How to Diagnose ADHD
To determine ADHD, providers use clinical interviews as well as behavior rating scales, symptom checklists which are completed by the patient and others in his or her life, as well as psychiatric histories and medical information. Psychotherapy can also be used to manage symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must exhibit at least six symptoms that began before age 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two settings (home and school, or work and social settings). Making the right diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the best treatment plan.
The history of symptoms
When a patient decides to consult an ADHD specialist, the doctor will review 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 considered diagnosed, the symptoms must be present for at least six months. The person must also be suffering from at least five continuous ADHD symptoms, and the symptoms must hinder functioning in two or more settings--for example, at school and at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by any other mental health disorder.
The doctor will begin by interviewing the patient to learn about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They'll also ask someone about their family history and also their medical and psychiatric histories.
People who have symptoms of ADHD frequently have difficulty organizing their tasks or completing them. They may forget work or personal appointments. They have trouble staying focused in lectures or discussions and are easily distracted by calls to the phone or television shows. They may be unfocused and fidgety, or talk too much, interrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn in activities or games. Adults with ADHD are more likely to struggle with making decisions and following through on them, as well as having difficulty keeping their hands off things they shouldn't.
If ADHD symptoms are not treated they can cause serious consequences, such as traffic violations and accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and can be difficult to manage. Being diagnosed can help someone take control of their lives and manage their symptoms through medication, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
However the stigma that surrounds ADHD can hinder people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. People with ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to make an effort. They also run the risk of being disregarded in the workplace due to a deficiency of psychiatrists for children and adolescents, and they face barriers to accessing psychiatric medication such as stigma and a fear about the dangers and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is important to consult a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The person you choose could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family physician. A thorough evaluation must include a medical interview, testing for diagnostics and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner can also inquire about the patient's medical history, as well as her behavior and development from the time of his or her childhood. The examiner will often benefit from talking to people who are familiar with the patient, like siblings, spouses or parents for adults; teachers, coaches religious leaders, Scout leaders in the case of children, to get details about their observations.
A physical exam is necessary to determine if there are any health issues that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease, vision and hearing issues, or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray or other laboratory tests, might also be required.
Often, the most valuable piece of information is what the patient shares with the clinician about their own symptoms and how they have had an impact on the person's life. It is essential for the physician to listen carefully to what the patient has to say. Trying to rush through an ADHD evaluation can lead to a risk for misdiagnosis and missing crucial information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD cannot be made for an adult unless the signs are present in childhood as well. Adults can't "grow out" of ADHD, but they may be triggered by changes in life or a new job. Someone may have trouble fulfilling the requirements of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
When the first signs of trouble appear when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to take your child to a specialist. This increases the chances that the problem will be recognized and treated promptly, as well as reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis that could have devastating long-term effects. Parents can ask their school director or counselor to recommend them to a health professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD. Adults can ask family and friends for recommendations, or contact a local group to get names of qualified professionals. You may also contact your primary care doctor or the psychiatric center for the list.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is an important element of the process to diagnose ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide more thorough evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on a person's life. Tests can also identify other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, like anxiety or depression. It can also provide information on the need for interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are many psychological tests that can be used to determine for ADHD. These include rating scales and direct observation of behavior, as well as neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with parents and teachers are also conducted to get an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is harder to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. For adults, the best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to have an interview with a specialist who is familiar with ADHD and takes the time to look over the patient's medical history. Some healthcare professionals also utilize computer programs to measure attention and impulsivity and brain scans can be employed in addition.
The time it takes to complete a comprehensive psychological assessment will vary however, one can expect to spend the day in a hospital or clinic to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment for ADHD. This is a modest amount of time for clear, well-informed answers and a plan of action that will improve quality of life. It is not unusual for patients to be overwhelmed by their results, particularly those who have had undiagnosed ADHD for a long time, or perhaps for a long time.
There are a variety of online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a definitive scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These self-assessments are not recommended by most mental health experts because they fail to take into consideration the variety of psychiatric disorders and the impact they have on the person's performance in their daily lives. The only way to get a diagnosis is through an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who follows the DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family physician or ask colleagues and friends who have expertise 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 can be diagnosed if they meet the criteria in one setting.
how to get diagnosed with adhd who conducts the examination will talk to the patient. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on daily living. She will inquire about the person's medical history and background. She may use a checklist or standardized rating scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She will also request information from different sources, such as coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups as well as family members and friends who spend a large time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include a description of symptoms by both the patient and his caregivers, the completion of rating scales or questionnaires by the patient and his family, and a thorough review of a person's education, environment and upbringing. A mental health care specialist or physician can also perform tests to determine if the symptoms of a patient are due to another condition, such as depression or anxiety disorders.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be a challenge because the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is geared towards children. A diagnosis will often emerge only through a thorough medical interview conducted by a health specialist who is trained in ADHD. She will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him -- such as your spouse or a close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related problems. She will also ask about the history of other disorders that may affect concentration like addiction to drugs or depression.
To locate a health care professional who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation Ask your primary health care provider for the referral. You can also reach out to an local ADHD support group or mental health organization for recommendations. You can also look through your insurance policy to see if they list specialists with specialization.