How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews as well as behavior rating scales, symptoms checklists that are completed by the patient and others in his or her life, as well as psychiatric histories and medical history. Psychotherapy may also be employed to treat symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that began before 12 years old and affected your daily activities in two different locations (home and school, or work and social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is important to get the right diagnosis before making a decision on the best treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to visit an ADHD specialist, the doctor will review their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be considered a diagnosis, the symptoms must be present for at least six months. The person must also have at minimum five continuous ADHD symptoms, and the symptoms must get in the way of functioning effectively in two or more settings--for instance, at school and at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms can't be better explained by another mental health issue.
The first step is to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they impact their life. They will also ask about family history as well as a person's overall medical and psychiatric history.
People who suffer from ADHD often have trouble organizing their tasks or completing them. They may miss work or personal appointments. They are easily distracted during lectures or conversations by TV or phone calls. They could be unfocused or fidgety, speak too much and interrupt others, or have difficulty waiting for their turn at games or other activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have problems making decisions and executing on them, in addition to being unable to keep their hands off of things they should not be doing.
If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed they could cause serious consequences, such as traffic infractions and accidents. They can also interfere with relationships, and are difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help someone take control of their life and manage their symptoms using medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However adult diagnosis of adhd that surrounds ADHD can deter people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. People with ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to make an effort. They also run the risk of being disregarded in the workplace due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications, including stigma and fear about the risks and adverse effects.
Physical Examination
It is crucial to locate an expert in mental health or physician who has been trained in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation should include an assessment of the clinical situation as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner can also inquire about the patient's medical history, his or his behavior and development since childhood. The examiner will often benefit from speaking to people who know the patient, for example parents, spouses or parent for adults; coaches, teachers or religious leaders, as well as Scout leaders in the case of children, in order to obtain information about their observations.
A physical examination is necessary to rule out health conditions which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD like hearing and vision problems, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other laboratory tests, might also be required.
The most important piece of information is what the patient has to tell the doctor about his or her own issues and how they've affected the patient's life. It is crucial that the doctor listens to the person's words. Rushing through an ADHD assessment can lead to a misdiagnosis and missing important information.
Most experts agree that a diagnosis of ADHD is not appropriate for an adult unless the signs are present in childhood as well. A person doesn't usually "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in lifestyle might cause it in adults. For example one could be offered an employment that requires regular meetings and has difficulty meeting the requirements.
If you notice a problem it's a good idea to refer your child to a specialist. This will increase the likelihood that an issue will be discovered, treated quickly and reduce the risk of a mistake that could result in negative long-term consequences. Parents should talk with their school's counselor or the principal to get suggestions to health experts who are certified to perform ADHD assessments. Adults can consult their family and friends for recommendations, or call an organization local to request names of specialists who are certified. You could also ask their primary care physician or a psychiatric institution for the names of specialists.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is a crucial part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that might be a part of ADHD like anxiety or depression. It can also help inform interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are numerous psychological tests that can be used to test for ADHD. These include rating scales and direct behavioral observations, and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to gain an overall picture of the child.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. For adults, the best method to get an accurate diagnosis is to conduct a clinical interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and who takes the time to look over the patient's medical background. Some healthcare practitioners also use computers to assess the impulsivity and attention of patients, and brain scans are often employed as well.
It could take a range of time to finish a comprehensive assessment, but you can expect to spend a day in the hospital or clinic to undergo a neuropsychological assessment. This is a relatively small investment in exchange for clear answers and a strategy which will improve your life quality. Patients are often overwhelmed by their results, particularly if they've been living with undiagnosed ADHD for a long period of time or even for a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to provide a definitive, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not recommended by most mental health experts, as they don't consider the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms impact the way people live their daily lives. A healthcare professional who is qualified and adheres to the DSM guidelines can only provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or request recommendations from colleagues and friends who have 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, however can be diagnosed if they meet the criteria in one setting.
The patient will be interviewed by the health care professional who conducts the examination. She will inquire about the patient's symptoms and how they affect daily life. She will inquire about the person’s medical history as well as their family background. She will likely employ a checklist or a standard rating system, to determine if the signs are ADHD. She may also seek information from a variety of sources, such as coaches, teachers, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend a lot 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, and a review of the person's education, surroundings, and upbringing. A medical professional or psychiatrist can also perform tests to determine if the patient's symptom are due to an anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is designed towards children, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults. A diagnosis is usually made only through a thorough clinical interview, conducted by a healthcare professional who specializes in ADHD. The doctor will inquire with the patient and those who know him well like your spouse or a close friend about the existence of ADHD-related problems. She will also inquire about the patient's past history with other disorders that interfere with focus, such as depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
To find a health care professional who is certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation Ask your primary care physician for a referral. You can also call a local support group for people who suffer from ADHD or a mental health organization to receive recommendations. You can also look through your insurance policy to see if they list specialists by specialization.