How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists that are that are completed by the patient as well as others in their life, psychiatric history and medical history. Psychotherapy can also be employed to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms that began before age 12 and affect your daily activities in two different settings (home and school or work and social situations). Making the right diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the most effective treatment strategy.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see an ADHD specialist the doctor will look over their symptoms and determine whether or not 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 a period of six months or more in order to be classified as ADHD. The person must also have at minimum five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should get in the way of functioning effectively in a variety of settings, for example, at school and at work. In addition, the person's ADHD symptoms can't be better explained by a different mental health condition.
The first step is to interview the person about their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. They will also inquire about family history as well as a person's overall medical and psychiatric history.
ADHD can cause people to struggle with completing tasks or organizing their time. They may miss work or personal appointments. They have trouble paying attention in lectures or discussions and are easily distracted by calls from their phones or television shows. They may be restless, fidgety or talk too much, interrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn in activities or games. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't be.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't treated, they can lead to grave consequences, like traffic violations or accidents. They can also interfere with relationships, and are difficult to manage. Being diagnosed can help a person take charge of their life and manage their symptoms through medications, lifestyle modifications, or therapy.
The stigma associated with ADHD can prevent people from seeking help or an assessment. People who have ADHD are often accused of being lazy or uninterested. A shortage of child psychiatrists and adolescent psychosis puts them at risk of being overlooked by employers. They also face challenges in obtaining psychiatric medication such as stigma and fear of adverse negative side effects, and obstacles due to the lack of psychiatrists.
Physical Exam
It is essential to find a mental health professional or a doctor who has experience in the diagnosis of ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough assessment should include a clinical assessment as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner may also ask about the patient's medical history, as well as his or his behavior and development since the time of their childhood. The examiner can often benefit from speaking to people who know the patient, such as parents, spouses, or parent for adults; coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and Scout leaders in the case of children, to gather information about their observations.
A physical exam is required to rule out health conditions that may cause symptoms that appear similar to ADHD, such as vision and hearing issues, thyroid diseases or sleep disorders. A X-ray and various tests for the lab may be required as well.
The most valuable information comes from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is crucial that the clinician listens carefully to the patient's words. Doing a rush through an ADHD assessment can lead to a misdiagnosis and leaving out crucial details.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD is not appropriate for an adult unless the signs are present in childhood as well. It is not common for a person to "outgrow" ADHD, but a new responsibility or change in life can trigger it in adults. For example one could be offered an employment which requires regular meetings and he or she has difficulty meeting the requirements.
If you notice a problem when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to take your child to an expert. This will increase the likelihood that an issue will be discovered, treated quickly and reduce the risk of a mistake that could cause devastating long-term effects. Parents should consult with their school counselor or principal for referrals to health care professionals who are qualified to conduct ADHD assessments. Adults may ask family and friends for recommendations or contact a local group to get names of professionals who are qualified. One may also contact his or primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is a crucial component of the process to determine ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide a more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their effects on a person's daily life. Tests can also identify other mental health conditions that can co-occur with ADHD, like depression or anxiety. It can also provide information for interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are many psychological tests that can be used to determine for ADHD. These can include rating scales, direct observation of behavior and neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to get an overall picture of the child.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is intended to help diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is to conduct a thorough clinical interview with a specialist in ADHD who examines the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals employ computers to assess the level of impulsivity and attention. Brain scans can also be used.
The amount of time it takes to complete 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. It is a minimal amount of time for clear, well-informed answers and a path forward that can improve the quality of life. Patients are often enthralled by their results, particularly those who have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD over many years or for a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim that they provide an exact, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not recommended by the majority of mental health experts because they don't take into account the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms impact the way people live their daily lives. The only way to receive an official diagnosis is to undergo an assessment by a licensed healthcare professional who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask colleagues and friends who have expertise 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, however, may be diagnosed when they meet the criteria in one setting.
The health care professional conducting the evaluation will interview the patient. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on daily living. She will also ask about the family history of the person and medical history. She will probably use a checklist, or a standard rating system, to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek out information from various sources, including coaches, teachers, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend a lot of time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history should include a descriptions of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, completion of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family members, and a review of the person's education, surroundings and upbringing. A mental health professional or physician may also conduct tests to determine whether the patient's symptoms are related to a different condition like anxiety disorder or depression.
adhd adults diagnosis in adults can be a challenge because the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is designed toward children. A health professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him -- such as the spouse or a close friend about the presence of ADHD-related problems. She will also inquire about the person's previous history of other disorders that could affect focus, including addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care doctor for an appointment with an expert in health care who is qualified in ADHD evaluations. You can also reach out to the local ADHD support group or a mental health group to receive recommendations. You can also look through your insurance policy to see if they include specialists by specialization.