How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales, checklists of symptoms completed by the patient as well as other people in their lives along with medical history and psychiatric histories to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six signs that started before the age of 12 and affect your daily activities in two different settings (home and school, and social settings). It is important to get the correct diagnosis before making a decision on a treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to consult an ADHD specialist the doctor will look over their symptoms and determine whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To be considered diagnosed, the symptoms must have existed for at least six months. The person must also have at minimum five ongoing ADHD symptoms, and the symptoms must hinder functioning effectively in multiple settings, for instance, at school and at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by a different mental health issue.
The first step is for the doctor to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they affect their lives. They will also ask about family history and the overall 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 have a hard time paying attention during lectures or conversations and are easily distracted by calls from their phones or television shows. They may be restless and fidgety. They may also talk too much, interrupting others or having difficulty waiting their turn in activities or games. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be having difficulty making decisions and following through on them, and also having trouble keeping their hands off things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't treated, they can lead to grave consequences, like traffic violations or accidents. They can also interfere with relationships, and can be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help a person manage their lives and manage their symptoms by medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma associated with ADHD can deter people from seeking help or an assessment. People who suffer from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or failing to take the initiative. A shortage of child psychiatrists and adolescent psychiatrists put them at risk of being ignored by employers. They also face barriers in obtaining psychiatric medication, including stigma as well as fear of negative side effects, and obstacles due to the lack of psychiatrists.
Physical Exam
It is important to consult a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor. A thorough assessment should include an assessment of the clinical situation, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions about the patient's medical history, as well as her development and behavior going back to the time of childhood. It can be helpful for the examiner to speak with people who know the patient (spouse, sibling or parents for an adult and religious leaders, teachers as well as scout leaders, coaches and coaches for children -- to get information about their observations of the child's behavior in different situations.
A physical exam is required to rule out health issues that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as vision and hearing problems, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. An X-ray or other tests for the lab may be required as well.
Most of the time, the most valuable piece of information is what the patient tells the clinician about their own symptoms and how they have had an impact on the person's life. It is crucial for the doctor to pay attention to what the patient is saying. In rushing through an ADHD assessment could lead to a misdiagnosis and leaving out crucial details.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present during childhood. A person doesn't usually "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in life can trigger it in adults. For example one could be offered a job that requires regular meetings and he or she has trouble meeting those expectations.
It's a good idea for children to see an expert when issues first arise. This increases the chances that a problem will be identified and treated promptly, as well as reduce the chance of misdiagnosis that could have devastating long-term effects. Parents can ask their school's principal or counselor to refer them to a medical specialist who is certified to assess ADHD. Adults can ask their friends and family for recommendations, or contact a local group to get names of specialists who are certified. You may also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric institution for an inventory.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is a crucial element of the process to determine ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their effects on a person's daily life. Testing can also detect other mental health issues that can co-occur with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. It can also help inform interventions and accommodations.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that are able to aid in diagnosing ADHD in children. These include rating scales, direct observation of behavior and neuropsychological tests. Interviews are also conducted with parents and teachers to get a complete picture of the child's life.
Adult ADHD is harder to diagnose. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is intended to help diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is through an exhaustive clinical interview with an expert in ADHD who takes the time to evaluate the patient's history. Some healthcare practitioners also use computer programs to gauge the impulsivity and attention of patients, and brain scans are sometimes used as well.
The amount of time needed to conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment will vary, but one can expect to spend a day in a hospital or clinic for a thorough neuropsychological examination for ADHD. This is a small time investment in exchange for clear answers and a strategy that will improve your life quality. It is not uncommon for patients to feel overwhelmed by their results, especially when they have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim that they provide an accurate, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not recommended by the majority of mental health experts, as they don't take into account the variety of psychiatric disorders and the impact they have on a person's functioning in their daily lives. The only way to obtain an official diagnosis is to undergo an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare professional through your family physician, or request referrals from colleagues and friends who have 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. how to get diagnosed with adhd may be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet criteria in a single setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by a health professional conducting the evaluation. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. She will inquire about the person's medical history and family background. She will likely employ a checklist or a standardized rating system, to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She will also request information from various sources, including coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups, as well as family members and friends who spend a great time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include the description of symptoms by the patient and his family members, the filling out of questionnaires or rating scales by the patient and his family, and a detailed review of a person's education, surroundings and upbringing. A psychiatrist or mental health professional may also test to determine whether a patient's symptoms are caused by an anxiety disorder or depression.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be tricky because the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is designed toward children. A health care professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask the patient as well as anyone who is familiar with him like his spouse or close friends whether they have ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the history of other disorders that could hinder concentration like depression or addiction to drugs.
To locate a health care professional who is able to conduct an ADHD evaluation, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. You can also contact an local ADHD support group or mental health organization for recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if they include professionals by specialization.