How to Diagnose ADHD
To determine ADHD, providers use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists which are completed by the patient and others in their life, as well as psychiatric history and medical records. Psychotherapy is also employed to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and affect your daily activities in two different settings (home and school or work and social situations). The correct diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the most effective treatment strategy.
History of Symptoms
If a patient decides to see an ADHD specialist the doctor will examine 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 be present for a period of six months or more to be considered a diagnosis. The person must have at least five ADHD symptoms that are persistent and the symptoms must interfere with functioning in at least two settings, such as at school and work. Additionally, the individual'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 the impact they have on their lives. They will also inquire about family history as well as the overall medical and psychiatric history.
People with symptoms of ADHD often have trouble organizing their tasks or completing them. They might not remember appointments for work or personal. They are easily distracted during lectures or conversations by TV or phone calls. They may be restless and fidgety. They may also talking too much, interrupting others or struggling to wait their turn in games or activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to struggle with making decisions and following through on them, in addition to having trouble keeping their hands off of things they should not be doing.
If ADHD symptoms are not treated they can result in serious consequences such as traffic infractions and accidents. They can also impact relationships, and can be difficult to manage. A diagnosis can help a person take charge of their lives and manage their symptoms with medications, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
However, the stigma attached to ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People with ADHD are often accused of being lazy or failing to try. They are also at risk of being ostracized in the work place due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and also face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications, including stigma and fear about the risks and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or physician who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. This person can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough examination should include a medical interview as well as the use of diagnostic tests and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner may also ask about the patient's medical history, his or their behavior and growth since the time of their childhood. The examiner may benefit from talking to people who know the patient, such as a spouse, sibling, or parents for adults; coaches, teachers religious leaders, scout leaders in the case of children, to gather information about their observations.
A physical exam is required to rule out health conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as vision and hearing issues, thyroid diseases or sleep disorders. A X-ray and other tests in the laboratory may be needed in addition.
The most valuable information is derived from what the patient says about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is crucial that the doctor listens to the person's words. Rushing through an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for a misdiagnosis or omitting crucial information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD cannot be made for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood as well. It is not common for a person to "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in life could cause it in adults. adhd diagnosis in adults may have trouble in completing the requirements of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
If you notice a problem it's a good idea to bring your child to an expert. This increases the chances that a problem will be identified, treated quickly and reduce the risk of a mistake that could result in devastating long-term effects. Parents can ask their school's director or counselor to send them to a medical professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD. Adults should ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact a local support group to find names of reputable specialists. A person could also ask her primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for a list of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an important part of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It can help confirm the diagnosis and provide more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, like anxiety or depression. It can also help in determining accommodations and interventions.
For children, there are numerous psychological tests that can be used to test for ADHD. These can include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to obtain an overall picture of the child.
Finding out if you have ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is designed to diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is by conducting an extensive interview conducted by an expert in ADHD who takes the time to evaluate a patient's history. Some healthcare professionals utilize computers to assess impulsivity and attention. Brain scans are also sometimes employed.
It could take a range of time to finish an exhaustive assessment, but you can expect to spend one day in a hospital or clinic to undergo a neuropsychological assessment. This is a small time investment for clear answers and a plan of action that will improve your life quality. It is not unusual for patients to be emotionally moved when they receive their results, especially if they have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time, or perhaps a lifetime.
There are numerous online ADHD self-assessments that claim to give you a specific 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 illnesses and how they affect a person's daily functioning. A qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines can only provide a formal ADHD diagnosis. You can find a qualified healthcare practitioner through your family physician, or ask for referrals from colleagues and friends 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, can be diagnosed in the event that they meet the criteria in a single setting.
The patient will be interviewed by the health care professional who conducts the assessment. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. She will also ask about the person's family history and medical history. She will likely employ an assessment checklist or standardized rating scale to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She will also request information from various sources, including teachers, coaches and Scout leader and religious groups and family members and friends who spend a great amount of time with the child being assessed.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the description of symptoms by both the patient and his caregivers, completion 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 mental health specialist or physician can also conduct tests to determine whether the symptoms of a patient are due to a different condition, such as depression or anxiety disorder.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult, as most of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted towards children. A health professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a medical interview to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him like your spouse or a close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related issues. She will also ask about the patient's history with other disorders that could interfere with focus, including addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
To find a health care professional who is qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation, ask your primary health care provider for the referral. You can also reach out to an local ADHD support group or mental health group to receive recommendations. You can also look through your insurance plan to see if it lists professionals by specialization.