ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to not seek an evaluation for your child or yourself. A professional evaluation will help you determine the severity of the symptoms and determine the cause.
Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They will also interview you, your spouse, family or friends to gain personal insight that checklists and self-tests are not able to provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child might have ADHD seek an appointment with your health medical professional. He could refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician for more thorough evaluation or testing. Bring school records to your visit as the doctor will want to know how your child compares with his peers of the same age. adhd uk diagnosis might utilize standardized rating scales in order to determine the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the length of time they've been present.
A thorough examination will review your child's medical history, their mental health history in the family, and developmental. The doctor will also speak to you and the other key adults in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. Discuss the issues you've noticed in your child's behavior, for example, difficulties with homework or failure to finish tasks at school or at home.
Teens and children often have a limited attention span and it's not uncommon to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However it is a sign that your child appears to lose track of things easily, has difficulty following instructions or makes erroneous mistakes in their schoolwork, chores or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around a lot during class or playing with their friends. If adults diagnosed with adhd at home, they may be seen running around or climbing up in areas that aren't appropriate or have difficulty sitting for long periods of time. They might interrupt conversations or utter a few words.
Inattentive 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 person's daily functioning whether at home, school or at work. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms aren't aware that they suffer from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they aren't likely to seek help. Screening for ADHD can identify the disorder and allow a doctor to suggest treatments.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam as well as a detailed interview with the patient and several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD. If you suspect your child has ADHD discuss it with your GP who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms as well as their history and any previous treatments. The healthcare provider will conduct an examination of the body, conduct audio and vision screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptomatology. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms and standardized scores for behavioral ratings and conduct a thorough interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how these affect their lives, both at home and at school. The patient will be asked for information from close family members and friends.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they notice at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five signs of impulsivity or hyperactivity described in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. They must be experiencing these symptoms for at least six months. They must be noticeable in at least two places like home, school or the workplace and be accompanied by significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental health conditions or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used for children and adolescents do not apply to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient as well as an immediate family member or friend, but other doctors prefer specialized psychological testing and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms could negatively impact work, family, school, and social relationships. The medication reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. This improves the functioning. There are a variety of medications available and sometimes it takes several tries to discover the one that is effective for an individual. Therapy and behavior modification can be essential components of treatment.
A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an extensive examination. Depending on the results, she could refer the patient to a different health care specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and then apply standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor will also interview someone close to the patientsuch as a teacher, parent, or a sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling for children to complete an interview form with questions about ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Several different types of medication can be used to treat ADHD, and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate treatment. For some people the most effective medication is stimulants. They work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that regulate behavior and attention. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD frequently have other health conditions which need to be assessed for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and the child to discuss about 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 conditions at the same time, to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve functioning.
When you are beginning a medication it is crucial to seek out a healthcare provider with experience in treating ADHD. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified professionals. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask them to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also examines the individual's medical and family history. During the interview, he will be looking for symptoms that are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam might be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It is crucial that the person evaluating gets information from those who know the person very well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's conduct and how it impacts their personal and professional lives. The evaluator can also ask for a copy of a review of performance or other documentation. If the person has an intimate relationship with a spouse or other close friends the evaluator may interview them as well.
The evaluator will also want to understand how the ADHD symptoms of the individual affect their daily functioning in the context of relationships at school, work, and other social interactions. The evaluator may suggest a therapy for behavioral issues, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or family or marital therapy. Behavioral therapy can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improving daily functioning. A therapist could for instance, show the patient how to manage their belongings and schedule regular activities in order to improve their time-management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend various neuropsychological or psychological tests to provide a more accurate understanding of the capabilities of a person. 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. Often, the evaluator will prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan may also include psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way the person performs tasks or using accommodations (tools or modifications to a workplace that make it easier for those with disabilities to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD has additional information about treatments for adults.