Forget ADHD Diagnosing: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It

ADHD Diagnosing

It can be tempting to avoid an assessment for your child or yourself. A professional assessment will help you determine the severity of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.

Your provider will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They will also speak with you, your spouse, family or close friends to gain a personal insight that checklists and self-tests are not able to provide.

Symptoms

If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, get a referral from his health healthcare provider. He might refer you for more thorough testing or evaluation to a specialist such as psychiatrist or pediatrician. Bring your child's school records with you to the appointment, as the doctor will be interested in how your child compares to other children. The provider will employ standard ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been afflicted for.

A comprehensive assessment will review your child's development, family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults that are important in your child's life like coaches or teachers. Talk to your child about any problems you've seen in their behavior, for example, not completing homework or other tasks at school or home.

It's normal for teens and children to have short attention spans and lose concentration during games or activities. If your child seems to forget things quickly, having difficulty following directions, or making careless mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could be a sign they suffer from ADHD.

Hyperactivity is another sign of ADHD It's not uncommon for kids to fidget or move around a lot in class or while playing with friends. If they're at home, they may play or run around in places where it's inappropriate or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They might interrupt conversations or mutter out answers.

Inattentional ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and can be hard to diagnose in adults who do not show indications of hyperactivity. Adults with this form of the disorder often don't meet symptom criteria for either the hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD, so providers assign an unspecified diagnosis.

Diagnosis

ADHD symptoms can affect the ability of a person to function in everyday life, whether at school, work or at home. They can also lead to issues with socialization and relationships. Many people with these symptoms aren't aware that they have a disorder that is diagnosable, and may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and let a doctor suggest treatment options.

The test for ADHD includes a medical exam, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist or a physician experienced in diagnosing ADHD. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, talk to your GP who can refer them for an assessment by a specialist.

The doctor will look at the patient's symptoms and medical history and any previous treatments. They will then conduct physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could explain the patient's symptoms. They will employ a combination of ADHD symptoms checklist as well as standardized behavioral rating scores and a thorough assessment.  adults diagnosed with adhd  will be asked to explain their symptoms and how these affect their lives, both at home and at school. The patient will be asked to provide details from family members and friends.

For children, a doctor can diagnose ADHD if they observe six or more symptoms of inattentiveness and/or five or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity that are listed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.  adult diagnosis adhd  have to be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two places like home, school or the workplace, and show significant impairment. Symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health conditions or physical ailments.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Some doctors will conduct an interview with the patient as well as a close friend or sibling however, other doctors prefer special psychological tests and continuous performance tests using computers designed for adults suffering from ADHD.

Medication

If ADHD is not treated, the symptoms could affect the family, work and school and social interactions. The medication reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. This improves functioning. There are many different drugs available, and it may take several attempts to find the best one for you. Therapy and behavior modification can also be important components of treatment.

A doctor who is qualified to diagnose ADHD will conduct a thorough evaluation. Based on the results, she may refer the patient to another health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will examine the medical history of the patient and mental health condition, and use standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. The doctor may also ask someone who knows the patient well like a spouse or sibling for adults, or a coach, teacher or parent for childrento complete an interview form that includes specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact.

Different kinds of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best medication with the patient. For some the most effective medication is stimulants. They work by enhancing the activity in the areas of the brain that control the behavior and attention. The most commonly prescribed medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets and modified-release, once-daily formulations.

Many children who suffer from ADHD also have other health issues which also require to be assessed and treated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important that parents and children discuss these conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, the child with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions simultaneously to ensure they are working together to improve functioning.

When starting medication it is crucial to seek out an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Find a doctor whose practice is covered by your insurance provider to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of specialized professionals. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get names of specialists in your area.

Treatment options

If a doctor suspects someone has ADHD, he or she will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator also reviews the patient's medical and family history. During the interview the examiner will search for symptoms that are similar to those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical exam is advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.

It's important for the evaluator to collect information from people who know the person well, including teachers and family members. The evaluator can utilize questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and how it impacts their personal and professional lives. The evaluator might also ask for a copy of the person's performance appraisals or other documents. The evaluator may also interview the spouse or close relatives of the person.

The evaluator should also try to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their daily functioning, for example in relationships, at school and at work. He or she might suggest a therapy for behavioral issues, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can teach the person practical skills for managing their symptoms and improve daily functioning. For instance therapy may assist the patient to organize their belongings or plan regular activities to improve their time management.

Based on the specific situation the examiner may suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests in order to get an overall picture of the individual's capabilities.  adults diagnosed with adhd  might include cognitive testing, such as IQ or academic achievement tests, as well as brain wave measurements using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG).

The evaluator will decide if the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD and whether they fall under the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to control the symptoms. The treatment plan may involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle changes, such as changing the way the person performs tasks or using accommodations (tools or modifications to the workplace that allow someone with a disability to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.