How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers conduct 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 can also be used to manage symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that began before the age of 12 and impacted your daily activities at two different locations (home and school or at work or social environments) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is essential to obtain the correct diagnosis prior to deciding on a treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
If a patient decides they want to see an expert for ADHD, the doctor will evaluate their symptoms and determine if they satisfy the diagnostic criteria. These are described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must have been present for six months or longer to be diagnosed. The patient must have at minimum five ADHD symptoms that are persistent, and these symptoms are affecting their functioning in at minimum two different environments such as school and work. In addition, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by another mental health issue.
The doctor will begin by interviewing the patient to learn about their symptoms and their impact on their lives. They will also inquire with a person about their family history, and also their medical and psychiatric histories.
ADHD can cause people to struggle with in completing tasks or organising their time. They might miss work or personal appointments. They have trouble staying focused to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by calls from their phones or television shows. They may be restless and fidgety, or talk too much, interrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn in games or activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have problems making decisions and following through on them, and also being unable to keep their hands off of things they should not be doing.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed they could result in serious consequences, such as traffic violations or accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and 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 associated with ADHD can prevent people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. The people who suffer from ADHD are still frequently accused of being lazy or uninterested. They are also at risk of being overlooked in the workplace due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and also face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications such as stigma and a fear about the risks and adverse effects.
Physical Exam
It is important to find an expert in mental health or physician with training in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor. A thorough evaluation should include an assessment of the patient's clinical condition as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner will also inquire regarding the person's medical history, as well as her development and behavior going back to the time of childhood. The examiner may benefit from speaking with people who know the patient, for example parents, spouses, or parents for adults; teachers, coaches or religious leaders, as well as Scout leaders in the cases of children, to get information on their observations.
A physical exam is necessary to determine if there are any health issues which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease or hearing, vision and eye issues or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other laboratory tests, could be needed.
The most important piece of information is what the patient has to tell the doctor about their own ailments and how they have affected the patient's life. It's crucial for the clinician to listen attentively to what the person is able to share. Rushing through an ADHD assessment is a recipe for misdiagnosis or missing important information.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults if the signs were present during the early years of childhood. The average person does not "outgrow" ADHD, but a new responsibility or change in life could trigger it in adults. One may have trouble fulfilling the requirements of a new job that requires frequent meetings.
If you notice a problem it's a good idea to take your child to a specialist. adhd undiagnosed in adults increases the likelihood that the issue is identified and addressed 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 the principal to get referrals to health care experts who are certified to conduct ADHD assessments. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or contact a local support group to get names of qualified specialists. You may also ask your primary care provider or the psychiatric center for a list.
Psychological tests
Psychological test is an essential part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It can help confirm the diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Testing can also identify other mental health issues that could be associated with ADHD like anxiety or depression. It can also provide information on how to treat ADHD.
For children, there are a variety of psychological tests that can be used to determine for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations as well as neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to get an overall picture of the child.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V symptom guide is really designed to diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is through an exhaustive clinical interview conducted by an expert in ADHD who is able to assess the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals also use computer programs to measure the impulsivity and attention of patients and brain scans can be employed in addition.
It could take a range of time to complete an extensive assessment, but you should anticipate spending a full day in the clinic or hospital for a neuropsychological examination. This is a relatively small investment in exchange for clear answers and a strategy which will improve your quality of life. It is not unusual 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.
There are online ADHD self-assessments that claim to give you a specific scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health experts because they don't consider the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms affect a person's functioning in their daily lives. The only way to obtain a formal diagnosis is through an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider 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, however can be diagnosed if they meet the criteria in a single setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by the health care professional who is conducting the evaluation. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their effects on daily living. She will also inquire about the family history of the person and medical background. She may use a checklist or standardized rating scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek information from various sources, including coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups as well as family members and friends who spend a significant deal of time with the person being assessed.
A comprehensive psychiatric past will include the patient's description of symptoms, the submission of rating scales and questionnaires by his family and friends and a review on the person's upbringing, education and surroundings. A mental health professional or physician may also test to determine whether a patient's symptoms are caused by depression or anxiety.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared specifically for children, which makes it difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults. A diagnosis will often emerge only through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD. She will ask both the patient as well as anyone who is familiar with him like his spouse or close friends, if he has ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the person's previous history of other disorders that interfere with concentration, such as depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care physician for the referral to a health care provider who is qualified in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact an organization that offers local support for people with ADHD or a mental illness organization to receive recommendations. You can also look through your insurance policy to see if they list professionals by specialization.