How to Diagnose ADHD
To determine ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews behavioral rating scales, symptom checklists that are completed by the patient as well as other people in his or her life, as well as psychiatric histories and medical information. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that began before 12 years old and affected your daily activities in two different places (home and school or at work and social environments) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is important to get the correct diagnosis before deciding on a treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
If a patient decides to see an ADHD specialist the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must be present for six months or longer to be considered a diagnosis. The person must also have at least five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should hinder functioning effectively in multiple settings, for example, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by any other mental health disorder.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to find out about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They will also ask about family history and the person's medical and psychiatric history.
ADHD can cause people to have trouble completing tasks or organizing their time. They may forget appointments or make a mistake at work. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures by phone calls or television. They may be unfocused, fidgety or talk too much, interrupting others or having difficulty waiting their turn in activities or games. 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 serious consequences, including traffic violations or accidents. They can also cause issues in relationships and can be difficult to live around. A diagnosis can help someone manage their lives and manage their symptoms through medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can deter people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. People suffering from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to take the initiative. They are also at risk of being ostracized in the workplace due to a deficiency of psychiatrists for children and adolescents, and they face barriers to accessing psychiatric medication such as stigma and a fear about the risks and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is important to find an expert in mental health or physician who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. This person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough examination should consist of an assessment of the clinical situation, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions regarding the person's medical history and his or their development and behavior dating back to the time of childhood. The examiner may benefit from speaking with people who are familiar with the patient, such as parents, spouses, or parent for adults; teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and scout leaders in the case of children, in order to obtain information on their observations.
A physical exam is required to rule out any health conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease as well as hearing and vision issues, or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray or other lab tests, could be required.
The most valuable information comes from what the patient says about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is essential that the clinician listens carefully to the patient's words. Rushing through an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for misdiagnosis or missing important information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD can't be made for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood as well. A person doesn't usually "outgrow" ADHD, but a new responsibility or change in life can cause it to manifest in adults. Someone may have trouble meeting the expectations of a new job that requires frequent meetings.
When problems first appear, it's a great idea to take your child to an expert. This will increase the chance that a problem will be identified, treated quickly and reduce the chance of a mistake that could cause serious long-term effects. Parents should speak with their school's principal or counselor for referrals to health care professionals who are able to conduct ADHD evaluations. Adults should ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact an organization that supports local residents to obtain names of qualified specialists. A person could also ask primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is a crucial component of diagnosing ADHD. It is able to confirm the diagnosis and provide an accurate evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. Tests can also identify other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. It can also inform adjustments and interventions.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that are able to help diagnose ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct observations of behavior and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to gain an overall picture of the child.
Finding out if you have ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V symptoms guide is actually intended to help diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is to conduct an extensive clinical interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess the history of a patient. Some healthcare professionals also utilize computer programs to measure the impulsivity and attention of patients and brain scans are sometimes employed as well.
It can take a variety of time to finish an exhaustive evaluation, but you can anticipate spending a full day in the hospital or clinic for a neuropsychological examination. This is a relatively small investment for clear answers and a strategy which will improve your quality of life. Patients are often overwhelmed by their results, especially if they've been living with undiagnosed ADHD for a long period of time or even for a lifetime.
There are online ADHD self-assessments which claim to provide a precise scientifically-validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health professionals, since they fail to consider the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms affect a person's functioning in their daily lives. A healthcare professional who is qualified and follows the DSM guidelines can only give an official ADHD diagnosis. You can find a certified healthcare professional through your family doctor or request referrals 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 can be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet criteria in only one setting.
The health care professional who conducts the exam will interview the patient. iampsychiatry.com will ask about symptoms and how they affect the daily routine. She will also ask about the person's family history as well as medical background. She may use a checklist or standardized ratings scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek details from a variety of sources, including coaches, teachers, Scout and religious leaders and family members and friends who spend a great amount of time with the person being assessed.
A comprehensive psychiatric past will include the patient's descriptions of symptoms, the completion of rating scales and questionnaires by his family and friends and a thorough review of the person's childhood, education and environment. A mental health professional or physician can also perform tests to determine if the patient's symptoms are related to depression or anxiety.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be tricky, as most of the DSM-5 symptom guide is geared towards children. A diagnosis will often emerge only from a careful clinical interview, conducted by a healthcare specialist who is trained in ADHD. She will ask the patient and those who is familiar with him like his spouse or close family members whether they have ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the patient's previous history of other disorders that could interfere with focus, including addiction to drugs, depression or alcoholism.
To locate a healthcare professional who is certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. You can also inquire with the local ADHD support group or a mental health organization to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans list professionals by specialty and you can consult with your insurance provider to determine if there are any ADHD specialists in your area.