specific person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may be essential elements of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough examination. The doctor could refer the patient dependent on the results to a different health professional, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will examine a patient's medical history and psychiatric condition, and then utilize standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. The doctor could also ask someone who knows the patient well for example, siblings or spouses for adults; a teacher, coach or parent for children -- to complete an interview form, which includes specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Many different kinds of medication are available to treat ADHD The doctor will discuss with the patient which is the most appropriate drug. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for certain people. They enhance activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD often suffer from other health conditions that require evaluation like depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is crucial for parents and child to talk about these other conditions with their doctor. Ideally, the child with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these issues all at once to ensure that they are working together to improve functioning.
It is important to find a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to you are starting a medication. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance to recommend a specialist or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified specialists. You can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD If a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will ask them to describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the individual's medical and family history. During the interview, he will be looking for symptoms that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule out some medical reasons for the symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It is essential that the evaluator gets information from those who know the person very well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator could use questionnaires that ask about the person's conduct and how it affects their work and home life. The evaluator could also request a copy of the person's performance appraisals or other records. If the person has family members or a spouse the evaluator may interview them too.
The evaluator should also try to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily life, for instance in relationships, at school and at work. They may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist could, for example, teach the patient how to manage their belongings and schedule routine activities to improve their time management.
Based on the specific situation the examiner may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests in order to get more complete information about 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 also include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way the person does things or using accommodations (tools or modifications to a workplace that help disabled people to participate in a job). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.