How to Diagnose ADHD
To determine ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews behavioral rating scales, checklists of symptoms completed by the patient and other people in his or her life, psychiatric history and medical information. Psychotherapy can also be employed to treat symptoms.
You must exhibit six symptoms that first appeared before the age of 12 and impacted your daily activities at two different places (home and school or at work or social settings) to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is important to get the correct diagnosis prior to deciding 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 if they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must be present for six months or longer to be considered a diagnosis. The person must also be suffering from at least five continuous ADHD symptoms and the symptoms must get in the way of functioning effectively in two or more settings--for instance, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by any other mental health disorder.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They will also ask someone about their family history and also their medical and psychiatric history.
People with symptoms of ADHD frequently have difficulty organizing their tasks or completing them. They might forget appointments or make careless 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 could be unfocused or fidgety often, talk too much and disrupt others, or have trouble waiting to be the first to play games or other activities. Adults with ADHD might have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't.
If adhd diagnosis uk adult aren't treated they can result in serious consequences such as traffic violations and accidents. They can also interfere with relationships, and can be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help a person to take control of their life and manage their symptoms by medication, lifestyle changes or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People with ADHD are still frequently accused of being lazy or not trying. They also face the risk of being ostracized in the workplace due to a deficiency of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and also face obstacles in accessing psychiatric treatment, including stigma and fear about the risks and side effects.
Physical Examination
It is important to find an expert in mental health or physician who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor. A thorough evaluation must include a consultation with a clinician, using diagnostic tests, and the filling out of questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions regarding the person's medical history, as well as her development and behavior dating back to the time of childhood. It can be helpful for the examiner to talk with people who know the patient (spouse, sibling or parents for an adult; teachers, religious leaders, coaches and scout leaders for children to get information about their observations of the child's behavior within various settings.
A physical exam is required to rule out health problems which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as vision and hearing issues, thyroid diseases or sleep disorders. An X-ray or other tests for the lab may be required as well.
The most valuable information comes from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how those symptoms have affected them. It is essential that the physician listens to the words of the patient. Rushing through an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for a misdiagnosis or omitting crucial information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD can't be made for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood as well. It is not common for a person to "outgrow" ADHD, but an increase in responsibility or a change in lifestyle might trigger it in adults. For example one could be offered an occupation that requires regular meetings, and he or she has trouble meeting those expectations.
When the first signs of trouble appear when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to refer your child to a specialist. This increases the chances that a problem will be identified, treated quickly and reduce the risk of a mistake that could result in serious long-term effects. Parents should consult with their school's counselor or principal for referrals to health care professionals who are qualified to conduct ADHD evaluations. Adults should seek out friends and family members for recommendations or contact a local support group to find names of reputable specialists. One could also ask her primary care provider or a psychiatric institution for the names of specialists.
Psychological tests
The psychological testing is a crucial component of diagnosing ADHD. It is able to confirm the diagnosis and provide an extensive assessment of the symptoms, and their impact on the person's daily activities. Testing can also identify other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as depression or anxiety. It can also inform adjustments and interventions.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that 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 gain an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is harder to diagnose. The DSM-V symptoms guide is actually meant to be used to diagnose children and the best method to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is to conduct an extensive clinical interview conducted by an expert in ADHD who examines the history of a patient. Some healthcare professionals use computer programs to gauge the intensity of attention and impulsivity. Brain scans are sometimes also used.
It can take a range of time to complete a comprehensive evaluation, but you can expect to spend a day in the hospital or clinic to undergo a neuropsychological assessment. This is a small time investment for clear answers and a strategy that will improve your life quality. Patients are often overwhelmed by their results, especially when they've had undiagnosed ADHD for a long period of time or for a long time.
There are numerous online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a specific scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health experts because 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 can only give an official ADHD diagnosis. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or request referrals 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 can be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in a single setting.
Interviewing the patient is conducted by a health care professional conducting the assessment. 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 background. She will likely use a checklist or standardized rating scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She will also ask for information from various sources, such as teachers, coaches and religious and scout leader and family members and friends who spend a significant amount of time with the individual being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the patient's account of symptoms, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales by his family and friends and a thorough review of the patient's education, upbringing and environment. A medical professional or psychiatrist may also conduct tests to determine if the patient's symptoms are related to depression or an anxiety disorder.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is targeted specifically for children, which makes it difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The diagnosis usually comes only through a thorough clinical interview, conducted by a health specialist who is trained in ADHD. She will ask the patient as well as anyone who knows him well, such as his spouse or close friends whether they have ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the presence of other disorders that could interfere with concentration such as depression or drug abuse.
To locate a healthcare professional who is able to perform an ADHD assessment, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. You can also inquire with an local ADHD support group or a mental health group to receive recommendations. You can also check your insurance plan to see if they list professionals by specialization.