How to Diagnose ADHD
Online ADHD tests or questionnaires can help you determine whether you have symptoms. You should still see your doctor for a diagnosis.
A psychiatric examination for ADHD usually involves an interview with the patient, their family members and teachers, a review of various questionnaires and scales and an examination of mental health, medical and work/school histories.
Signs and symptoms
Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are all symptoms of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person's symptoms must be significantly greater than the normal for their age or developmental level. They should also be experiencing significant problems at school, work, home and in their relationships. They must have been exhibiting these symptoms for at least 12 months. Psychiatric examinations typically involve discussions of the symptoms, a thorough medical and family history, and the completion of scales and questionnaires by the patient, caregivers and teachers. To aid in determining a diagnosis additional neuropsychological, psychological, and learning disabilities tests can be administered.
It is crucial that people with ADHD communicate with their healthcare professional about their symptoms. People who don't do this are at a disadvantage because their symptoms can be dismissed as normal. A qualified healthcare professional is able to listen and be understanding, but may also insist that the patient brings information during their appointment. This could include school reports or records. They could also ask a spouse, parent or friend to fill out questionnaires on the person's history of ADHD.
People with ADHD are often blamed for their behavior and difficulties. It's natural for them to feel ashamed or embarrassed to confess to the symptoms. However, it's important to remember that ADHD is not a sign of weakness or failure. It's a condition that affects millions of people across the world including adults and children.
For many, a combination of factors can cause or exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, such as stress and medical conditions. It's important to recognize that symptoms may change over time, and it may take a while before you consult a medical professional to conduct an evaluation. Bring your childhood report cards to the doctor to help them evaluate your symptoms as they progress.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting control of the symptoms that impact your professional and personal life. Many people with ADHD claim that their lives are better after 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 performed by an expert in mental health, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist or an individual who is a primary care physician, like a family doctor or pediatrician. Often the person will ask their physician to refer them to a specialist with experience in diagnosing ADHD.
The person who evaluates the patient will review their medical, psychiatric and family history from the time they were children. The evaluator will also speak to teachers, family members and close friends in order to make the diagnosis. It is crucial to be honest with the professional, so he or she can get accurate information.
To be considered to have ADHD, a person's symptoms have to significantly impact their ability to perform at school and at home. The evaluator can also rule out other conditions that might have similar symptoms as ADHD, such a sleep disorder or other types of learning disabilities.
Children are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD particularly the combination type of the disorder, than adults. A doctor will evaluate the child's ADHD by speaking to the teen, his or her parents, and asking the teen to complete the scale of rating specially designed for this type of condition. The doctor will also monitor the teen's behavior. The doctor will also talk about any disciplinary actions that are taken against the teen.
A person who wants to be diagnosed with ADHD will usually be asked to complete an assessment scale that contains questions about inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The evaluator will also examine the patient's previous behavior to see how these symptoms have changed over time. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD an adolescent or adult must exhibit five or more of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic criteria found in the psychiatric manual, the DSM-5.
Treatments
A licensed health professional can help determine whether an individual suffers from ADHD. A thorough evaluation includes interviews with the person, his or her teachers, parents and employers. It also includes a full medical history, behavioral and psychiatric assessments, and diagnostic testing. A trained professional can make the diagnosis by analyzing a person's behavior over a prolonged period of time and how it interferes with his or her daily activities.
People with ADHD have the option of choosing from a variety of treatment options. Most people with ADHD are treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The most effective treatment is stimulant medications, often combined with counseling and educational accommodations.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial to the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. It helps them to learn new skills and manage symptoms and also improve their psychological wellbeing. Many people with ADHD also utilize alternative therapies, such as meditation and yoga. They may also seek coaching in order to become more organized and better manage their time.
If the symptoms of ADHD are severe, they could cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. Inattention can cause a person to lose their job, not be able to meet basic needs, or have issues with relationships due to an impulsive behavior. The impairment must have been evident in two or more settings prior to the age of 12.
When selecting a healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation request recommendations from your primary physician or family members and friends who suffer from ADHD. You can also seek referrals at local mental health clinics or hospitals that are affiliated with universities and specialize in adult ADHD evaluations. Ask Iam Psychiatry about their experience and training in working with adult ADHD patients. Professionals who are unwilling or are unable to provide this information must be considered suspect. Check with your insurance provider to see what professionals are covered under your plan.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often feel lonely because of the many issues that it can bring about in their lives. Support groups are ideal for talking about your issues and seek advice from others who have similar issues. Patients with this disorder may also find relief from anxiety and stress by meditative techniques such as meditation and yoga. These techniques can improve concentration and focus and reduce impulsivity and irritability.
The signs of ADHD can manifest at any time, but to be recognized, they must have been present since childhood and cause major problems in more than one area of your life, including school, home or work. Additionally, the symptoms should be consistent and last longer than normal periods of time, and not only when there is stress or fatigue.
Evaluations will ask the patient about their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. They may also use questionnaires, talk to family members and friends about their symptoms and then conduct physical examination. They may also need to ensure that the person does not have any medical condition that may cause similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
The health professional who is conducting 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 details about the individual's education, work and family background. This information can assist a health professional to gain a better understanding of the individual's challenges and provide them an insight into possible causes for their ADHD symptoms.
Certain professionals employ a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It involves changing negative thinking patterns, like the tendency to see things in black or white terms. It can help manage symptoms and may be done in a group setting or individually.
Teachers and parents can assist children with ADD or ADHD by providing a more structured environment at home, limiting screen-time and encouraging regular exercise. They must also encourage the child to voice their concerns if they are having difficulties in school or at home and try to avoid blame for their problems.