How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD, providers use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists that are which are completed by the patient and others in their life, as well as psychiatric histories and medical information. Psychotherapy can also be used to treat symptoms.
You must show six signs that began before 12 years old and impacted your daily activities in two different places (home and school or at work or social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is essential to obtain the correct diagnosis before making a decision on the best treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see an ADHD specialist the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be considered a diagnosis the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months. The person must also have at least five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms must get in the way of functioning well in two or more settings--for example, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health condition.
The first step is to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they impact their lives. They will also ask about family history and a person's overall medical and mental health history.
People who suffer from ADHD often have trouble organizing or finishing tasks. They may forget appointments or make careless mistakes at work. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures by phone calls or television. They may be restless and fidgety, or talk too much, disrupting others or struggling to wait their turn in activities or games. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be having difficulty making decisions and executing on them, in addition to having trouble keeping their hands off of things they should not be doing.
If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed they could result in serious consequences like traffic violations and accidents. They can also interfere with relationships, and can be difficult to manage. A diagnosis can help someone take control of their lives and manage their symptoms with medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However the stigma that surrounds ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to try. They are also at risk of being disregarded in the work place due to a shortage of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and also face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medication, including stigma and fear about the dangers and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or a doctor who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation must include a consultation with a clinician as well as the use of diagnostic tests and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner will also inquire about the patient's medical history as well as his or their development and behavior that go back to the time of childhood. The examiner will often benefit from talking to people who know the patient, such as parents, spouses or parents for adults; teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and Scout leaders in the case of children, to gather information about their observations.
A physical exam is required to rule out health conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like vision and hearing problems, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other lab tests, may also be needed.
The most valuable information is derived from the patient's words about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is important that the clinician listens carefully to the patient's words. Trying to rush through an ADHD evaluation is a recipe for misdiagnosis and missing crucial information.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present during the early years of childhood. Adults don't "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be affected by a change in lifestyle or a new job. A person may have difficulty in completing the requirements of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
It is a good idea for a child to see an expert when issues first arise. This increases the chance that the problem is identified and addressed quickly, and it minimizes the risk of a misdiagnosis which could have serious long-term consequences. Parents should talk with their school principal or counselor for referrals to health care professionals who are qualified to perform ADHD assessments. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or contact a local support group to get names of qualified professionals. One may also contact his or their primary care physician or a psychiatric institution for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is a crucial element of diagnosing ADHD. It can confirm the diagnosis and provide an accurate analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that could be a part of ADHD like anxiety or depression. It can also provide information for adjustments and interventions.
For children, there are many psychological tests that can be used to test for ADHD. These can include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to get an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is harder to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to identify children. For adults, the best way to determine the correct diagnosis is to have a clinical interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and takes the time to look over the patient's medical background. Some healthcare practitioners also use computer programs to measure the level of impulsivity and attention and brain scans are often employed as well.
It can take a variety of hours to complete an exhaustive assessment, but you should expect to spend a day in the clinic or hospital for a neuropsychological examination. This is a modest amount of time for clear, unbiased answers and a plan of action that will improve quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to be overwhelmed by their results, especially those who have had undiagnosed ADHD for years or even a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim that they provide a definitive, validated scientific diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not recommended by the majority of mental health experts, as they don't take into account the complexity of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms impact a person's functioning in their daily lives. The only way to receive a formal diagnosis is through an assessment by a licensed healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family physician or ask friends and colleagues who have experience with ADHD for recommendations.
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 could be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet criteria in just one setting.
The health care professional who conducts the examination will talk to the patient. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. She will also inquire about the person's family history and medical history. how is adhd diagnosed in adults will likely employ a checklist or standardized ratings scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek information from many sources, such as teachers, coaches as well as religious and scout leader and family members who spend a lot of time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include a description of symptoms by the patient and his family members, the filling out of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family members, and a thorough review of a person's education level, environment and upbringing. A mental health professional or physician may also test to determine if a patient's symptoms are related to depression or an anxiety disorder.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult because the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is geared toward children. A health care professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a medical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask the patient and those who knows him well like his spouse or close friends whether he suffers from ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the history of other disorders that could affect concentration, such as depression or addiction to drugs.
To locate a healthcare professional who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment Ask your primary care physician for the referral. You can also inquire with a local ADHD support group or mental health organization for recommendations. You can also check your insurance policy to see if they list professionals by specialization.