How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales, symptom checklists filled out by the patient and other people in their lives and medical history and psychiatric histories to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy is also utilized to manage symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms that began before age 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two environments (home and school or work and social settings). The correct diagnosis is essential to decide on the best treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
If a patient decides to consult an ADHD specialist the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. 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 in order to be classified as ADHD. The person must be suffering from at least five ADHD symptoms that are ongoing and they have to hinder their performance in at least two settings, such as at school and work. In addition, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by a different mental health condition.
The doctor will begin by interviewing the patient to inquire about their symptoms and the impact they can have on their lives. They will also ask about family history and the overall medical and psychiatric history.
People with symptoms of ADHD frequently have difficulty managing or completing tasks. They might miss appointments or make mistakes at work. They have trouble staying focused in lectures or discussions and are easily distracted by calls from their phones or television shows. They could be unfocused or fidgety, speak too much and interrupt others, or have trouble waiting for their turn at games or activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be having difficulty making decisions and following through on them, and also having difficulty keeping their hands off things they should not be doing.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed they could result in serious consequences, including traffic violations or accidents. They can also affect relationships and be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help someone to take control of their life and manage their symptoms with medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma associated with ADHD can prevent people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. adhd in adults undiagnosed who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to make an effort. A lack of child psychiatrists and adolescents in psychosis puts them at risk of being overlooked by employers. They also face obstacles in accessing psychiatric medications such as stigma as well as fear of the side effects, as well as barriers due to the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Examination
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or a doctor who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor. A thorough evaluation must include a consultation with a clinician as well as the testing for diagnostics and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner will also ask questions about the patient's medical history as well as his or his or her behavior and development that go back to the time of childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to speak with people who know the patient well such as spouse, siblings or parents for an adult; teachers, religious leaders as well as scout leaders, coaches and coaches for children -- to get information about their observations of the child's behavior in various situations.
A physical examination is necessary to rule out health problems that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as vision and hearing problems, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, could be needed.
Often, the most important piece of information is what the patient has to tell the clinician about their own symptoms and how they have had an impact on the person's life. It is important that the doctor listens to the patient's words. Trying to rush through an ADHD assessment is a recipe for misdiagnosis and missing crucial information.
Most experts agree that a diagnosis of ADHD can't be made for an adult unless the signs are present in childhood as well. The average person does not "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in lifestyle might trigger it in adults. Someone may have trouble in completing the requirements of an employment that requires frequent meetings.
It is a good idea for a child to see an expert when issues first develop. This increases the chances that the issue will be identified and treated promptly, and minimizes the risk of a wrong diagnosis that can have serious long-term consequences. Parents can request their school's director or counselor to send them to a medical professional who is able to evaluate ADHD. Adults should ask friends and family members for recommendations or call an organization that supports local residents to find names of reputable specialists. One can also ask his or her primary care provider or a psychiatric institution for a list of specialists.
Psychological tests
The psychological testing is a crucial part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It can help confirm the diagnosis and provide more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their effects on a person's daily life. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that could be a part of ADHD like depression or anxiety. It can also help inform the need for interventions and accommodations.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that are able to help diagnose ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to obtain an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to identify children. For adults, the best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to conduct a clinical interview with an expert who is familiar with ADHD and takes the time to go through the patient's medical background. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to measure impulsivity and attention. Brain scans can also be used.
It could take a range of time to finish an extensive evaluation, but you can anticipate spending a full day in the hospital or clinic for a neuropsychological examination. It's a minimal time investment in exchange for clear answers and a strategy which will improve your quality of life. Patients are often enthralled by their results, especially those who have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD over many years or for a long time.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to give you an accurate, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not recommended by the majority of mental health professionals, since they don't take into account the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms affect a person's functioning in their daily lives. A qualified healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines will only be able to provide a formal ADHD diagnosis. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask friends and colleagues who have experience with 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 could be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet criteria in only one setting.
The health care professional conducting the examination will talk to the patient. She will inquire about the patient's symptoms and how they affect daily life. She will also ask about the family history of the person and medical history. She may use an assessment checklist or standardized rating scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She will also request information from many sources, including teachers, coaches as well as religious and scout leader and family members who spend much time with the person being assessed.
A complete psychiatric history should include the patient's description of symptoms, the filling out of rating scales and questionnaires by his family and friends and a thorough review of the person's upbringing, education and environment. A psychiatrist or mental health professional may also conduct tests to determine if the patient's symptom are due to depression or anxiety.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult, as most of the DSM-5 symptom guide is geared toward children. A diagnosis will often emerge only after a thorough clinical interview conducted by a health care specialist who is trained in ADHD. She will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him like a spouse or close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the presence of other disorders that could affect concentration like depression or drug abuse.
Ask your primary care doctor for an appointment with a health care provider who is certified in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact an local ADHD support group or mental health organization for recommendations. You can also look through your insurance policy to see if they include professionals by specialization.