How to Diagnose ADHD
To determine ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews as well as behavior rating scales, symptom checklists that are completed by the patient as well as others in his or her life, psychiatric history and medical information. Psychotherapy is also used to manage symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two environments (home and school, and social situations). Making the right diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the most effective treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
If a patient decides they would like to see an expert for ADHD, the doctor will look at their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. These are listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be considered a diagnosis the symptoms must be present for at least six months. The person must also have at least five ongoing ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should hinder functioning well in multiple settings, for example, at school and at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms can't be better explained by a different mental health issue.
The first step is to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they impact their lives. They'll also ask the person about their family history, and also their medical and psychiatric history.
People who have symptoms of ADHD often have difficulty organizing their tasks or completing them. They might forget appointments or make mistakes at work. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures by TV or phone calls. They may be agitated or fidgety, talk too much and disrupt others, or have trouble waiting to be the first to play games or activities. Adults with ADHD might have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't be.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't treated, they can lead to grave consequences, like traffic violations or accidents. They can also impact relationships, and can be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help a person take control of their lives and manage their symptoms through medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma associated with ADHD can keep people from seeking help or an assessment. adhd adults diagnosis who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to try. A shortage of child psychiatrists and adolescents in psychosis puts them at risk of being overlooked by employers. They also face challenges in obtaining psychiatric drugs such as stigma as well as fear of the side effects, as well as barriers due to the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Examination
It is essential to speak with a mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor. A thorough assessment should include a consultation with a clinician and the testing for diagnostics and the filling out of questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions about the person's medical history, as well as her development and behavior dating back to the time of childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to talk with people who know the patient -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers as well as scout leaders, coaches and coaches for children to collect information on their observations of the child's behavior in different situations.
A physical exam is required to rule out any health conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease or hearing, vision and eye issues, or sleep disorders. An X-ray or other laboratory tests may be required as well.
Often, the most valuable information is what the patient shares with the doctor about their personal ailments and how they have affected the patient's life. It's crucial for the clinician to listen attentively to what the patient is able to share. In rushing through an ADHD assessment could cause a misdiagnosis or missing important information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD cannot be made for an adult unless the signs are present in childhood too. A person doesn't usually "outgrow" ADHD, but an increase in responsibility or a change in life could cause it to manifest in adults. For example one could be offered an employment that requires regular meetings, and he or she has difficulties meeting those requirements.
It's a good idea for a child to see a specialist as soon as problems begin to arise. This increases the chances that the issue can be diagnosed and treated quickly, and it decreases the chance of a mistaken diagnosis which could have serious long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school's counselor or principal to send them to a health care professional who is qualified to assess ADHD. Adults can ask family and friends for recommendations, or call an organization in the area to obtain names of professionals who are qualified. You can also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric institution for the list.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is an essential component of the process to determine ADHD. It can help confirm the diagnosis and provide more complete evaluation of symptoms and their effects on a person's daily life. Testing can also help identify other mental health issues that could be a part of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. It can also inform the need for interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are numerous psychological tests that can be used to test for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations, as well as neuropsychological assessments. There are also interviews with teachers and parents to get a full picture of the child's experiences.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is designed to diagnose children, and the best method of making an accurate diagnosis for adults is through a thorough clinical interview conducted by an expert in ADHD who takes the time to evaluate the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals utilize computers to assess impulsivity and attention. Brain scans are sometimes also used.
The time required to conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment can vary and one can anticipate to spend the day in the hospital or clinic to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment for ADHD. This is a modest amount of time spent in exchange for clear, unbiased answers and a plan of action that will improve quality of life. Patients are often enthralled by their results, especially if they've been living with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim to give you a definitive, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These tools are not recommended by most mental health experts because they fail to take into consideration the complex nature of psychiatric disorders as well as the impact they have on a person's functioning in their daily lives. The only way to obtain a diagnosis is through an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or request recommendations 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, may be diagnosed in the event that they meet the criteria in one setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by a health care professional who conducts the assessment. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. She will ask about the person’s medical history as well as their family background. She may employ a checklist or a standard rating system, to determine if the signs are ADHD. She may also seek details from a variety of sources, such as teachers, coaches and religious and scout leader and family members and friends who spend a significant time with the child being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the patient's description of symptoms, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales by him and his family and a review on the person's upbringing, education and environment. A psychiatrist or mental health professional may also test to determine if a patient's symptoms are related to an anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared specifically for children, which makes it difficult to determine ADHD in adults. A diagnosis will often emerge only through a thorough medical interview conducted by a health specialist who is trained in ADHD. She will ask the patient and those who know him well -- such as a spouse or close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the history of other disorders that could affect concentration, such as addiction to drugs or depression.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an expert in health care who is certified in ADHD evaluations. You can also inquire with a local ADHD support group or mental health organization to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also list professionals by specialty and you can check with your insurance provider to determine if there are any ADHD specialists in your area.