How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales, symptom checklists filled out by the patient, and other people in their lives along with psychiatric histories and medical information to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and affect your daily activities in two settings (home and school or work and social settings). The correct diagnosis is essential to decide on the best treatment strategy.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see an expert for ADHD The doctor will look at their symptoms and determine if they fit the diagnostic criteria. These are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months in order to be classified as ADHD. The patient must have at least five ADHD symptoms that are persistent and the symptoms must interfere with functioning in at minimum two different environments, such as at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by other mental health disorder.
adhd in adults diagnosis is to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They will also ask about family history and a person's overall medical and psychiatric history.
People who have symptoms of ADHD frequently have difficulty organizing or finishing tasks. They may forget work or personal appointments. They have trouble paying attention to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by phone calls or TV shows. They could be unfocused or fidgety, talk too much and interrupt others, or have trouble waiting for their turn at games or activities. Adults with ADHD might have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and avoiding their hands from things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms are not treated, they may cause serious consequences, such as traffic violations and accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and be difficult to manage. Getting a diagnosis can help someone to 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 requesting an assessment. People who have ADHD are often accused of being lazy or uninterested. A lack of child psychiatrists as well as adolescents psychosis puts them at risk of being overlooked by employers. They also face barriers in obtaining psychiatric medication such as stigma and fear of adverse negative side effects, and obstacles because of the absence of psychiatrists.
Physical Exam
It is important to consult a mental health professional with expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor. A thorough evaluation must include a clinical interview and the testing for diagnostics and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions regarding the person's medical history and his or their development and behavior that go back to the time of childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to speak with people 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 collect information on their observations of the child's behavior in different settings.
A physical exam is essential to determine if there are any health issues that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease as well as hearing and vision issues, or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other lab tests, might also be required.
The most valuable information comes from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how those symptoms have affected them. It is important that the physician listens to the words of the patient. Rushing through an ADHD assessment could cause a misdiagnosis or leaving out crucial information.
Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults if the symptoms were present during the early years of childhood. The average person does not "outgrow" ADHD, but a new responsibility or change in lifestyle might trigger it in adults. For example someone could get a job that requires regular meetings, and has difficulties meeting those requirements.
When problems first appear when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to take your child to a specialist. This increases the likelihood that the problem is identified and addressed quickly, and also minimizes the risk of a misdiagnosis that can have serious long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school principal or counselor to send them to a health care professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD. Adults may consult their family and friends for recommendations, or contact a local group to get names of professionals who are qualified. You can also contact your primary care doctor or the psychiatric center for a list.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an essential element of the process to diagnose ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide a 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 depression or anxiety. It can also inform the need for interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are numerous psychological tests that can be used to determine for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological tests. There are also interviews with parents and teachers to get a complete picture of the child's experience.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V symptoms guide is actually designed to diagnose children, and the best method to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess a patient's history. Some healthcare professionals utilize computer programs to measure the level of impulsivity and attention. Brain scans are also sometimes used.
It could take a range of time to finish an extensive assessment, but you should expect to spend one day in a hospital or clinic for a neuropsychological examination. This is a relatively small investment in exchange for clear answers and a strategy which will improve your quality of life. It is not unusual for patients to be emotional when they hear their results, especially if they have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a long time.
There are numerous online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a definitive scientifically-validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health experts, as they do not take into account the complex nature of psychiatric disorders as well as how their symptoms impact the person's performance in their daily lives. The only way to get an official diagnosis is to undergo an examination by a licensed healthcare professional who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask friends and colleagues with experience in 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, however, may be diagnosed in the event that they meet the criteria in one setting.
Interviewing the patient is conducted by a health care professional who is conducting the examination. She will inquire about the patient's symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. She will inquire about the person's medical history as well as their family background. She will likely 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, such as teachers, coaches and religious and scout leader, as well as family members and friends who spend a large time with the individual being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history should include the description of symptoms by the patient and his caregivers, completion of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family members, and a thorough review of a person's education, surroundings, and upbringing. A mental health professional or physician can also perform tests to determine if a patient's symptom are due to depression or anxiety.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared specifically for children, which makes it difficult to determine ADHD in adults. A health professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a medical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask the patient and those who know him well (such as the spouse or a close friend -- about the existence of ADHD-related problems. She will also ask about the history of other disorders that may hinder concentration like depression or addiction to drugs.
To locate a health care professional who is certified to perform an ADHD assessment You can ask your primary doctor for an appointment. You can also contact an local ADHD support group or mental health group to receive recommendations. Many insurance plans also list professionals by specialty, and you can check with your insurance provider to determine whether they have ADHD specialists in your region.