How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers conduct clinical interviews as well as behavior ratings scales checklists of symptoms completed by the patient, and other people in their lives and medical history and psychiatric histories to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be used to manage symptoms.
You must have six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and interfered with your daily activities in two different locations (home and school or at work and social environments) to be diagnosed with ADHD. The correct diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the best treatment strategy.
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) published by the American Psychiatric Association. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months in order to be classified as ADHD. The person must also have at least five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should get in the way of functioning well in two or more settings--for instance, at school or at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms can't be better explained by another mental health condition.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to learn about their symptoms and their impact on their lives. They'll also inquire about family history and the person's medical and psychiatric history.
ADHD can cause people to have trouble completing tasks or organizing their time. They might miss appointments or make a mistake at work. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures through phone calls or TV. They may be restless, fidgety or talking too much, interrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn in games or other activities. Adults with ADHD might have trouble making decisions, following through and avoiding their hands from things they shouldn't be.
If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed they could result in serious consequences such as traffic violations and accidents. They can also cause issues in relationships and be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help a person take control of their lives and manage their symptoms by medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can keep people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. The people who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or uninterested. adhd adult diagnosis are also at risk of being overlooked in the workplace due to a deficiency of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and also face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications, including stigma and fear about the risks and adverse effects.
Physical Exam
It is essential to speak with a mental health professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor. A thorough examination should consist of an assessment of the patient's clinical condition, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner will also ask questions regarding the person's medical history, as well as her development and behavior that go back to childhood. It can be helpful for the examiner to discuss with those who know the patient -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult and religious leaders, teachers, coaches and scout leaders for children -- to get information about their observations of the child's behavior within various settings.
A physical examination is essential to rule out health issues that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like vision and hearing issues, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. A X-ray and other tests in the laboratory may be needed 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 essential for the physician to pay attention to what the patient is able to share. Doing a rush on an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for a misdiagnosis or omitting crucial information.
Most experts agree that a diagnosis of ADHD is not appropriate for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood too. Adults do not "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be caused by a change in lifestyle or a new job. For instance, a person might get an occupation that requires regular meetings, and has difficulties meeting those requirements.
If you notice a problem it's a good idea to take your child to a specialist. This increases the chances that the problem is identified and addressed quickly, and it decreases the chance of a misdiagnosis that can have serious long-term consequences. Parents should talk with their school's counselor or the principal to get suggestions to health professionals who are qualified to perform ADHD evaluations. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or consult a local support group to get names of qualified professionals. One could also ask her primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for a list of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an important element of the process to diagnose ADHD. It can confirm the diagnosis and provide an accurate analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. Testing can also help identify other mental health issues that might be a part of ADHD like 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 can include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to gain an overall picture of the child.
Finding out if you have ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V symptom guide is really designed to diagnose children, and the best method of making an accurate diagnosis for adults is to conduct an exhaustive clinical interview conducted by an expert in ADHD who is able to assess a patient's history. Some healthcare practitioners also use computer programs to gauge attention and impulsivity and brain scans can be employed in addition.
The amount of time needed to complete a thorough psychological assessment can vary, but one can expect to spend a full day at the clinic or hospital for a full neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD. This is a modest amount of time spent in exchange for clear, informed results and a roadmap that will improve quality of life. Patients are often moved by their results, particularly those who have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a lifetime.
There are online ADHD self-assessments that claim to give you a definitive scientifically-validated diagnosis of your symptoms. The majority of mental health experts don't recommend these assessments because they do not consider the complexity of psychiatric disorders and how they affect a person's daily functioning. The only way to receive an official diagnosis is to undergo an examination by a qualified healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family physician or ask your friends and colleagues who have expertise in ADHD for referrals.
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 when they meet the criteria in one setting.
The health care professional conducting the examination will talk to the patient. She will inquire about the patient's symptoms and how they affect the daily routine. getting diagnosed with adhd will inquire about the person's medical history and background. She will likely employ a checklist or standardized ratings scale to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek details from a variety of sources, such as coaches, teachers, Scout and religious leaders as well as family members and friends who spend a significant time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include a descriptions of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family, and a review of the person's education, environment and upbringing. A mental health professional or physician may also conduct tests to determine if the symptoms of a patient are due to another illness like anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared towards children, making it difficult to identify ADHD in adults. A diagnosis will often emerge only through a thorough clinical interview, conducted by a health care professional who specializes in ADHD. She will ask the patient and anyone who knows him well, such as his spouse or close friends whether he suffers from ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the person's background with other disorders that can hinder focus, such as depression, addiction to drugs or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care physician for the referral to a health care provider who is certified in ADHD evaluations. You can also reach out to an local ADHD support group or a mental health organization to get recommendations. You can also look through your insurance policy to see if it lists professionals by specialization.