How to Diagnose Click On this site
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use clinical interviews behavioral rating scales, symptoms checklists that are completed by the patient and other people in his or her life, as well as psychiatric history and medical records. Psychotherapy is also used to treat symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least six symptoms that started before age 12 and interfere with your daily activities in two different settings (home and school or work and social situations). Getting the right diagnosis is essential for deciding on the best treatment strategy.
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 listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. To be diagnosed, the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. The patient must have at minimum five ADHD symptoms that persist and they have to hinder their performance in at minimum two different environments such as school and at work. Additionally, the individual's ADHD symptoms cannot be than another mental health condition.
The doctor will first interview the patient to learn about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They will also ask about family history and the overall medical and mental health history.
ADHD can cause people to have trouble in completing tasks or organising their time. They might miss appointments or make a mistake at work. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures through phone calls or TV. They might be restless or fidgety, talk too much and disrupt others, or have trouble waiting for their turn at games or other activities. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty making decisions, executing their plans and keeping their hands from things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed they could lead to grave consequences, like traffic violations or accidents. They can also affect relationships, and can be difficult to live with. A diagnosis can help a person take charge of their life and manage their symptoms using medications, lifestyle modifications or therapy.
However the stigma associated with ADHD can deter people from seeking treatment or an evaluation. People who have ADHD are still often accused of being lazy or not trying. They also face the risk of being ostracized in the workplace due to a shortage of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and also face obstacles in accessing psychiatric treatment which includes stigma and fears about the risks and adverse effects.
Physical Examination
It is crucial to locate a mental health professional or physician with training in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor. A thorough assessment should include a clinical assessment, diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the person's past medical history, his or his behavior and development since childhood. The examiner will often benefit from speaking with people who are familiar with the patient, for example parents, spouses or parents for adults; coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and Scout leaders in the cases of children, to get information on their observations.
A physical examination is necessary to rule out health conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like vision and hearing issues, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. An X-ray or other laboratory tests may be required as well.
Most of the time, the most important piece of information is what the patient has to tell the doctor about their own ailments and how they have affected the patient's life. It is crucial for the doctor to pay attention to what the person has to say. Doing a rush through an ADHD evaluation could result in a wrong diagnosis and not getting the right information.
Experts agree that ADHD can only be diagnosed in adults if the signs were present in the early years of childhood. The average person does not "outgrow" ADHD, but the new responsibilities or changes in lifestyle might trigger it in adults. For example one could be offered a job that requires regular meetings and he or she has difficulty meeting the requirements.
It is a good idea for children to visit a specialist when problems first develop. This will increase the likelihood that a problem will be identified, treated quickly and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis that could have devastating long-term effects. Parents should talk with their school's counselor or principal for suggestions to health experts who are certified to conduct ADHD evaluations. Adults may consult their family and friends for recommendations, or contact an organization local to request names of professionals who are qualified. You can also consult your primary care physician or the psychiatric facility for an inventory.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is an important element of the process to determine ADHD. It can confirm the diagnosis and provide an accurate assessment of the symptoms, and their impact on the person's daily activities. Testing can also detect other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD, like anxiety or depression. It can also inform interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are numerous psychological tests that can be used to determine for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct observation of behavior, as well as neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to obtain an overall picture of the child.
Diagnosing ADHD for adults is more difficult. The DSM-V symptoms guide is actually intended to help diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is to conduct an extensive clinical interview with an expert in ADHD who takes the time to evaluate the patient's history. Some healthcare professionals also utilize computer programs to gauge the level of impulsivity and attention and brain scans can be used as well.
The amount of time needed to complete a thorough psychological assessment will vary however, one can expect to spend a full day in the hospital or clinic for a full neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD. This is a small investment of time in exchange for clear, unbiased answers and a path forward that will improve quality of life. Patients are often enthralled by their results, particularly when they've had undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a long time.
There are a variety of online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a specific scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These tools are not recommended by most mental health experts, as they fail to take into account the complexity of psychiatric disorders and how their symptoms affect the way people live their daily lives. The only way to obtain a formal diagnosis is through an evaluation by a qualified healthcare practitioner who adheres to DSM guidelines for ADHD. You can find a certified healthcare provider through your family physician 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 may be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet the criteria in only one setting.
Interviewing the patient is done by a health professional who conducts the assessment. She will inquire about the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. She will also inquire about the person's family history as well as medical background. She will likely utilize a checklist, or standardized rating system to determine if the signs are ADHD. She may also seek out information from a variety of sources, including teachers, coaches, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend long periods of time with the person being assessed.
A complete psychiatric history should include the patient's account of symptoms, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales by him and his family and a review on the patient's education, upbringing and the environment. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can also perform tests to determine if a patient's symptoms are related to depression or an anxiety disorder.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is designed specifically for children, which makes it difficult to determine ADHD in adults. A diagnosis is usually made only through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a healthcare specialist who is specialized in ADHD. The doctor will inquire with the patient and those who are familiar with him like a spouse or close friend -- about the presence of ADHD-related problems. She will also ask about the patient's previous history of other disorders that interfere with focus, including depression, drug abuse or alcoholism.
To locate a health care professional who is able to perform an ADHD assessment You can ask your primary care physician for a referral. You can also call a local support group for people suffering from ADHD or a mental illness group, to get recommendations. A lot of insurance plans have specialists listed by specialization and you can consult with your insurer to find out if there are any ADHD specialists in your area.