How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and checklists of symptoms that are completed by the patient as well as other people in his or her life, psychiatric history and medical history. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
You must show six signs that began before the age of 12 and interfered with your daily activities in two different places (home and school or at work and social environments) to be diagnosed with ADHD. Getting the right diagnosis is essential for deciding on the most effective treatment strategy.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see an expert for ADHD, the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. 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 in order to be classified as ADHD. The person must be suffering from at least five ADHD symptoms that are ongoing, and these symptoms are affecting their functioning in at minimum two different environments, such as at school and work. In addition, the person's ADHD symptoms can't be better explained by a different mental health issue.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to inquire about their symptoms and their impact on their lives. They will also ask about family history and the overall medical and psychiatric history.
People who have symptoms of ADHD often have trouble organizing their tasks or completing them. They may not remember appointments for work or personal. They have a hard time paying attention during lectures or conversations and are easily distracted by calls to the phone or television shows. They may be agitated or fidgety, speak too much and interrupt others, or have difficulty waiting their turn in games or other activities. Adults with ADHD might have trouble making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't be.
If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed they could lead to serious consequences such as traffic infractions and accidents. They can also interfere with relationships and be difficult to manage. A diagnosis can help someone take control of their lives and manage their symptoms with medication, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can prevent people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. People who have ADHD are still frequently accused of being lazy or not trying. They also run the risk of being overlooked in the workplace due to a deficiency of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications which includes stigma and fears about the risks and adverse effects.
Physical Exam
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or physician with training in the diagnosis of ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation must include a medical interview and the using diagnostic tests, and the filling out of questionnaires. The examiner may also ask about the person's past medical history, as well as his or his behavior and development since childhood. adult adhd diagnosis can be helpful for the examiner to talk with those who know the patient such as spouse, siblings or parents for an adult; teachers, religious leaders as well as scout leaders, coaches and coaches for children -- to gather information about their observations of the child's behavior in different situations.
A physical examination is essential to rule out health issues that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like hearing and vision issues, thyroid diseases or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, may also be required.
The most valuable information is what the patient shares with the doctor about their own issues and how they've had an impact on the person's life. It is essential for the physician to listen attentively to what the person is saying. Doing a rush on an ADHD evaluation is a recipe for a misdiagnosis or omitting crucial information.
Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present in the early years of childhood. Adults don't "grow out" of ADHD however, they can be affected by a change in the way of life or a job. One may have trouble meeting the expectations of a new job that requires frequent meetings.
When problems first appear when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to refer your child to an expert. This will increase the likelihood that an issue will be discovered and treated promptly, as well as reduce the risk of a mistake that could result in negative long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school's principal or counselor to send them to a health care professional who is able to assess ADHD. Adults may consult their family and friends for recommendations, or contact an organization local to request names of specialists who are certified. You may also contact his or her primary care provider or a psychiatric institution for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological tests
The psychological test is an essential part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide a more complete evaluation of symptoms and their impact on a person's life. Testing can also identify other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. It can also inform how to treat ADHD.
For children, there are numerous psychological tests that can be used to assess for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to get an overall picture of the child.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V is designed to identify children. For adults, the best method to determine the correct diagnosis is to have an interview with an expert who is familiar with ADHD and takes the time to review the patient's medical history. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to gauge the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans can also be used.
It can take a variety of hours to complete an exhaustive assessment, but you can expect to spend one day in the clinic or hospital for a neuropsychological examination. This is a modest amount of time spent in exchange for clear, informed results and a roadmap that can improve the quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to be emotional when they hear their results, especially if they have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to give you an exact, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not recommended by the majority of mental health experts because they don't take into account the complex nature of psychiatric disorders as well as how their symptoms affect the person's performance in their daily lives. A qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines will only be able to provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family doctor, or ask for referrals from friends and colleagues who have had 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 could be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in only one setting.
The health care professional conducting the examination will talk to the patient. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their effects on the daily activities. She will also ask about the person's family history as well as medical history. She will probably employ a checklist or a standard rating system, to determine if the signs are ADHD. She will also ask for information from various sources, such as coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups, as well as family members and friends who spend a large time with the child being assessed.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the description of symptoms by both the patient and his caregivers, the completion of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family, and a review of a person's education, surroundings, and upbringing. A mental health professional or physician may also test to determine if the patient's symptoms are related to depression or anxiety.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult because the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is geared towards children. A health 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 the spouse or a close friend about the existence of ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the patient's background with other disorders that interfere with concentration, such as addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care physician for an appointment with a health care provider who is skilled in ADHD evaluations. You can also inquire with a local ADHD support group or mental health organization to get recommendations. You can also look through your insurance plan to see if it lists specialists by specialization.