How to Diagnose ADHD
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is more than just a clinical interview. Different types of diagnostic tests are used including self-assessments, physical examinations, questionnaires as well as medical and psychiatric history, family history, and neuropsychological testing.
To be diagnosed with ADHD one must meet certain criteria for inattention and/or hyperactivity that affects everyday functioning. For adults, symptoms must have been present since the early years of childhood and cannot be caused by other conditions.
1. Observation
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD It is important to consult a doctor. ADHD is a complicated disorder that is difficult to recognize due to the fact that symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions like sleep disorders or depression. Doctors use a combination physical examination, behavioral tests and questionnaires to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD.
A person can be diagnosed with ADHD if they exhibit symptomatic behaviors in more than one setting like school and at work. The symptoms must also cause significant impairment as described by at least one other people. The symptoms must also have been present in childhood, before the age of 12, and should have lasted for at minimum six months. A loss of employment, excessive conflict in a relationship, inability to pay bills on time, or a lackluster grades can all be signs of impairment.
In a thorough interview, the health care professional who is evaluating ADHD will interview you or your child about their past and present issues and signs. The specialist may also ask to speak to people who know you or your child well like parents teachers, coaches, or coworkers. They will ask you and your child how often they fail to remember things, are late for appointments or are unable to complete tasks. They will also observe how often you or your child fidgets, struggles to sit still, or interrupts others.
It is also important to inquire about the professional's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information should be treated with suspicion and may be an indicator that the professional isn't an appropriate match for you or your family.
2. Questionnaires
Finding out if you have ADHD is a crucial first step to managing the condition. Symptoms of the disorder can include inattention, forgetfulness and mood swings and some sufferers may struggle with their relationships. If a person is diagnosed with the condition, they can take steps to improve their quality of life including taking medication for their focus and staying clear of distractions.
To determine a diagnosis, a trained evaluation specialist will use questionnaires as well as standard behavior rating scales to determine the person's symptoms. The questionnaires are usually used with children and teens however, they can also be given to adults. They can be administered by teachers, parents or school/workplace personnel, as well as other important people in the person's life.
These ratings can be helpful in identifying specific kinds of symptoms, and excluding other issues that might be causing them. For example mood disorders, anxiety, or other psychiatric diseases. They are also useful in evaluating whether the person is a disabled person under ADA (American with Disabilities Act), which could enable them to be entitled to certain workplace accommodations.
During the interview the evaluator might ask questions about the person's personal life, their development as well as their family members and their lifestyle. They could also interview others in the person's life which includes close friends, teachers, and coaches. They will be looking for evidence that the person's symptoms are affecting them at home, at work and socially. They will ask you to explain whether your symptoms started in your childhood and aren't explained by other conditions.
Some evaluators conduct broad-spectrum tests to look for other emotional and psychiatric issues which could be causing the ADHD symptoms, for example, depression or bipolar disorder. They could also conduct cognitive testing to look for learning disabilities or other problems that can cause similar symptoms.
3. Interviews
It is impossible to diagnose ADHD by a brief office visit or a conversation. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment trained mental health medical professional or doctor will take a thorough account of your behavior including symptom checklists and standardized ADHD behavioral rating scales. They will also ask about your family history and social background. They might ask your parents, teachers or any other individuals who know you well. They might ask for your school or work documents and medical records. They will test your cognitive abilities and take note of your performance in specific tasks. They can also conduct other tests to rule-out conditions such as seizure or thyroid disorders that may cause symptoms similar ADHD.
A thorough examination by a therapist or doctor can take a number of weeks. It is crucial to provide accurate answers and not conceal any symptoms or pretend they aren't there. Some evaluators will ask you to speak with your spouse or other people who are familiar with your symptoms and if they were present in childhood. They will also make sure whether your symptoms are caused by another disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a precise diagnosis, as it can assist them in getting the help they need in their lives, and also find ways to treat it. It's also a requirement that they get workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal laws that prohibit discrimination against those with disabilities. It can be challenging to diagnose however it's the first step towards learning how to manage ADHD symptoms and regain control of your life. An ADHD diagnosis can help to improve your confidence in all areas of your life.
4. Physical Exam
Taking a physical examination may be intimidating but it is essential to determine the cause of. A health professional will examine your ears, mouth and nose for red marks or other signs of infection. The evaluator may also examine your eyes to determine if you have any vision problems. Other tools will be used to examine your back, neck, and head. You may be asked to stay still or move while they examine you.
The evaluator will review the American Psychiatric Society's diagnostic guidelines in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition" (DSM-5) to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. The examiner will assess the way your symptoms impact your life and decide whether they are serious enough to warrant treatment. This can include losing a job because of excessive spending, difficulty paying your bills on time, or getting into academic probation in college for failing grades.
In addition to interviewing you, the evaluator will also likely speak to other people who know you well. This could include your spouse, kids and other family members. In some instances, an evaluator may want to reach out to teachers or other professionals to get more information regarding your symptoms.
Many adults can feel a sense of anxiety when they are diagnosed with ADHD. They might feel relieved to finally understand the reason for their symptoms or they might be overwhelmed by possibility of seeking treatment. Regardless of the emotions that surface, it is important for people to seek the diagnosis in the event that they believe they suffer from ADHD. This can allow them to get the help they require and enhance their quality of life.
5. Medical Histories
It's important for health professionals to understand your medical history to rule out physical causes of ADHD symptoms. They may also want to interview your family, spouse or close friends as well as anyone else who can give more insight into your your child's symptoms and their influence on your daily life. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires that will give your health care professional more detailed information about your child's growth, educational and social history.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief for many people, knowing that they or their child is not just lazy or incompetent but are suffering from mental illness that requires specialized intervention and treatment. It can be a source of anxiety for those who are given the diagnosis, since they feel ashamed and embarrassed that their ADHD symptoms aren’t just "normal."
When choosing a specialist to perform an evaluation for ADHD consult your primary care physician or another trusted source for recommendations. You can also conduct some research to determine what qualifications your potential specialist has and how much experience they have working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company to discover who they have listed as qualified professionals and if there is an ADHD support group in your region.