How to Diagnose ADHD
Providers conduct clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales, checklists for symptoms filled out by the patient, and others in their life along with medical histories and psychiatric history to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy is also used to manage symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have at least six signs that began before age 12 and impede your daily activities in two different settings (home and school, and social situations). The correct diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the most effective treatment plan.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides to visit an ADHD specialist the doctor will look over their symptoms and determine whether or not they meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. These are listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The symptoms must be present for at least six months to be considered a diagnosis. The person must be suffering from at least five ADHD symptoms that are ongoing and the symptoms must interfere with functioning in at least two different settings like school or at work. The person's ADHD symptoms are not a result of any other mental health disorder.
The first step is to interview the person about their symptoms and how they impact their life. They will also ask about family history and the person's medical and psychiatric history.
People with symptoms of ADHD often have trouble organizing their tasks or completing them. They may miss work or personal appointments. They have a hard time staying focused to lectures or conversations, and are easily distracted by phone calls or TV shows. They might be agitated and fidgety. adhd diagnosis in adults may also talk too much, disrupting others or struggling to wait their turn in games or activities. Adults with ADHD might have difficulty making decisions, following through and keeping their hands from things they shouldn't be.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed, they can lead to serious consequences, such as traffic violations or accidents. They can also cause problems in relationships and can be difficult to manage. A diagnosis can help someone take control of their lives and manage their symptoms by medication, lifestyle changes or therapy.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can deter people from seeking help or an assessment. People with ADHD are often accused of being lazy or not trying. They also face the risk of being disregarded in the workplace due to a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and face obstacles to accessing psychiatric medications such as stigma and a fear about the risks and adverse effects.
Physical Exam
It is crucial to talk with a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family physician. A thorough examination should include a consultation with a clinician as well as the use of diagnostic tests and the submission of questionnaires. The examiner should also ask questions regarding the person's medical history and his or their development and behavior that go back to the time of childhood. The examiner can often benefit from speaking to people who know the patient, like parents, spouses or parents for adults; teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and Scout leaders in the case of children, in order to obtain information about their observations.
A physical examination is necessary to rule out health problems which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like hearing and vision issues, thyroid diseases or sleep disorders. Other tests, such as an X-ray, or other laboratory tests, might also be required.
The most important information comes from the patient's words about their symptoms and how these symptoms have affected them. It is crucial for the doctor to pay attention to what the person is saying. Doing a rush through an ADHD assessment could lead to a misdiagnosis and leaving out crucial information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD can't be made for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood too. Adults do not "grow out" of ADHD however, they could be affected by changes in lifestyle or a new job. Someone may have trouble in completing 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 bring your child to a specialist. This increases the chance that the issue can be diagnosed and treated quickly, and also minimizes the risk of a mistaken diagnosis that can have serious long-term consequences. Parents should talk with their school's principal or counselor for recommendations to health professionals who are qualified to perform ADHD assessments. Adults may ask their friends and family for recommendations or contact an organization local to request names of specialists who are certified. A person could also ask primary care provider or a psychiatric hospital for a list of specialists.
Psychological tests
Psychological testing is a crucial element of the process to determine ADHD. It can help confirm the diagnosis and provide more comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on a person's life. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. It can also provide information on the need for interventions and accommodations.
For children, there are a variety of psychological tests that can be used to assess for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct observation of behavior, and neuropsychological tests. There are also interviews with parents and teachers to get a full picture of the child's experience.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is intended to help diagnose children, and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is by conducting an extensive clinical interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who examines the history of a patient. Some healthcare professionals also utilize computer programs to gauge the level of impulsivity and attention and brain scans are sometimes used as well.
It could take a range of hours to complete an extensive assessment, but you can expect to spend one day in the clinic or hospital to undergo a neuropsychological assessment. It is a minimal amount of time spent in exchange for clear, informed results and a roadmap that will improve the quality of life. It is not unusual for patients to feel overwhelmed by their results, especially those who have had undiagnosed ADHD for a long time, or perhaps for a lifetime.
There are online ADHD self-assessments which claim to give you a definitive scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These tools are not recommended by most mental health professionals, since they do not take into account the variety of psychiatric disorders and the impact they have on the person's performance in their daily lives. A healthcare professional who is qualified and adheres to the DSM guidelines will only be able to provide an official ADHD diagnosis. You can locate a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask your friends and colleagues with experience 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, however, may be diagnosed when they satisfy the criteria in just one setting.
The health care professional who conducts the evaluation will interview the patient. She will inquire about the symptoms and how they affect daily life. She will inquire about the person’s medical history and family background. She will likely employ a checklist or standardized rating scale to help determine whether the symptoms are ADHD. She may also seek out information from various sources, including teachers, coaches, religious and scout leaders and family members who spend long periods of time with the person being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the patient's account of symptoms, the filling out of rating scales and questionnaires by his family and friends and a thorough review of the person's upbringing, education and the environment. A mental health professional or physician may also test to determine whether a patient's symptoms are related to depression or anxiety.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be tricky since the majority of the DSM-5 symptom guide is geared toward children. A health care professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask both the patient as well as anyone who is familiar with him like his spouse or close friends whether they have ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the person's previous history of other disorders that could affect focus, such as depression, addiction to drugs or alcoholism.
Ask your primary care doctor for an appointment with a health care provider who is skilled in ADHD evaluations. You can also inquire with the local ADHD support group or a mental health organization to get recommendations. Many insurance plans also have specialists listed by specialization and you can consult with your insurance provider to determine whether they have ADHD specialists in your area.