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ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to get a diagnosis for you or your child. A professional assessment will aid in determining the extent of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also conduct interviews with you and others in your life -- such as your spouse, family members or friends -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
Request a referral if you think your child might have ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive evaluation or testing. Bring the school records with you to your appointment as the doctor will want to see how your child compares with his peers who are the same age. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will examine your child's medical history as well as mental health history within the family and development. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who are important in your child's life such as coaches or teachers. You should discuss what difficulties you've observed in your child's behavior, for example, difficulties with homework or failure to finish tasks at home or school.
It's normal for teens and children to have a limited attention span and lose concentration during games or activities. However if your child appears to be prone to forgetting things, has difficulty following instructions, or makes mistakes in their homework, chores or schoolwork, it could be an indication of ADHD.
Hyperactivity could also be an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around a lot in class or when playing with their friends. At home, they might run or climb in unsuitable places or struggle to sit still for long periods of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they're unable to wait for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming. It can be difficult to identify in adults who don't have symptoms 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 daily functioning of a person whether at school, home or work. They can also lead to problems with socialization and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they suffer from an identifiable condition, and they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and enable a physician to suggest treatment options.
The screening process for ADHD involves a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is done by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a doctor who has been skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD discuss it with your GP, who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms and medical history and will also look into any previous treatment. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, conduct vision and audio screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms, standardized behavioral rating scores and conduct a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their previous symptoms and how they impact their life at home, in school and at work. The patient will be asked for details from family members and friends.
For children, a medical professional is able to diagnose ADHD when they notice six or more signs of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms must be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two settings like school, at home or in the workplace and have significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused other physical or mental illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to identify as having ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools used for children and adolescents do not apply to adults. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult will interview the patient or an immediate 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 affect family life, work or school, as well as social interactions. The medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. Several different medications are available and sometimes it takes several attempts to find one that works for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification can also be crucial components of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she could refer the patient to a different health care specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient as well as their the psychiatric issue, and employ standardized scales of ratings to determine ADHD. The doctor will also interview someone close to the patient- a parent, teacher, or sibling in the instance of adults, or a spouse or sibling in the case of children to complete an interview form that contains questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Several different types of medication are available to treat ADHD and the doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate drug. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for some people. They boost the activity of brain regions that control attention and behaviour. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release once-daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD also have other health issues which also require to be treated and evaluated such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children talk about these additional health issues with their doctor. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD should consult a specialist for these conditions at once to ensure they are working together to improve functioning.
It is important to find a doctor who is skilled in treating ADHD, especially when starting treatment. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance company to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified specialists. Suggested Web page can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
When a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD, he will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in full detail. The evaluator will also go over the patient's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview, he will be looking for signs that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
It is essential that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the individual well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator can use questionnaires to ask about the person's behavior and its impact on their work and personal lives. The evaluator may also request an account of the review of performance or other documentation. If the person has family members or a spouse, the evaluator might interview them as well.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in relation to relationships, school, and work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person develop practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist might, for example, teach the patient how to manage their belongings and plan regular activities in order to improve their time management.
Depending on the situation, the evaluator might suggest a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to gain more complete information about the abilities of the person. 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. The evaluator may prescribe medication to control symptoms. The treatment plan may also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as altering the way the person conducts themselves or making accommodations (tools or modifications to a workplace that allow someone with a disability to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers more information about treatments for adults.
