How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists which are completed by the patient and others in his or her life, as well as psychiatric history and medical information. Psychotherapy may also be employed to treat symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and impacted your daily activities in two different places (home and school or at work or social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. Making the right diagnosis is essential for deciding on the most effective treatment strategy.
The history of symptoms
If a patient decides they want to see a specialist for ADHD The doctor will look at their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. These are described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must be present for at least six months to be considered a diagnosis. The person must also have at least five ongoing ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should hinder functioning well in a variety of settings, for instance, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health issue.
The doctor will begin by interviewing the patient to learn about their symptoms and their impact on their lives. They'll also inquire about family history as well as a person's overall medical and psychiatric history.
People with symptoms of ADHD often have difficulty organizing or finishing tasks. They might forget work or personal appointments. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures by phone calls or television. They might be agitated, fidgety or talk too much, disrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn in activities or games. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and avoiding their hands from things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't treated they could lead to serious consequences, including traffic violations or accidents. They can also impact relationships, and are difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help someone manage their lives and manage their symptoms through medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can deter people from seeking help or an assessment. People who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or failing to make an effort. They also face the risk of being disregarded in the work place due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and face obstacles in accessing psychiatric treatment such as stigma and a fear about the risks and adverse effects.
Physical Exam
It is essential to find a mental health professional or physician with training in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family physician. A thorough examination should consist of an assessment of the patient's clinical condition, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the person's past medical history, as well as her behavior and development from childhood. It can be helpful for the examiner to talk with those who know the patient (spouse, sibling or parents for an adult and religious leaders, teachers coaches, scout leaders and coaches for children to get information about their observations of the child's behavior in various situations.
A physical exam is necessary to rule out any health conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease, vision and hearing problems or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, could be needed.
Often, 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 had an impact on the person's life. It is essential that the doctor listens to the words of the patient. Doing a rush on an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for misdiagnosis and missing crucial information.
Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults if the signs were present in the early years of childhood. A person doesn't usually "outgrow" ADHD, but a new responsibility or change in life could cause it in adults. For example, a person might get an employment that requires regular meetings, and he or she has difficulty meeting the requirements.
When problems first appear it's a good idea to bring your child to a specialist. This increases the likelihood that the problem will be identified and treated quickly, and also decreases the chance of a misdiagnosis that can have serious long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school director or counselor to send them to a medical specialist who is certified to evaluate ADHD. Adults may consult their family and friends for recommendations, or call an organization in the area to obtain names of specialists who are certified. You may also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric center for an inventory.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an essential part of the process to diagnose ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide a more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their effects on a person's daily life. Tests can also identify other mental health issues that can co-occur with ADHD, like depression or anxiety. It can also help inform adjustments and interventions.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that can aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These can include rating scales, direct observation of behavior and neuropsychological assessments. There are also interviews with parents and teachers to get a complete picture of the child's life.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is meant to be used to diagnose children and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who examines a patient's history. Some healthcare professionals use computer programs to gauge the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans are sometimes also employed.
diagnosing adhd can take a range of hours to complete a comprehensive evaluation, but you can expect to spend one day in a hospital or clinic to receive a neuropsychological evaluation. It is a minimal investment of time in exchange for clear, unbiased answers and a plan of action that will improve quality of life. It is not unusual for patients to feel overwhelmed by their results, particularly those who have had undiagnosed ADHD for a long time, or perhaps a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to provide an exact, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not recommended by the majority of mental health experts, as they fail to take into account the complexity of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms affect the person's performance in their daily lives. The only way to obtain an official diagnosis is to undergo an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor, or ask for 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 could be diagnosed with ADHD if they fulfill the criteria in a single setting.
The health care professional conducting the exam will interview the patient. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their effects on the daily activities. She will also inquire about the family history of the person and medical background. She will likely use a checklist or standardized rating scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek details from a variety of sources, including coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups and family members and friends who spend a large amount of time with the individual being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include a description of symptoms by the patient and his family members, the filling out of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family members, and a thorough review of a person's education level, surroundings, and upbringing. A psychiatrist or mental health professional may also test to determine if the patient's symptoms are related to an anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is designed specifically for children, which makes it difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults. A health professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a medical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask the patient and those who know him well -- such as your spouse or a close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the patient's previous history of other disorders that could hinder focus, including depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care physician for the referral to a medical professional who is skilled in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact a local ADHD support group or mental health organization to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also provide specialists by specialization and you can check with your insurance provider to determine whether they have ADHD specialists in your area.