How to Diagnose ADHD
To determine ADHD, providers use clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptom checklists completed by the patient and others in his or her life, as well as psychiatric history and medical records. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
You must have six symptoms that began before the age of 12 and affected your daily activities in two different places (home and school or at work and social environments) to be diagnosed with ADHD. The correct diagnosis is essential for deciding on the most effective treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
If a patient decides they'd like to consult an expert for ADHD, the doctor will examine their symptoms and determine if they satisfy the diagnostic criteria. These are described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms must be present for a period of six months or more in order to be classified as ADHD. The person must be suffering from at least five ADHD symptoms that are persistent and they are affecting their functioning in at minimum two different environments such as school or at work. Additionally, the individual's ADHD symptoms can't be better than another mental health condition.
The doctor will first talk to the patient to learn about their symptoms and the impact they can have on their lives. They will also ask about family history and a person's overall medical and mental health history.
People with symptoms of ADHD often have trouble organizing their tasks or completing them. They may forget work or personal appointments. They are easily distracted during lectures or conversations by phone calls or television. They might be restless or fidgety, talk too much and disrupt others, or have trouble waiting for their turn at games or activities. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty making decisions, following through and keeping their hands away from things they shouldn't be.
If ADHD symptoms aren't addressed, they may result in serious consequences such as traffic infractions and accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and can be difficult to live around. A diagnosis can help someone to take control of their life and manage their symptoms with medications, lifestyle modifications, or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. adhd adults diagnosis uk with ADHD are often accused of being lazy or failing to try. A shortage of child psychiatrists and adolescents in psychosis puts them at risk of being ignored by employers. They also face obstacles in obtaining psychiatric drugs which include stigma, fear of side effects, and barriers due to the lack of psychiatrists.
Physical Exam
It is important to find an expert in mental health or physician with training in the diagnosis of ADHD. This person can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor. A thorough evaluation must include a clinical interview as well as the using diagnostic tests, and the completion of questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the patient's previous medical history, as well as his or his behavior and development from the time of their childhood. It is usually beneficial for the examiner to discuss with those who are familiar with the patient (spouse, sibling or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers, coaches and scout leaders for children to gather information about their observations of the child's behavior in different settings.
A physical exam is required to rule out health conditions that could cause symptoms that appear similar to ADHD like hearing and vision issues, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. Other tests, like an X-ray or other lab tests, might also be needed.
The most valuable information is derived from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is crucial that the doctor listens to the patient's words. In rushing through an ADHD assessment could cause a misdiagnosis or not getting the right information.
Experts agree that ADHD is only diagnosed in adults when the symptoms were present in childhood. A person doesn't usually "outgrow" ADHD, but a new responsibility or change in lifestyle might trigger it in adults. Someone may have trouble in completing the requirements of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
It is a good idea for a child to see a specialist as soon as problems begin to develop. This increases the chance that the problem will be identified and treated quickly, and it minimizes the risk of a mistaken diagnosis which could have serious long-term consequences. Parents should consult with their school's counselor or the principal to get suggestions to health professionals who are able to conduct ADHD evaluations. Adults should ask friends and family members for recommendations or consult an organization that supports local residents to get names of qualified professionals. You could also ask primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for an alphabetical list of specialists.
Psychological Tests
The psychological testing is a vital element of diagnosing ADHD. It helps confirm the diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. Tests can also identify other mental health issues that can co-occur with ADHD such as depression or anxiety. It can also inform how to treat ADHD.
There are a myriad of psychological tests that help diagnose ADHD in children. These can include rating scales, direct observations of behavior and neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to obtain an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is harder to diagnose. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. For adults, the best way to determine the correct diagnosis is to have a clinical interview with a specialist who is experienced with ADHD and who takes the time to look over the patient's medical history. Some healthcare practitioners also use computer programs to gauge the impulsivity and attention of patients and brain scans are sometimes employed in addition.
The time it takes to complete a thorough psychological assessment can vary, but one can expect to spend the day in the hospital or clinic to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment for ADHD. It's a minimal time investment for clear answers and a strategy that will improve your quality of life. Patients are often overwhelmed by their results, particularly when they've had undiagnosed ADHD over many years or for a lifetime.
There are numerous online ADHD self-assessments that claim to provide a precise scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not endorsed by a majority of mental health experts because they do not take into consideration the variety of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms impact the person's performance in their daily lives. The only way to obtain a formal diagnosis is through an examination by a qualified healthcare professional who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can locate a qualified healthcare professional through your family physician, or ask for referrals from friends and colleagues who have 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, however can be diagnosed in the event that they meet the criteria in one setting.
Interviewing the patient is conducted by a health professional who is conducting the assessment. She will ask about symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. She will also inquire about the family history of the person and medical background. She will probably utilize a checklist, or standardized rating system to determine if the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek details from a variety of sources, including coaches, teachers, Scout leader and religious groups and family members and friends who spend a significant amount of time with the individual being assessed.
A comprehensive psychiatric past will include the patient's description of symptoms, the submission of questionnaires and rating scales by the family and him and a review on the patient's education, upbringing and environment. A mental health professional or physician may also test to determine whether a patient's symptoms are related to depression or an anxiety disorder.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult, as most of the DSM-5 symptom guide is geared towards children. A diagnosis is usually made only through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a healthcare professional who specializes in ADHD. She will inquire with the patient and those who know him well -- such as a spouse or close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the person's previous history of other disorders that could affect concentration, such as depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care physician for the referral to a health care provider who is qualified in ADHD evaluations. You can also call an organization that offers local support for people with ADHD, or a mental illness organization for recommendations. Many insurance plans also list professionals by specialty and you can check with your insurer to find out whether they have ADHD specialists in your area.