ADHD Evaluation
An evaluation is needed to determine whether a person has ADHD. A diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms that began prior to age 12 and continue to hinder school, work or social situations.
Rating scales are frequently used as instruments to assess ADHD. The CAARS-L-S is a self rating instrument with established validity. The observer version (CAARS-L: O) also has good validity.
Symptoms
Many children are impulsive, fidgety or have difficulty waiting their turn. If a child is suffering from these issues to the point that they hinder the daily activities of their child and cause suffering at home, at school or in other activities, as well as in relationships, they may meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 guidelines are used by health care providers to diagnose ADHD. Symptoms should be present for at minimum six months and affected the person's life in more than one setting including at working and at home. They must also affect academic, social or career achievement.
To diagnose ADHD The healthcare professional will inquire about the person's symptoms currently and if they started at or before the age of 12. A detailed mental health history is conducted. The doctor will discuss the history with the person's parents, teachers and other relatives who know about their behavior and schooling history. The provider will also check for signs that suggest other conditions or illnesses may be causing symptoms in the person, such as thyroid conditions and mood disorders, learning disorders, and head injuries.
Symptoms of ADHD are divided into three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. As a teenager, the symptoms can change between one type and the next depending on their age and the demands of their environment.
In the case of an inattentive person one may have difficulty paying attention to the smallest details, making mistakes or staying focused on their tasks and activities. psychiatrist adhd assessment with this type of disorder may have trouble following directions or paying attention to specifics or remembering details. This type of ADHD is more prevalent among children.
The hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD is less common in young children. One might have trouble understanding social boundaries or wait their turn during conversations or games. They might interrupt others often or engage in risky behaviors such as drug use or unsafe sexual activity.
The combined subtype of ADHD is more common in adults and adolescents. People with this presentation have at least six symptoms from each of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. As they age, they could lose some hyperactivity, but struggle with restlessness and inattention.
Family History
Parents with ADHD are more likely to pass on the disorder to their children. Genetics alone can't tell whether or the child will be affected by the disorder. The environment a person lives in can determine how likely he she is to have mental health conditions and how they manifest in their lives.
A doctor may use the family background of ADHD to determine the probability that a child will suffer from the disorder. Having the disorder can make it harder to perform at school as well as at work, and may cause problems with relationships. If your child has a parent or sibling who suffers from the disorder, the doctor may recommend testing to determine if medications will improve their performance at home as well as in school.
If a child has been diagnosed with ADHD, he or she may be assisted by a medical professional to manage symptoms via therapy or medication. If a child has severe ADHD the child might be qualified to receive special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or a Section 504 plan. Training in behavior and instruction in study skills, changes to classroom setup and alternative teaching techniques could help improve the ability of a child to learn.
Researchers are determined to discover the root of ADHD and identifying more effective treatments. In addition to medication treatments, they can also include behavior modification and parent education. It is important to educate parents and children about the condition to decrease stigma and increase awareness. This will also promote early diagnosis and treatment.
The manner in which ADHD manifests itself varies based on gender, and it can appear different for girls and boys. For example, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is more common in males than in females, while inattentive ADHD is more commonly seen in girls.
In a number of studies, it was observed that families with ADHD have a particular characteristic in their family history and developmental histories. This profile is distinct from non-referred samples of ADHD people and is believed to be influenced based on gender. In one study, a routine interview was used to collect information on family and developmental history. Additionally, there were rating scales to evaluate the characteristics of a disorder.
Physical Exam
During the physical exam, the examiner will see how the patient moves and look for indications of illness or injury. The exam can be done in many ways and by different people, including nurses, doctors and other health professionals. It can include observation, palpation, and auscultation, which are techniques of touching and listening to the patient. It should be done in a calm, comfortable environment with privacy and when possible, a great amount of silence. Examiners should make use of appropriate lighting and make the room dark during certain parts of the test. They should also provide water and other drinks.
Adults, primary care providers and mental health professionals typically diagnose ADHD. They can refer the patient to a psychiatrist or clinical psychology to conduct a thorough evaluation. The evaluation may also include interviews with the individual, family members, friends, and colleagues, as along with a thorough review and analysis of their medical and mental health histories. The tests usually focus on working memory as well as executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.
It is essential that the person being evaluated be able to openly discuss their symptoms and experiences with their health care provider. The physician may inquire about the symptoms and how they affect a person at school, work at home, or in their relationships. The doctor will also want to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as mood disorders, learning disorders and head injuries, as well as thyroid problems.
Attention-deficit ADHD can cause people to have trouble staying still waiting for their turn, or keeping focus on tasks or conversations. They can also lose particulars. They are easily distracted by activities that are not of a high priority or other events, like an interview, a TV show, or a telephone call. They may have difficulty organizing their stuff and keeping track of deadlines, or being constantly late to appointments. People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may fidget or have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, blurt out answers before they are finished or have trouble waiting to take turns in games.
In general, people with ADHD have more issues in the areas of attention and concentration than they do in impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are more likely to have difficulty with learning and to suffer from anxiety or depression. They are at a higher risk of being injured due to their impulsive behavior or insufficient organizational skills and they could have issues dealing with self-medication (such as using drugs and alcohol) and substance abuse.
Psychological Testing
To establish a diagnosis of ADHD, the patient must undergo psychological tests. This allows healthcare providers to identify cognitive impairments that could cause problems in treatment and even worsen the problem. It also helps them determine other mental health issues that could be co-existent with ADHD.
Psychological tests can include memory, intelligence, attention and language assessments. They may also include a wide-ranging scale that tests for mental disorders like depression and anxiety. In certain instances the psychologist will talk to family members or friends regarding the person's behavior. This is known as a collateral interview, and it can be very useful in establishing a clear picture of the signs.
A patient may also be given a neuropsychological test like TOVA, which consists of both auditory and visual tests. The test is completed by looking at two simple geometric figures and then clicking a microswitch every time they see the image appear. The test tests how well a person can pay attention and respond to visual signals.
The physician will also inquire about the person's work or school performance and how issues affect their daily activities. They will be interested in knowing whether they tend to forget appointments, misplace items or have trouble following through on their plans. They should also inquire about their relationships and if they find it difficult to manage their emotions.
The doctor will conduct an examination of the body. The patient should wear comfortable clothing and should not wear jewelry. The clinician will take a medical record and look for any signs of depression, anxiety or ADHD.