How to Diagnose ADHD
To determine ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews behavioral rating scales, symptoms checklists that are completed by the patient and other people in his or her life, as well as psychiatric history and medical records. Psychotherapy may also be employed to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two settings (home and school or work and social situations). It is essential to obtain the correct diagnosis prior to deciding on a treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides to see an ADHD specialist the doctor will look over their symptoms and determine whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed in the 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 to be considered a diagnosis. adhd diagnosis in adult must also have at least five continuous ADHD symptoms, and the symptoms must hinder functioning in two or more settings--for instance, at school or at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms can't be better explained by a different mental health issue.
The first step is for the doctor to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they affect their lives. They will also ask the person about their family history, as well as their medical and psychiatric history.
ADHD can cause people to struggle with completing tasks or organizing their time. adhd in adults diagnosis might forget appointments or make careless mistakes at work. They have a difficult time staying focused to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by calls from their phones or television shows. They may be agitated or fidgety or talk too much and disrupt others, or have difficulty waiting for their turn at games or other activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have problems making decisions and following through on them, in addition to being unable to keep their hands off of 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 interfere with relationships, and can be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help someone to take control of their life 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 not trying. A lack of child psychiatrists and adolescent psychosis puts them at risk of being overlooked by employers. They also face barriers in accessing psychiatric medications such as stigma and fear of adverse the side effects, as well as barriers due to the lack of psychiatrists.
Physical Examination
It is essential to speak with a mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor. A thorough examination should consist of an assessment of the patient's clinical condition as well as diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the person's past medical history, his or her behavior and development from the time of their childhood. The examiner will often benefit from talking to people who are familiar with the patient, for example siblings, spouses, or parent for adults; teachers, coaches religious leaders, Scout leaders in the case of children, to gather information on their observations.
A physical examination is necessary to rule out health problems that could cause symptoms that appear similar to ADHD like vision and hearing issues, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. An X-ray or other tests for the lab may be required in addition.
The most important information comes from the patient's words about their symptoms and how those symptoms have affected them. It is essential that the clinician listens carefully to the patient's words. Rushing through an ADHD assessment can cause a misdiagnosis or not getting the right details.
Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults when the symptoms 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. For instance, a person might get an occupation which requires regular meetings and he or she has difficulty meeting the requirements.
It's a good idea for children to see a specialist when problems first occur. This will increase the likelihood that an issue will be discovered and treated swiftly, and decrease the chance of a mistake that could result in negative long-term consequences. Parents should consult with their school principal or counselor for recommendations to health professionals who are able to perform ADHD evaluations. Adults should ask their friends and family members for recommendations or call a local support group to obtain names of qualified specialists. You can also ask his or their primary care physician or a psychiatric institution for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an important component of the process to determine ADHD. It can confirm the diagnosis and give a more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily activities. Tests can also identify other mental health issues that can co-occur with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. It can also provide information for adjustments and interventions.
There are a variety of psychological tests that can help diagnose ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct observation of behavior and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to get an overall picture of the child.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. For adults, the best method to make an accurate diagnosis is to schedule an interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and who takes the time to go through the patient's medical history. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to measure the level of impulsivity and attention. Brain scans can also be used.
The amount of time needed to complete a comprehensive psychological assessment can vary however, one can expect to spend a full day at the clinic or hospital to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment for ADHD. This is a small time investment for clear answers and a strategy that will improve your life quality. It is not uncommon for patients to be emotionally moved when they receive their results, especially when they have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD for years or even for a long time.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim that they provide an accurate, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. The majority of mental health professionals do not recommend these tests because they do not consider the complexity of psychiatric illnesses and how their symptoms impact a person's daily functioning. The only way to receive a diagnosis is through an assessment by a qualified healthcare practitioner who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a certified healthcare practitioner through your family physician, or ask for referrals from friends and colleagues 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 one setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by the health care professional conducting the examination. She will ask about symptoms and how they affect the daily routine. She will ask about the person’s medical history and background. She may use a checklist or standardized ratings scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She will also request information from a variety of sources, such as teachers, coaches, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend much time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the patient's descriptions of symptoms, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales by him and his family and a detailed review of the person's childhood, education and surroundings. A mental health professional or physician may also conduct tests to determine if the symptoms of a patient are due to another condition, such as depression or anxiety disorder.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared towards children, making it difficult to identify ADHD in adults. A health professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask the patient and 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 could hinder concentration, such as addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care physician for an appointment with a health care provider who is qualified in ADHD evaluations. You can also inquire with the local ADHD support group or a mental health organization for recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if they include specialists with specialization.