How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews and behavior ratings scales, checklists of symptoms completed by the patient and other people in their lives along with medical history and psychiatric histories to determine ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be used to treat symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that first appeared before the age of 12 and impacted your daily activities at two different locations (home and school or at work and social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is crucial to receive the right diagnosis before making a decision on the best treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
If a patient decides they want to see a specialist for ADHD, the doctor will evaluate their symptoms and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. These are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be diagnosed 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 in a variety of settings, for instance, at school and at work. In addition, the person's ADHD symptoms can't be better explained by another mental health condition.
The doctor will first interview the patient to find out about their symptoms and their impact on their lives. They will also inquire about family history as well as the person's medical and psychiatric history.
adhd diagnosis in adults who have symptoms of ADHD often have trouble organizing their tasks or completing them. They might miss appointments or make mistakes at work. They have trouble staying focused to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by calls from their phones or television shows. They might be restless or fidgety often, talk too much and interrupt others, or have trouble waiting for their turn at games or other activities. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be having difficulty making decisions and executing on them, as well as having trouble keeping their hands off things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed they could result in serious consequences like traffic violations and accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and can be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help someone take control of their lives and manage their symptoms with medications, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can hinder people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People suffering from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or failing to make an effort. A shortage of child psychiatrists and adolescent psychiatrics puts them at risk of being overlooked by employers. They also face challenges in obtaining psychiatric medication such as stigma as well as fear of negative side effects, and obstacles due to the lack of psychiatrists.
Physical Examination
It is important to find a mental health professional or physician with training in the diagnosis of ADHD. This person can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor. A thorough examination should include a clinical interview and the testing for diagnostics and the filling out of questionnaires. The examiner will also inquire regarding the person's medical history and his or her development and behavior going back to childhood. It is often helpful for the examiner to discuss with people who know the patient well -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult; teachers, religious leaders as well as scout leaders, coaches and coaches for children -- to get information about their observations of the child's behavior in various environments.
A physical examination is necessary to rule out health issues which could trigger symptoms that appear similar to ADHD like hearing and vision issues, thyroid diseases or sleep disorders. A X-ray and various tests in the laboratory may be needed as well.
The most valuable information is derived from what the patient says about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is important that the clinician listens carefully to the patient's words. Doing a rush through an ADHD assessment can result in a wrong diagnosis and missing important information.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present in childhood. Adults don't "grow out" of ADHD however, they can be affected by a change in lifestyle or a new job. For example someone could get an employment which requires regular meetings and they have difficulties meeting those requirements.
When problems first appear it's a good idea to refer your child to a specialist. This increases the likelihood that the problem will be identified and treated promptly, and decreases the chance of a wrong diagnosis which could have serious long-term consequences. Parents should consult with their school principal or counselor for referrals to health care experts who are certified to perform ADHD evaluations. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or consult a local support group to get names of qualified professionals. One could also ask their primary care physician or a psychiatric hospital for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
The psychological test is an essential element of diagnosing ADHD. It can confirm the diagnosis and give an extensive assessment of the symptoms, and their impact on a individual's life. Testing can also detect other mental health issues that may co-occur along with ADHD such as anxiety or depression. It can also help inform the need for interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are many psychological tests that can be used to determine for ADHD. These can include rating scales, direct behavioral observations and neuropsychological assessments. There are also interviews with teachers and parents to get a full picture of the child's experiences.
Diagnosing ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. For adults, the best method to determine the correct diagnosis is to schedule a clinical interview with an expert who is familiar with ADHD and takes the time to go through the patient's medical history. Some healthcare professionals employ computer programs to gauge the level of impulsivity and attention. Brain scans are also sometimes employed.
The time required 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 small time investment in exchange for clear answers and a plan of action which will improve your life quality. Patients are often overwhelmed by their results, particularly if they've been living with undiagnosed ADHD over many years or even for a lifetime.
Online ADHD self-assessments claim that they provide an accurate, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health experts, as they don't take into consideration the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms impact a person's functioning in their daily lives. A qualified healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines will only be able to provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or request recommendations from friends and colleagues 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 could be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in just one setting.
Interviewing the patient is conducted by a health professional who conducts the evaluation. She will ask about symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. She will also ask about the person's family history as well as medical history. She may utilize a checklist, or standardized rating system to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She will also request details from a variety of sources, such as coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups, as well as family members and friends who spend a large time with the individual being assessed.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the patient's descriptions of symptoms, the filling out of rating scales and questionnaires by the family and him and a detailed review of the patient's education, upbringing and environment. A medical professional or psychiatrist can also perform tests to determine if a patient's symptom are due to depression or anxiety.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult because the majority of the DSM-5 symptoms guide is targeted towards children. A health professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him (such as the spouse or a close friend -- about the existence of ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the presence of other disorders that may interfere with concentration like depression or drug abuse.
To locate a healthcare professional who is qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation Ask your primary doctor for the referral. You can also call a local support group for people suffering from ADHD or a mental illness organization for recommendations. You can also check your insurance policy to see if they include professionals by specialization.