ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting to avoid getting an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional assessment can aid in determining the severity of symptoms and pinpoint their cause.
Your provider will review your medical history and use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also interview you and others in your life -- spouse or family members, as well as friends to get a personal perspective that self-tests or checklists don't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD, get an appointment with your health care provider. adhd diagnosis uk adult could refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician for more thorough testing or evaluation. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the provider will be interested in how your child's progress compares to other children. The provider may employ standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and determine the time since they've been present.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who play a role to your child's life like teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any problems you've seen in their behavior, for example, not finishing their homework or other assignments at school or at home.
Children and teens often have a limited attention span and it's not uncommon to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. If your child is unable to remember things easily, having trouble following instructions or making mistakes with their schoolwork, chores, or work, this could be a sign that they suffer from ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be distracted and move around excessively during class or playing with their peers. If they're at home, they may play or run around in places where it's inappropriate or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They may blurt out their answers or interrupt other people in conversations, and they're unable to wait for their turn.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and it can be difficult to identify in adults who do not show signs of hyperactivity. Adults with this form of the disorder often don't meet symptom criteria for either the hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD, so providers assign an unspecified diagnosis.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD can affect the daily functioning of a person whether at school, home or at work. They can also cause problems with relationships and socialization. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they are suffering from an identifiable condition, and they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and allow a doctor to recommend treatment options.
Screening for ADHD is a medical test, a detailed interview with the patient and various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist or psychologist or psychotherapist, neurologist or physician who has been trained to recognize ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP, who can refer them to a specialist assessment.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and medical history, as well as any previous treatment. They will then conduct an examination of the body, conduct vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that might explain the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms, standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their history of symptoms and how they impact their life at home, in school and at work. They will also be asked to supply information from close family members and close friends.
A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity as listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six month. They should be evident in at least two places, such as home, school or the workplace and have significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by other mental health issues or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose with ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient along with the sibling or close friend however, others prefer using special psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could affect the family, work and school as well as social relationships. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, improving functioning. There are adhd diagnosis uk adult of medications available and it can take several tries to discover the one that is effective for a particular individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are essential components of treatment.
A doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Depending on the results, she could refer the patient to a different health care professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine a patient's medical history and the psychiatric issue, and utilize standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. The doctor will also ask those who are close to the patient -- a parent, teacher or sibling in the instance of adults; or a spouse or sibling for children -- to fill out an interview form with questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.
Several different types of medication can be used to treat ADHD and the doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective medication for certain people. adhd diagnosis in adult enhance activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release once daily preparations.
Many children suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other health issues that need to be assessed and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important for parents and children to discuss these other conditions with their healthcare provider. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these disorders simultaneously, to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve their performance.
It is important to find a doctor who is skilled in treating ADHD particularly when you are you are starting a treatment. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects a patient of having ADHD, he will ask them to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator will also go over the individual's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview the examiner will search for signs that are similar to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is advised to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It is important for the evaluator to collect information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's behavior and the impact it has on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator may also ask for a copy of a review of performance or other evidence. If the person has a spouse or close friends, the evaluator might interview them too.
The evaluator also wants to be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. They may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist could teach the patient how to organize their belongings and schedule routine activities to improve their time-management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety of neuropsychological or psychological assessments to get a better picture of a person's abilities. These tests might include cognitive testing, such as IQ or academic achievement tests, as well as brain wave measurements using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG).
The evaluator will decide if the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD and whether they fall under the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. The evaluator might prescribe medication to manage symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way the person conducts themselves or using accommodations (tools or changes in the workplace that make it easier for those with disabilities to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.