How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews and behavior ratings scales, checklists of symptoms completed by the patient, as well as other people in their lives and medical history and psychiatric histories to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that began before 12 years old and affected your daily activities in two different places (home and school or at work or social environments) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is essential to obtain the right diagnosis before making a decision on a treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to visit an ADHD specialist, the doctor will review their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must have been present for six months or longer in order to be classified as ADHD. The person must have at minimum five ADHD symptoms that are persistent and they have to hinder their performance in at least two different settings, such as at school and work. In addition, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by another mental health condition.
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, as well as their medical and psychiatric histories.
People who have symptoms of ADHD often have trouble organizing or finishing tasks. They might forget appointments or make mistakes at work. They have a hard time staying focused during lectures or conversations and are easily distracted by calls to the phone or television shows. They may be agitated or fidgety, talk too much and interrupt others, or have trouble waiting for their turn at games or other activities. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed they could lead to grave consequences, like traffic violations or accidents. They can also interfere with relationships and be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help someone manage their lives and manage their symptoms with treatment, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can deter people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to try. A shortage of child psychiatrists and adolescent psychiatrics puts them at risk of being overlooked by employers. They also face obstacles in accessing psychiatric medications which include stigma, fear of negative side effects, and obstacles due to the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Examination
It is important to find a mental health professional or a doctor who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough assessment should include a consultation with a clinician and the using diagnostic tests, and the completion of 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. The examiner may benefit from speaking with people who know the patient, for example parents, spouses or parents for adults; teachers, coaches religious leaders, scout leaders in the case of children, in order to obtain details about their observations.
A physical exam is essential to determine if there are any health issues which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid diseases as well as hearing and vision issues or sleep disorders. A X-ray and other tests for the lab may be required as well.
Often, the most valuable piece of information is what the patient has to tell the doctor about their own issues and how they've had an impact on the person's life. It is essential that the physician listens to the words of the patient. Rushing through an ADHD evaluation is a recipe for misdiagnosis and missing crucial information.
Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults if the signs were present in the early years of childhood. Adults can't "grow out" of ADHD, but they may be triggered by changes in life or a new job. Someone may have trouble in completing the requirements of a new job that requires frequent meetings.
It's a good idea to take children to visit an expert when issues first occur. This increases the chances that a problem will be identified, treated quickly and reduce the chance of mistake that could cause devastating long-term effects. adhd diagnosis in adult should speak with their school counselor or the principal to get recommendations to health experts who are certified to conduct ADHD evaluations. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or consult a local support group to get names of qualified professionals. A person could also ask her primary care provider or a psychiatric institution for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an essential part of the process to determine ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide a more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Tests can also identify other mental health issues that may co-occur along with ADHD, like depression or anxiety. It can also inform accommodations and interventions.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that are able to aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct observations of behavior and neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to obtain an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is harder to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. For adults, the best way to determine the correct diagnosis is to schedule an interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and who takes the time to look over the patient's medical history. Some healthcare professionals also utilize computer programs to measure attention and impulsivity, and brain scans can be used as well.
The time it takes to conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment will vary, but one can expect to spend a full day in a hospital or clinic for a thorough neuropsychological examination for ADHD. This is a small time investment in exchange for clear answers and a strategy which will improve your life quality. It is not uncommon for patients to feel overwhelmed by their results, particularly if they have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time, or perhaps for a long time.
There are a variety of online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a specific scientifically-validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health professionals, since they don't consider the complex nature of psychiatric disorders as well as how their symptoms impact a person's functioning in their daily lives. A licensed healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines will only be able to provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family physician or ask friends and colleagues with experience in 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 when they meet the criteria in a single setting.
The health care professional conducting the exam will interview the patient. She will ask about symptoms and how they affect daily life. She will also inquire about the person's family history as well as medical background. She may employ a checklist or a standardized rating system, to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She will also request information from a variety of sources, such as coaches, teachers religious and scout leaders and family members who spend a lot of time with the person being evaluated.
A comprehensive psychiatric past will include the patient's description of symptoms, the submission of questionnaires and rating scales by the family and him and a review on the person's childhood, education and surroundings. A mental health doctor or a medical professional may also conduct tests to determine whether a patient's symptoms are due to a different condition like depression or anxiety disorders.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be a challenge, as most of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted toward children. The diagnosis usually comes only after a thorough medical interview conducted by a health professional who specializes in ADHD. She will ask both the patient and anyone who knows him well, such as his spouse or close family members, if he has ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the patient's past background with other disorders that can interfere with concentration, such as depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
To locate a healthcare professional who is certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. You can also contact a local support group for people who suffer from ADHD or a mental illness organization, to get recommendations. You can also check your insurance policy to see if they list professionals by specialization.