How to Diagnose ADHD
Clinicians use clinical interviews and behavior ratings scales, checklists of symptoms completed by the patient and other people in their lives and medical history and psychiatric histories to diagnose ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least six symptoms that started before the age of 12 and affect your daily activities in two settings (home and school, and social settings). Making the right diagnosis is crucial for deciding on the most effective treatment strategy.
History of Symptoms
When a patient decides that they'd like to consult a specialist for ADHD, the doctor will look at their symptoms and determine if they fit the diagnostic criteria. 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 a period of six months or more in order to be classified as ADHD. The patient must have at least five ADHD symptoms that persist and they have to hinder their performance in at least two settings like school or at work. The person's ADHD symptoms cannot be explained by other mental health disorder.
The doctor will begin by interviewing the patient to inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They will also inquire with a person about their family history and also their medical and mental health histories.
ADHD can cause people to have difficulty working through tasks or managing their time. They may forget appointments or make mistakes at work. They are easily distracted during conversations or lectures by phone calls or television. They may be restless and fidgety. They may also talking too much, interrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn in activities or games. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have problems making decisions and following through on them, as well as having difficulty keeping their hands off things they shouldn't.
If the symptoms of ADHD aren't addressed they could 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 a person take charge of their lives and manage their symptoms through medication, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
However, the stigma attached to ADHD can prevent people from seeking treatment or requesting an evaluation. People suffering from ADHD are often accused of being lazy or unwilling to make an effort. They also face the risk of being overlooked in the work place due to a shortage of psychiatrists for children and adolescents and also face obstacles in accessing psychiatric treatment, including stigma and fear about the dangers and side effects.
Physical Exam
It is crucial to talk with a mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. This person may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor. A thorough examination should include a clinical interview, using diagnostic tests, and the filling out of questionnaires. The examiner could also inquire about the patient's medical history, as well as her behavior and development since the time of his or her childhood. It can be helpful for the examiner to speak with people who know the patient -- spouse, sibling or parents for an adult as well as religious leaders, teachers coaches, scout leaders and coaches for children -- to get information about their observations of the child's behavior within various environments.
A physical exam is required to rule out any health conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These include thyroid disease as well as hearing and vision issues or sleep disorders. An X-ray or other tests for the lab may be required in addition.
The most important information comes from the words spoken by the patient about their symptoms and how those symptoms have affected them. It is important that the clinician listens carefully to the words of the patient. In rushing through an ADHD assessment can cause a misdiagnosis or leaving out crucial information.
Most experts agree that the diagnosis of ADHD is not appropriate for an adult unless the symptoms are present in childhood too. Adults do not "grow out" of ADHD however, they can be triggered by a change in lifestyle or a new job. A person may have difficulty fulfilling the requirements of the new job, which requires frequent meetings.
If you notice a problem when they first begin to appear, it's a good idea to take your child to a specialist. This will increase the likelihood that an issue will be discovered and treated swiftly, and decrease the chance of a mistake that could result in negative long-term consequences. Parents can ask their school principal or counselor to send them to a health specialist who is certified to evaluate ADHD. Adults can ask family and friends for recommendations, or contact an organization in the area to obtain names of professionals who are qualified. You can also ask his or their primary care physician or a psychiatric institution for the names of specialists.
Psychological Tests
Psychological testing is an important component of the process for diagnosing ADHD. It is able to confirm the diagnosis and give an extensive evaluation of the symptoms and their impact on a person's daily activities. Tests can also reveal other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety or depression. It can also provide information on accommodations and interventions.
For children, there are many psychological tests that can be used to assess for ADHD. These include rating scales, direct behavioral observations as well as neuropsychological assessments. Interviews with teachers and parents are also conducted to gain an overall picture of the child.
Adult ADHD is more difficult to diagnose. The DSM-V guide to symptom management is meant to be used to diagnose children and the best way to make an accurate diagnosis for adults is through a thorough clinical interview conducted by a specialist in ADHD who is able to assess the patient's history. Some healthcare practitioners also use computer programs to gauge attention and impulsivity, and brain scans are often used as well.
It can take a variety of hours to complete an extensive assessment, but you can expect to spend one day in the clinic or hospital for a neuropsychological examination. This is a small time investment that will yield clear answers and a strategy that will enhance your quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to feel emotional when they hear their results, especially those who have had undiagnosed ADHD for a long time or for a lifetime.
There are numerous online ADHD self-assessments that claim to give you a definitive, scientifically validated diagnosis of your symptoms. These assessments are not recommended by most mental health experts, as they do not take into account the complexity of psychiatric disorders and the impact they have on the person's performance in their daily lives. A licensed healthcare professional who adheres to the DSM guidelines will only be able to provide a formal ADHD diagnosis. You can find a qualified healthcare provider through your family doctor or ask friends and colleagues who have experience with 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 just one setting.
The health care professional who conducts the evaluation will interview the patient. She will ask questions regarding the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. She will inquire about the person’s medical history and family background. diagnosed with adhd may use a checklist, or a standardized rating system, to determine if the signs are ADHD. She may also seek information from different sources, including teachers, coaches and Scout leader and religious groups, as well as family members and friends who spend a great amount of time with the child being evaluated.
A thorough psychiatric history will include the patient's description of symptoms, the submission of rating scales and questionnaires by him and his family and a thorough review of the patient's education, upbringing and the environment. A mental health professional or physician may also perform tests to determine if a patient's symptoms are due to a different condition like anxiety disorder or depression.
The DSM-5 symptom manual is geared specifically for children, which makes it difficult to identify ADHD in adults. A health professional with ADHD expertise will usually conduct a clinical interview to determine the diagnosis. She will ask the patient and anyone who knows him well like his spouse or close friends whether they have ADHD-related issues. She will also inquire about the patient's past background with other disorders that hinder concentration, such as depression, addiction to drugs or alcoholism.
To locate a health care professional who is able to perform an ADHD evaluation, ask your primary health care provider for the referral. You can also reach out to an local ADHD support group or a mental health organization to get recommendations. You can also look through your insurance policy to see if it lists specialists with specialization.