Be On The Lookout For: How ADHD Diagnosing Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
ADHD Diagnosing
It is tempting not to seek a diagnosis for you or your child. However, a professional evaluation will assist you in identifying the source of your symptoms and determine their severity.
Your healthcare provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also talk to you, your spouse, family or your friends to gain personal insight that checklists and self-tests are not able to provide.
Signs and symptoms
Request a referral if you suspect that your child has ADHD. He may refer you for more extensive testing or evaluation to a specialist like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. Bring your child's school records to the appointment, as the doctor will be interested in how your child's progress compares to his peers. The doctor will use standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.
A comprehensive assessment will look at your child's growth, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults that are important in your child's lives such as teachers or coaches. It is important to talk with your child about any problems you've observed in their behavior, for example, not finishing their homework or other assignments at school or home.
It's common for teens and children to have a limited attention span and lose focus during activities or games. However, if your child seems to be prone to forgetting things, has difficulty following instructions or makes careless mistakes when it comes to schoolwork, chores or work, it could be a sign of ADHD.
Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around in class or while playing with their friends. When they're home, they may be seen running around or climbing up when it's not appropriate or have difficulty sitting for an extended period of time. They might interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.
Inattentional ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming. It can be hard to diagnose in adults who don't have symptoms 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 impact the ability of a person to function in everyday life at school, work or at home. They can also cause problems with relationships and socialization. Many people who are experiencing these symptoms don't know that they are suffering from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they might not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can reveal the problem and let a doctor recommend treatments.
The screening for ADHD involves a medical examination as well as a thorough interview with the patient and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. adult adhd diagnoses is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist or a doctor who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD consult your GP, who can refer them to an assessment by a specialist.
The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms as well as their history and will also look into any previous treatments. The healthcare professional will conduct physical examinations, audio and vision screenings and look for any medical conditions that might explain the patient's symptomatology. They will make use of a mix of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales, as well as a thorough personal interview. Patients are asked to describe their symptoms and how these affect their lives, at home and at school. The patient will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.
A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six signs of inattention, or at least five indicators of hyperactivity or impulsivity as described in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These symptoms have to be present for at least six months. They must be apparent in at least two different places such as home, school or workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused other physical or mental illnesses.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools utilized for adolescents and children are not applicable to adults. Some doctors interview the patient or an immediate family member or friend. Other doctors utilize computerized continuous performance tests specifically designed for adults with ADHD.
Medication
If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms can affect family life at work and school as well as social relationships. The medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. adhd undiagnosed in adults improves the functioning. There are many different medications available, and sometimes it takes several tries to discover the one that is effective for an individual. In most cases, psychotherapy and behavior modification are also important parts of treatment.
A physician trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. Depending on the results, she could refer the patient to another health professional, for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient and the psychiatric issue, and use standardized ratings scales to evaluate ADHD. The doctor may also request someone who is familiar with the patient like siblings or spouses for adults, or a coach, teacher or parent for childrento complete an interview form with specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact.
Several different types of medication are available to treat ADHD, and the doctor will discuss with the patient what is the most appropriate drug. For some the most effective medication is stimulants. They work by boosting activity in the regions of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release daily preparations.
Many children with ADHD have other health problems that also need to be evaluated and treated for anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is essential that parents and children discuss these health issues with their doctor. Ideally, the child with ADHD should see specialists for these conditions simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve functioning.
When you are beginning a medication it is crucial to locate an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. 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 experts who are certified. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to find professionals in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD, he will ask them to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator also reviews the patient's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview the examiner will search for signs that are similar to those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam might be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
It's crucial that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the person well, like teachers and relatives. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person's conduct and how it affects their home and work life. The evaluator could 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 might interview them as well.
The evaluator also wants to be aware of how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships school, work, and relationships. They might suggest a behavioral therapy like family or marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help a person learn practical techniques to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For instance therapy may assist the patient in learning how to organize their possessions or plan regular activities to improve their time management.
The person evaluating the test may recommend a variety psychological or neuropsychological tests to provide a more accurate picture of the abilities 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. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to control the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle changes such as changing how the person does things or making accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.