This Is The ADHD Diagnosing Case Study You'll Never Forget

ADHD Diagnosing

It is tempting to avoid an assessment for your child or yourself. But a professional evaluation can help you pinpoint the cause of the symptoms and determine their severity.

Your provider will review your past and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They'll also talk to you and those in your life -- such as your spouse, family members or friends to gain insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.

Symptoms

If you suspect that your child might 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 a pediatrician or psychiatrist. You should also bring the school records with you to your appointment as the doctor will want to know how your child's condition compares to his peers who are similar age. The provider may employ standardized rating scales to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the length of time they've been present.

A comprehensive assessment will review the development of your child, their family history of mental health issues and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's life, such as coaches or teachers. Talk to your child about any problems you've seen in their behavior, like not finishing homework or other school-related tasks or at home.

Teens and children often have short attention spans and it's not uncommon to see them lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However, if your child seems to forget things easily or has trouble following instructions or makes erroneous mistakes in their schoolwork, chores or work it could be an indication of ADHD.

Hyperactivity can also be an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to fidget and move around a lot in class or while playing with their peers. If they're at home, they may climb or run around when it's not appropriate or struggle to sit still for an extended period of time. They may interrupt conversations or utter a few words.

Inattentional ADHD is often misinterpreted as daydreaming, and it can be difficult to identify for adults who don't show signs 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

The symptoms of ADHD can hinder the daily functioning of a person whether at school, home or at work. They can also cause problems with social interactions and relationships. Many people suffering from these symptoms aren't aware that they may have a diagnosable disorder, and may not seek treatment. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and allow a doctor to suggest treatment options.

Screening for ADHD includes a medical examination as well as a detailed interview with the patient as well as various other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neuroologist, or physician who has been trained to diagnose ADHD. Talk with your GP when you suspect your child might be suffering from ADHD. They could refer your child to a specialist evaluation.

The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms and history and any previous treatments. They will then perform physical examinations, vision and hearing screenings, and determine if there are any medical conditions that could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination of ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales as well an extensive personal interview. Patients will be asked to explain their symptoms and how these affect their lives, at home and at school. They will also be asked to provide details from family members and close friends.

A doctor may diagnose ADHD in children if they observe at least six symptoms of inattention, or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity as described in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six month. They must be visible in at least two locations like school, home or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms must not be caused by any other mental health disorders or physical illnesses.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is harder as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in adolescents and children aren't applicable to adults. Certain doctors will interview the patient and a close friend or sibling while other doctors prefer special psychological tests and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults suffering from ADHD.

Medication

If ADHD is not treated, the signs can affect the family, work and school, as well as social interactions. Medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, improving functioning. There are many different medicines available, and it could take several attempts to find the most appropriate one for a particular person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification can also be crucial elements of treatment.

A specialist in diagnosing ADHD will conduct an extensive examination. The doctor might refer the patient, depending on the outcome, to another health professional, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. The doctor will examine a patient's medical history and mental health condition, and utilize standardized ratings scales to determine ADHD. The doctor may also have someone who knows the patient well -- such as siblings or spouses for adults; or a teacher, coach or parent for children- to complete an interview form with specific questions pertaining to ADHD symptoms and their impact.

Different types of medication are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best medication with the patient. Stimulants are the most effective drug for certain people. They enhance activity in the brain areas that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly prescribed drug is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release daily preparations.

click this  with ADHD also have other health issues that also need to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is important that parents and children talk about these other conditions with their healthcare provider. Ideally, a person suffering from ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these conditions at the same time, to ensure that they are working in tandem to improve their functioning.

It is essential to locate a healthcare professional who has experience in treating ADHD particularly when you are starting medication. Find a doctor whose practice is covered under your insurance policy for recommendations or contact the National Resource Center for ADHD to find a list of professional who are qualified. You can also connect with your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (CHADD) to locate professionals in your area.

Treatment options

When a doctor suspects that someone has ADHD the doctor will ask them to describe their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the patient's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, he will be looking for signs that are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam may be recommended to rule-out medical causes for the symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.

It's crucial that the evaluator gathers information from those who know the person very well, such as teachers and relatives. The evaluator could utilize questionnaires to inquire about the person’s behavior and its impact on their personal and professional lives. The evaluator could also request copies of the person's performance assessments or other records. The evaluator could also speak with the spouse or close family members of the person.

The evaluator also needs to determine how the individual's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, such as in relationships, at school, and at work. He or she might suggest a behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person gain practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist might teach the patient how to manage their belongings and schedule regular activities in order to improve their time-management.

Depending on the situation, the evaluator might suggest a variety or neuropsychological tests in order to get an overall picture of the individual's capabilities. These tests 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. The evaluator could prescribe medication to control symptoms. The treatment plan may also involve psychotherapy and/or other lifestyle modifications, like changing the way a person does things or making accommodations (tools or changes in a workplace that make it easier for those with disabilities to work). The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.