How to Diagnose ADHD
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists that are completed by the patient as well as others in his or her life, psychiatric history and medical history. Psychotherapy may also be employed to treat symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that began before 12 years old and interfered with your daily activities in two different locations (home and school or at work or social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. Making the right diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the best treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides that they want to see an ADHD specialist the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine if 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 diagnosed, the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months. The person must also be suffering from at least five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms should hinder functioning effectively in two or more settings--for instance, at school or at work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health disorder.
The first step is to speak with the patient about their symptoms and how they impact their life. They will also inquire about family history as well as the overall medical and psychiatric history.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty organizing or finishing tasks. They may forget appointments or make careless mistakes at work. They have a hard time staying focused to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by calls from their phones or television shows. They may be agitated or fidgety or talk too much and interrupt others, or have difficulty waiting their turn in games or other activities. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty making decisions, following through and keeping their hands from things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms are not treated, they may result in serious consequences like traffic violations and accidents. They can also impact relationships, and can be difficult to live with. 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 deter people from seeking help or requesting an assessment. The people who suffer from ADHD are still frequently accused of being lazy or not trying. They also run the risk of being overlooked in the workplace due to a deficiency of child and adolescent psychiatrists and also face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medication, including stigma and fear about the risks and side effects.
Physical Examination
It is essential to speak with 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 medical interview and the using diagnostic tests, and the completion of questionnaires. The examiner will also inquire regarding the person's medical history as well as his or their development and behavior that go back to the time of childhood. It is usually beneficial for the examiner to talk with people who know the patient (spouse, sibling or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers as well as scout leaders, coaches and coaches for children -- to collect information on their observations of the child's behavior in different settings.
A physical examination is necessary to rule out health conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as vision and hearing issues, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray or other laboratory tests, could be needed.
Often, the most important piece of information is what the patient has to tell the clinician about their personal issues and how they've affected the person's life. It's crucial for the clinician to listen carefully to what the person is able to share. In rushing through an ADHD assessment could lead to a misdiagnosis and not getting the right details.
Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present during the early years of childhood. Adults don't "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be affected by changes in lifestyle or a new job. A person may have difficulty fulfilling the requirements of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
When problems first appear when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to refer your child to a specialist. This will increase the likelihood that an issue will be discovered and treated promptly, as well as reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis that could have negative long-term consequences. Parents should consult with their school counselor or principal for referrals to health care professionals who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. Adults can ask family and friends for recommendations, or call an organization local to request names of specialists who are certified. You can also ask his or primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is a crucial element of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It can aid in confirming the diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their effects on a person's daily life. Tests can also identify other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, like 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 assess for ADHD. These include rating scales and direct observation of behavior, and neuropsychological tests. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to gain an overall picture of the child.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. For adults, the best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to conduct an interview with a specialist who is familiar with ADHD and takes the time to go through the patient's medical background. Some healthcare professionals use computer programs to measure the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans are also sometimes employed.
It can take a range of time to finish a comprehensive assessment, but you can expect to spend one day in a hospital or clinic to undergo a neuropsychological assessment. This is a small time investment that will yield clear answers and a strategy that will improve your life quality. It is not unusual for patients to be emotional when they hear their results, particularly when they have suffered from undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a lifetime.
There are a variety of online ADHD self-assessments that claim they can give you a specific, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. Most mental health experts do not recommend these tests since they do not take into consideration the complexity of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms impact the way people live their lives. A licensed healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines can only provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can locate a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask your friends and colleagues who have expertise in ADHD for referrals.
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 just one setting.
Interviewing the patient is conducted by a health care professional who conducts the assessment. 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 an assessment checklist or standardized rating scale to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek out information from many sources, such as coaches, teachers religious and scout leaders and family members who spend long periods of time with the person being evaluated.
A comprehensive psychiatric past will include the patient's account of symptoms, the filling out of questionnaires and rating scales by his family and friends and a thorough review of the person's upbringing, education and environment. A mental health care specialist or physician can also conduct tests to determine whether a patient's symptoms are due to a different condition, such as depression or anxiety disorders.
adhd diagnosis in adults -5 symptom manual is geared primarily toward children, making it difficult to determine ADHD in adults. A diagnosis is usually made only through a thorough medical interview conducted by a health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD. She will ask the patient and those who know him well (such as the spouse or a close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related problems. She will also ask about the person's history with other disorders that interfere with focus, including depression, addiction to drugs or alcoholism.
Consult your primary physician for an appointment with a medical professional who is skilled in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact a local support group for people suffering from ADHD or a mental health organization to receive recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if they list specialists with specialization.