How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers conduct clinical interviews and behavior ratings scales, checklists of symptoms completed by the patient and other people in their lives along with psychiatric histories and medical information to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy is also utilized to manage symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that began before the age of 12 and affected your daily activities at two different places (home and school, or work and social environments) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is crucial to receive the correct diagnosis prior to deciding on the best treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to consult an ADHD specialist the doctor will look over their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The symptoms must have been present for six months or longer in order to be classified as ADHD. The patient must have at minimum five ADHD symptoms that persist and they must interfere with functioning in at least two different settings such as school and work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health disorder.
The first step is to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they affect their lives. They'll also inquire about family history as well as the overall medical and psychiatric history.
ADHD can cause people to have difficulty working through tasks or managing their time. They might forget appointments or make mistakes at work. They are easily distracted during lectures or conversations by phone calls or television. They might be agitated and fidgety. They may also talking too much, interrupting others or struggling to wait their turn in activities or games. Adults with ADHD might have trouble making decisions, following through and avoiding their hands from things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed, they can lead to grave consequences, like traffic violations or accidents. They can also cause issues in relationships and can be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help someone manage their lives and manage their symptoms through treatment, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can prevent people from seeking help or an assessment. People suffering from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or failing to take the initiative. They also face the risk of being disregarded in the work place due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications which includes stigma and fears about the risks and adverse effects.
Physical Examination
It is essential to speak with a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation must include a medical interview, use of diagnostic tests and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner will also inquire regarding the person's medical history and his or his or her behavior and development dating back to childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to discuss with people who are familiar with the patient -- spouse, sibling 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 environments.
A physical exam is required to rule out health problems which could trigger symptoms that appear similar to ADHD like vision and hearing issues, thyroid diseases or sleep disorders. A X-ray and other tests for the lab may be required as well.
The most important information comes from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how those symptoms have affected them. It is crucial that the doctor listens to the person's words. In rushing through an ADHD evaluation could cause a misdiagnosis or missing important information.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults if the signs were present in childhood. Adults do not "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be caused by an alteration in the way of life or a job. For example, a person might get a job that requires regular meetings and he or she has trouble meeting those expectations.
It's a good idea for a child to see a specialist as soon as problems begin to develop. This increases the chances that an issue will be discovered, treated quickly and reduce the risk of a mistake that could cause negative long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school's principal or counselor to refer them to a health care specialist who is certified to assess ADHD. Adults may ask their friends and family for recommendations or contact an organization in the area to obtain names of specialists who are certified. One may also contact his or her primary care provider or a psychiatric institution for the names of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an important element of the process to diagnose ADHD. It is able to confirm the diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive analysis of the symptoms and their impact on a individual's life. Testing can also help identify other mental health issues that may be associated with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. It can also provide information for the need for interventions and accommodations.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct observation of behavior, and neuropsychological tests. Interviews are also conducted with parents and teachers to get a complete understanding of the child's experience.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to identify children. For adults, the best method 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 go through the patient's medical history. Some healthcare professionals utilize computers to assess the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans are also sometimes used.
The amount of time it takes to conduct a comprehensive psychological evaluation will differ, but one can expect to spend the day in a hospital or clinic to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment for ADHD. It is a minimal investment of time in exchange for clear, unbiased results and a roadmap that can improve the quality of life. click this is not uncommon for patients to feel emotionally moved when they receive their results, especially those who have had undiagnosed ADHD for years or even for a long time.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to give you a definitive, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not recommended by most mental health experts because they don't take into account the complex nature of psychiatric disorders as well as how their symptoms affect the person's performance in their daily lives. A qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines can only provide a formal ADHD diagnosis. You can find a certified healthcare professional through your family physician, or request referrals from friends and colleagues who have had 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, may be diagnosed when they meet the criteria in a single setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by a health care professional who conducts the evaluation. She will inquire about the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. She will ask about the person’s medical history and family background. She will likely employ a checklist or standardized rating scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She will also request information from different sources, including coaches, teachers, religious and scout leader as well as family members and friends who spend a great time with the individual being assessed.
A thorough psychiatric history will include a description of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, the completion of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family members, and a review of a person's education level, environment and upbringing. A mental health specialist or physician can also perform tests to determine if a patient's symptoms are due to another condition, such as anxiety disorder or depression.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be tricky, as most of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted toward children. A health professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask the patient and anyone who knows him well like his spouse or close family members, if he has ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the history of other conditions that could affect concentration, such as depression or drug abuse.
Consult your primary physician for the referral to a medical professional who is skilled in ADHD evaluations. You can also inquire with a local ADHD support group or mental health organization for recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if it lists professionals by specialization.