How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews as well as behavior rating scales, symptoms checklists that are which are completed by the patient and others in his or her life, as well as psychiatric histories and medical history. Psychotherapy can also be used to manage symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two settings (home and school or work and social settings). Making the right diagnosis is essential to decide on the most effective treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
If a patient decides they'd like to consult an expert for ADHD, the doctor will look at their symptoms and determine if they fit the diagnostic criteria. These are listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. The symptoms must be present for six months or longer to be considered a diagnosis. The person must have at minimum five ADHD symptoms that are ongoing and the symptoms must interfere with functioning in at least two different settings like school and at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by a different mental health issue.
The first step is for the doctor to talk with the patient about their symptoms and how they impact their life. They will also inquire with someone about their family history as well as their medical and psychiatric histories.
ADHD can cause people to have difficulty working through tasks or managing their time. They may miss work or personal appointments. They have trouble paying attention in lectures or discussions and are easily distracted by calls to the phone or television shows. They may be unfocused and fidgety. They may also talk too much, interrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn in games or other activities. Adults with ADHD might have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms are not treated they could cause serious consequences, such as traffic infractions and accidents. They can also affect relationships and be difficult to manage. A diagnosis can help a person to take control of their life and manage their symptoms with medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can prevent people from seeking help or an assessment. People with ADHD are still frequently accused of being lazy or not trying. A lack of child psychiatrists as well as adolescents psychiatrists put them at risk of being omitted by employers. They also face barriers in accessing psychiatric medications which include stigma and fear of adverse side effects, and barriers due to the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Exam
It is important to consult a mental health professional with expertise in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor. A thorough assessment should include an assessment of the patient's clinical condition, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the patient's medical history, as well as his behavior and development from the time of his or her childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to speak with people 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 get information about their observations of the child's behavior in various settings.
A physical examination is essential to rule out health conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as hearing and vision issues, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, may also be required.
Most of the time, the most valuable piece of information is what the patient has to tell the clinician about his or her own issues and how they've affected the person's life. It's crucial for the clinician to pay attention to what the patient is able to share. Doing adhd undiagnosed in adults on an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for misdiagnosis and missing crucial information.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present during childhood. Adults don't "grow out" of ADHD however, they can be affected by changes in lifestyle or a new job. Someone may have trouble meeting the expectations of an employment that requires frequent meetings.
It's a good idea for a child to see an expert when issues first occur. This will increase the chance that the problem will be recognized and treated promptly, as well as reduce the chance of a mistake that could result in devastating long-term effects. Parents should talk with their school's counselor or principal for recommendations to health experts who are certified to perform ADHD evaluations. Adults may ask family and friends for recommendations or contact an organization in the area to obtain names of qualified professionals. One could also ask primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for a list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is an essential component of the process to diagnose ADHD. It can confirm the diagnosis and provide an extensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. Testing can also identify other mental health issues that may be a part of ADHD like depression or anxiety. It can also help in determining the need for interventions and accommodations.
There are many psychological tests that are able to help diagnose ADHD in children. These can include rating scales, direct observations of behavior and neuropsychological tests. Interviews are also conducted with teachers and parents to get a complete picture of the child's experience.
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 to conduct an exhaustive interview conducted by an expert in ADHD who takes the time to evaluate a patient's history. Some healthcare practitioners also use computer programs to gauge attention and impulsivity and brain scans can be employed as well.
It can take a variety of hours to complete a comprehensive assessment, but you should anticipate spending a full day in the clinic or hospital to receive a neuropsychological evaluation. This is a modest investment of time in exchange for clear, well-informed results and a roadmap that can improve the quality of life. Patients are often overwhelmed by their results, particularly when they've had undiagnosed ADHD over many years or for a lifetime.
There are numerous online ADHD self-assessments that claim they can give you a definitive scientifically-validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These tools are not recommended by the majority of mental health experts because they do not take into consideration the variety of psychiatric disorders and the impact they have on a person's functioning in their daily lives. The only way to obtain a formal diagnosis is through an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family physician or ask your friends and colleagues with experience in ADHD for recommendations.
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 can be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in a single setting.
The patient will be interviewed by a health care professional who is conducting the assessment. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. She will also ask about the person's family history and medical history. She may employ a checklist or standardized rating system to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek details from a variety of sources, such as coaches, teachers, religious and scout leader as well as family members and friends who spend a great deal of time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include a descriptions of symptoms by the patient and his family members, the filling out of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family members, and a thorough review of a person's education, environment and upbringing. A mental health doctor or a medical professional may also perform tests to determine if the symptoms of a patient are due to another illness like anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is designed specifically for children, which makes it difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults. A health professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask both the patient and anyone who is familiar with him, such as his spouse or close friends whether he suffers from ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the history of other conditions that could hinder concentration like addiction to drugs or depression.
Ask your primary care physician for the referral to a medical professional who is certified in ADHD evaluations. You can also inquire with a local ADHD support group or mental health group to receive recommendations. You can also look through your insurance plan to see if they list specialists by specialization.