How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales, checklists of symptoms completed by the patient and others in their life and medical history and psychiatric histories to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least six signs that started before the age of 12 and affect your daily activities in two different settings (home and school or work and social settings). The correct diagnosis is essential for deciding on the most effective treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides that they'd like to consult a specialist for ADHD The doctor will look at their symptoms and determine if they satisfy the diagnostic criteria. These are listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To be considered a diagnosis the symptoms must be present for at least six months. The person must also have at least five ongoing ADHD symptoms and the symptoms must hinder functioning effectively in two or more settings--for instance, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by other mental health issue.
The doctor will begin by interviewing the patient to learn about their symptoms and the impact they can have on their lives. They will also inquire with the person about their family history as well as their medical and mental health histories.
ADHD can cause people to have trouble completing tasks or organizing their time. They may forget work or personal appointments. They have a hard time paying attention in lectures or discussions and are easily distracted by calls to the phone or television shows. They could be unfocused or fidgety often, speak too much and interrupt others, or have difficulty waiting their turn in games or activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to struggle with making decisions and executing on them, and also having difficulty keeping their hands off things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms aren't treated they could result in serious consequences like traffic violations and accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and can be difficult to live around. A diagnosis can help someone manage their lives and manage their symptoms by medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However, the stigma attached to ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. People who have ADHD are still often accused of being lazy or not trying. They also face the risk of being disregarded in the workplace due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and also face obstacles in accessing psychiatric treatment which includes stigma and fears about the dangers and side effects.
Physical Examination
It is important to consult a mental health professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor. A thorough assessment should include a clinical interview, use of diagnostic tests and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner can also inquire about the patient's medical history, as well as his or her behavior and development from childhood. It is usually beneficial for the examiner to speak with people who know the patient such as spouse, siblings or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers coaches, scout leaders 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 which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as hearing and vision problems, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other lab tests, may also be needed.
The most valuable information comes from what the patient says about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. read here is essential that the clinician listens carefully to the words of the patient. In rushing through an ADHD assessment can result in a wrong diagnosis and not getting the right information.
Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present in the early years of childhood. Adults can't "grow out" of ADHD however, they can be affected by an alteration in life or a new job. For instance someone could get an occupation which requires regular meetings and has difficulties meeting those requirements.
It's a good idea for children to see an expert when issues first arise. This increases the likelihood that the issue will be identified and treated quickly, and also reduces the chance of a misdiagnosis that can have serious long-term consequences. Parents should talk with their school's counselor or principal for referrals to health care professionals who are qualified to perform ADHD assessments. Adults should ask their friends and family members for recommendations or contact an organization that supports local residents to obtain names of qualified professionals. You could also ask their primary care physician or a psychiatric hospital for a list of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an important part of the process to diagnose ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide a more complete evaluation of symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Testing can also identify other mental health issues that may be a part of ADHD like anxiety or depression. It can also provide information on accommodations and interventions.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These include rating scales and direct behavioral observations, as well as neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to get an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is harder to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to identify children. For adults, the best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to schedule a clinical interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and who takes the time to review the patient's medical background. Some healthcare professionals also utilize computer programs to measure the level of impulsivity and attention and brain scans are often used as well.
The time needed to complete a comprehensive psychological evaluation will differ however, one can expect to spend the day at the clinic or hospital to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment for ADHD. It is a minimal amount of time spent in exchange for clear, well-informed answers and a path forward that can improve the quality of life. Patients are often enthralled by their results, especially if they've been living with undiagnosed ADHD over many years or for a long time.
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 because they do not take into consideration the complexity of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms affect the way people live their daily lives. The only way to get a formal diagnosis is through an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can locate a qualified healthcare professional through your family doctor, or request referrals from friends and colleagues 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 may be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in a single setting.
Interviewing the patient is conducted by the health care professional conducting the examination. She will inquire about the patient's symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. She will ask about the person’s medical history and family background. She may use a checklist or standardized ratings scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek out information from various sources, such as coaches, teachers, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend long periods of time with the person being assessed.
A comprehensive psychiatric past will include the patient's account of symptoms, the completion of rating scales and questionnaires by him and his family and a review on the patient's education, upbringing and environment. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can also perform tests to determine whether a patient's symptoms are related to depression or an anxiety disorder.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is designed towards children, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults. A health care professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a medical interview to determine the diagnosis. She 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 person's history with other disorders that could hinder focus, such as depression, addiction to drugs or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an expert in health care who is qualified in ADHD evaluations. You can also call the local support group for people suffering from ADHD, or a mental illness group to receive recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if they list professionals by specialization.