How to Diagnose diagnosis of adhd
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews as well as behavior rating scales, symptoms checklists that are which are completed by the patient and others in their life, psychiatric history and medical information. Psychotherapy can also be used to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least six signs that began before age 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two different settings (home and school or work and social settings). The correct diagnosis is essential for deciding on the best treatment strategy.
History of Symptoms
If a patient decides to visit an ADHD specialist the doctor will look over their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The symptoms must be present for a period of six months or more in order to be classified as ADHD. The person must be suffering from at least five ADHD symptoms that persist and they are affecting their functioning in at least two different settings, such as at school or at work. Additionally, the person's ADHD symptoms can't be better explained by a different mental health issue.
The doctor will begin by interviewing the patient to learn about their symptoms and the impact they can have on their lives. They will also ask the person about their family history, as well as their medical and psychiatric history.
People who have symptoms of ADHD often have difficulty organizing or finishing tasks. They may not remember appointments for work or personal. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures through phone calls or TV. They may be agitated or fidgety, talk too much and interrupt others, or have trouble waiting their turn in games or activities. Adults with ADHD might have difficulty making decisions, following through and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms are not treated they can lead to serious consequences such as traffic infractions and accidents. They can also interfere with relationships and be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help someone take control of their lives and manage their symptoms with medication, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However, the stigma attached to ADHD can hinder people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. People who have ADHD are often accused of being lazy or not trying. They also face the risk of being ostracized in the work place due to a shortage of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and face obstacles in accessing psychiatric treatment which includes stigma and fears about the risks and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is important to consult a mental health professional with expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough assessment should include a clinical assessment, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner will also inquire about the patient's medical history and his or his or her behavior and development dating back to the time of childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to speak with those who are familiar with the patient (spouse, sibling or parents for an adult and religious leaders, teachers coaches, scout leaders and coaches for children to gather information about their observations of the child's behavior in different situations.
A physical examination is necessary to rule out health problems which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like hearing and vision issues, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray or other lab tests, might also be required.
Often, the most valuable information is what the patient shares with the clinician about his or her own issues and how they've had an impact on the person's life. It is crucial for the doctor to listen attentively to what the patient is able to share. Doing a rush through an ADHD assessment could lead to a misdiagnosis and not getting the right information.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults if the symptoms were present in the early years of childhood. Adults don't "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be affected by an alteration in lifestyle or a new job. Someone may have trouble meeting the expectations of a new job that requires frequent meetings.
It's a good idea for a child to see an expert when issues first arise. This will increase the likelihood that a problem will be identified and treated swiftly, and decrease the chance of mistake that could cause serious long-term effects. Parents can ask their school's principal or counselor to send them to a health specialist who is certified to assess ADHD. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or call an organization that supports local residents to find names of reputable professionals. You could also ask their primary care physician or a psychiatric hospital for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is an important element of the process to diagnose ADHD. It can confirm the diagnosis and give a more comprehensive analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the individual's life. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that may be a part of ADHD like depression or anxiety. It can also inform the need for interventions and accommodations.
There are a variety of psychological tests that are able to help diagnose ADHD in children. These include rating scales and direct behavioral observations, and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to get an overall picture of the child.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult. The DSM-V symptom guide is really designed to diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is through a thorough clinical interview with a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess a patient's history. Some healthcare practitioners also use computers to assess the level of impulsivity and attention and brain scans can be employed as well.
The amount of time needed to conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment will vary and one can anticipate to spend the day in a hospital or clinic for a full neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD. This is a relatively small investment for clear answers and a plan of action that will improve your quality of life. Patients are often moved by their results, especially if they've been living with undiagnosed ADHD over many years or for a lifetime.
There are numerous online ADHD self-assessments that claim they can give you a definitive, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health professionals, since they don't take into consideration the complex nature of psychiatric disorders as well as how their symptoms affect the way people live their daily lives. A qualified healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines will only be able to provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family physician or ask colleagues and friends 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 may be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in just one setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by a health professional conducting the examination. She will ask questions about the symptoms and their effects on daily functioning. She will inquire about the person's medical history and background. She may use a checklist or standardized ratings scale to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek out information from many sources, such as teachers, coaches, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend long periods of time with the person being evaluated.
A complete psychiatric history should include the patient's descriptions of symptoms, the submission of questionnaires and rating scales by him and his family and a review on the person's childhood, education and surroundings. A mental health care specialist or physician can also perform tests to determine if the symptoms of a patient are due to a different condition like anxiety disorder or depression.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be tricky, as most of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted towards children. A health care professional with ADHD experience will typically conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him -- such as a spouse or close friend about the presence of ADHD-related problems. She will also inquire about the presence of other disorders that could hinder concentration such as addiction to drugs or depression.
To locate a health care professional who is certified to conduct an ADHD assessment You can ask your primary doctor for a referral. You can also reach out to a local ADHD support group or a mental health organization for recommendations. You can also look through your insurance plan to see if it lists professionals by specialization.