How to Diagnose ADHD
Online ADHD questions or quizzes can help you determine whether you are suffering from symptoms. You should still see your doctor for a diagnosis.
A psychiatric assessment for ADHD usually involves an interview with the patient, their family members, and teachers, the completion of questionnaires and scales and a review of mental health, medical and work/school history.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsiveness. In order for someone to be classified as having the disorder the symptoms must be noticeably greater than the norm for their age and development level. They must also have significant issues at work, school or at home, as well as in their relationships. These symptoms must be present for at least a year. Psychiatric assessments include an examination of symptoms, a complete medical and family history, and the completion by the caregiver, patient, and teachers of scales and questions. Additional neuropsychological, psychological and learning disabilities testing may also be used to help make the diagnosis.
It is crucial that adults suffering from ADHD talk openly with their doctor about their symptoms. People who don't are at a disadvantage, since their symptoms can be dismissed as normal. A qualified healthcare professional is able to listen and understand but may also ask that the patient bring information with them to their appointment. This could include school records or report cards. They may also ask a parent spouse or a friend to fill out a survey about the patient's ADHD background.
People with ADHD are often judged for their behavior and problems. It's understandable that they might be embarrassed or ashamed to confess to the symptoms. But it's important be aware that ADHD is not a sign of failure or weakness. It's a condition that affects millions of people across the world including adults and children.
Stress and medical conditions can worsen or cause ADHD symptoms in many people. It's important to understand that symptoms can change as time passes, and it may take a while before you visit a medical professional to conduct an assessment. It's a good idea bring report cards from your childhood if possible, so the doctor can assess your symptoms over a long time.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD being diagnosed is the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can affect your professional and personal lives. Many people suffering from ADHD report that their lives are better once they are diagnosed and can get accommodations at work or in school.
A qualified health care professional must make the diagnosis. The test can be conducted by a mental healthcare specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, or by primary care providers like a family physician or pediatrician. Often the person will ask their physician to refer them to a specialist with experience in diagnosing ADHD.
The professional evaluating the patient will examine their medical, psychiatric and family history since childhood. The evaluator might also speak with teachers, relatives, and close friends to assist in determining the diagnosis. It is essential to be honest with the professional, so that they can gain accurate information.
To be considered to have ADHD the person's symptoms must significantly affect their ability to perform at school and at home. The evaluator also rules out other conditions that may be similar to ADHD such as sleep disorders or certain types of learning disabilities.
Children are more likely than adults to be identified as having ADHD in particular the combined form of the disorder. A doctor will assess a child for ADHD by talking with the teen and his or parents, and asking the teen to fill out a rating scale that has been developed specifically for this type of condition. The doctor will also watch the teenager's behavior. Additionally the doctor will talk to the teen about any disciplinary action that is taken against the teenager by school officials.
Adults who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD are usually asked to complete an assessment scale, which includes questions about hyperactivity inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The examiner will also look at the person's past behavior to see how these symptoms have evolved over time. To be diagnosed with ADHD an adult or adolescent must show five or more of the symptoms described in the DSM-5, a psychiatric guide.
Treatments
A qualified health care provider can determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. A thorough evaluation usually includes interviews with the individual as well as family members, teachers and employer, a complete medical and family history as well as psychiatric or assessment of behavior and diagnostic testing. A skilled practitioner can make the diagnosis by analyzing a person's behavior over a long period of time and how it interferes with their daily activities.
People suffering from ADHD can select from a range of treatment options. adhd diagnosis for adults of people suffering from the condition are treated with a mix of treatment for their behavior and medication. The most effective treatment is stimulant medications which is often paired with counseling and educational accommodations.
Most adults with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help them develop new skills to manage symptoms and improve their psychological wellbeing. Many people with ADHD employ alternative therapies like meditation and yoga. They may also seek coaching to aid them in becoming more organized and better manage their time.
If the symptoms of ADHD are severe, they can cause significant impairment in a number of situations. Inattention can cause a person to lose their job, or not be able to meet basic needs or have issues with relationships due to the impulsive behavior. The impairment must have been present in more than one setting before the age of 12.
Ask your primary care physician or family members and friends who have ADHD for suggestions when selecting an expert to perform the assessment. You can also seek recommendations from local hospitals that are affiliated with universities or mental health clinics that specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Request the professional to provide information about his or her training and experiences working with adult patients suffering from ADHD. Professionals who are unwilling or cannot provide this information should be viewed as suspect. It's also a good idea to check with your insurance company to find out what professionals are covered under your policy.
Support
People suffering from ADHD may feel isolated because of the numerous issues it can cause. Support groups are ideal for talking about your issues and seek help from people who have similar issues. People with the disorder can also get relief from anxiety and stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. These techniques can help increase concentration and focus, and reduce the impulsivity.
ADHD symptoms can be noticed at any age. However, to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have been present since childhood and caused significant problems for many aspects of life such as school at home, work or even at home. These symptoms must persist and last for longer than usual periods of time and not only in times of stress or fatigue.
The examiner will inquire about the person's symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They may also use questionnaires and inquire from family and friends about symptoms, and conduct an examination of the body. They might also have to check that the person is not suffering from a medical condition that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
The healthcare professional doing the examination may request permission to send questionnaires to people who are close to the patient, such as relatives and colleagues. They can also be asked for information about the person's education, work and family background. This will help a healthcare professional get an understanding of the person's difficulties and provide insight into possible causes of their ADHD symptoms.
Certain professionals employ a type of psychotherapy referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is a method of changing negative thinking patterns, for example, tendency to view everything in black and white. It can help manage symptoms and may be performed in a group setting or on an individual basis.
For children who suffer from ADD and ADHD, parents and teachers can help by providing additional structure in the home as well as limiting screen time and encouraging regular exercise. Parents should encourage their child to let them know if there are problems in the classroom or at school and avoid blaming him/her for their problems.