ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek an assessment for yourself or your child. But a professional evaluation can assist you in identifying the source of your symptoms and determine the severity.
Your healthcare provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and other people in your life, such as spouse, family members or friends to get a personal perspective that self-tests or checklists can't provide.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD seek a referral from his health medical professional. He may refer you for more detailed testing or an evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, since the provider will be interested in how your child compares to other children. The doctor will use standard ratings scales to assess the severity of symptoms and the long they've been in the same condition for.
adhd adult diagnosis uk will review your child's development, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also speak to you and any other adults who are important in your child's life like coaches or teachers. It is important to talk with your child about any difficulties you've observed in their behavior, like not completing homework or other assignments at school or home.
It's common for children and teens to have a limited attention span and lose focus during activities or games. However, if your child seems to forget things easily or has trouble following instructions or makes careless mistakes when it comes to schoolwork, chores or work it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is a different sign of ADHD It's not uncommon for kids to fidget or move around too much in class or while playing with friends. At home, they might climb or run in inappropriate places or struggle to sit for a long period of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt others in conversations, and they can't wait their turn.
Inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming among adults who don't show indications 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
ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of a person to perform in everyday life whether at school, work or at home. They can also cause issues with social interaction 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 reveal the problem and enable a physician to recommend treatment options.
Screening for ADHD involves a medical exam, a detailed interview with the patient and several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, or a neuroologist or a physician experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD discuss it with your GP who can refer them for a specialist assessment.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare professional will look over the patient's symptoms, medical history and past treatment. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, conduct vision and audio screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms as well as standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their history of symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, in school and at work. The patient will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.
For children, a medical professional can diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more signs of inattention, or five or more signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity as that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six month. They must be apparent in at least two places, such as school, home or at the workplace, and exhibit an impairment that is significant. The symptoms cannot be due to other physical or mental disorders.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder due to the fact that many of the ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children don't apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient, someone close to them, or a friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance tests specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If a person with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may negatively impact the family, work or school, as well as social relationships. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve functioning. There are a variety of drugs available, and it may take a few attempts to find the most appropriate one for an individual. Psychotherapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.
A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will perform an exhaustive assessment. They could refer the patient depending on the outcome, to another health professional, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review the patient's medical and psychiatric background, and then employ standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor could also request someone who is familiar with the patient like a spouse or sibling for adults, or a coach, teacher, or parent for children -- to complete an interview form with specific questions regarding ADHD symptoms and their effects.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD, and the doctor will talk with the patient about what is the most appropriate drug. Stimulants are the most effective medication for a few people. They boost activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release daily preparations.
Children who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other health conditions that need to be evaluated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is crucial that parents and children talk about these other conditions with their healthcare provider. In the ideal scenario, the person suffering from ADHD will see specialists for all of these issues at the same time, to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve functioning.
It is essential to locate a healthcare professional who is experienced in treating ADHD and especially when it comes to starting medication. Ask a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance plan for an opinion or call the National Resource Center for ADHD to obtain a list of qualified professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone has ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the person's medical and family history. During the interview, he'll be looking for signs that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is advised to rule out medical causes of the symptoms, for instance seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
It's crucial that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the individual well, like teachers and relatives. The evaluator can use questionnaires that ask about the person's behavior and how it affects their personal and professional lives. The evaluator might also request copies of the person's performance evaluations or other documents. The evaluator can also talk to the spouse or close relatives of the person.
The evaluator also needs to determine how the individual's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, such as in relationships, at school and at work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy such as marital or family counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or even marital or familial therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. Therapists can, for example, teach the person how to organize their belongings and schedule routine activities to improve their time-management.
Based on the specific situation the assessor may suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests to get an overall picture of the person's abilities. 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. The evaluator may prescribe medication to control symptoms. The treatment plan can also include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as altering the way the person performs tasks, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.