How to Diagnose ADHD A clinical interview is not enough to diagnose ADHD. Diagnostic tests include self-assessments physical examinations, questionnaires, psychiatric, medical, and family histories and neuropsychological tests. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person must meet certain criteria for hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that hinders daily functioning. For adults, symptoms must be present since childhood and can't be caused by other conditions. 1. Observation If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD it is essential to see a physician. ADHD is a complicated disorder, and it can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses like depression or sleep disorders. Doctors typically use a combination of physical examinations, psychological testing, and questionnaires to determine if someone has ADHD. A person is diagnosed with ADHD if they exhibit symptoms in two or more environments like school and at work. The symptoms must also cause significant impairment as stated by one or more others. The symptoms must also be present since childhood, before the age of 12, and must have lasted for at least six months. Impairment can include losing a job, excessive conflict or anxiety in a marriage or relationship, not paying bills on time or missing out on college scholarships because of a lack of grades. In a thorough clinical interview, a health care professional conducting an evaluation of ADHD will interview your child or you about past and present issues and symptoms. The specialist may ask you to speak with others who are familiar with you or your child, such as coaches, teachers or colleagues. They will inquire about you and your child's behavior, how often they fail to remember things, are late for appointments or are unable to complete their tasks. They will also be aware the fact that your child is fidgety or has trouble sitting still, or interrupts other people. It is also important to inquire about the level of training and experience working with adults with ADHD. Reluctance to provide the information you need should be considered as suspicious and could be a sign that the professional isn't a good choice for you or your family. 2. Questionnaires Diagnosing ADHD is the first step towards managing this condition. Symptoms of the disorder can include forgetfulness, inattention and mood changes and some sufferers may have issues with their relationships. If a person is diagnosed with the disorder and is able to take steps to improve their quality of life by taking medication to improve their focus and keeping their attention away from distractions. To determine a diagnosis, a trained evaluation specialist will use questionnaires as well as standardized behavior rating scales to gather information about the person's symptoms. Adults can also use questionnaires. They are commonly used by teenagers and children, but they can be given to adults too. Teachers, parents, employees at the school/workplace and other significant people in a person's life can give them. These ratings can be helpful in identifying specific kinds of symptoms, and also excluding other problems which might be responsible for them. For instance mood disorders, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders. They are also useful in determining if a person is disabled under the ADA (American with Disabilities Act) which may permit them to be entitled to certain workplace accommodations. During the interview the examiner will ask questions about the individual's development, family and lifestyle history, and will likely interview other people in their life including close family members as well as teachers and coaches. They will seek evidence that the symptoms of the individual are affecting them at work or at home, as well as socially. They'll want to know whether the symptoms started in childhood and cannot be explained by other illnesses. Some evaluators will conduct broad-spectrum tests to look for other psychiatric and emotional issues that might be contributing to the ADHD symptoms, for example, bipolar disorder or depression. They can also conduct cognitive tests to determine if there are learning disabilities or any other issues that could trigger similar symptoms. 3. Interviews It's difficult to diagnose ADHD accurately based on a simple office observation or conversation. A qualified mental health doctor or professional will collect the full history of your behavior, including symptom checklists and standard ADHD behavioral rating scales. They will also ask you about your family and social history. They may interview your teachers, parents, or other people who know you well. They may request your medical records, school or work records. They will test your cognitive abilities and keep track of your performance on certain tasks. They can also conduct other tests to rule-out conditions such as thyroid or seizure disorders that may cause symptoms similar ADHD. A thorough evaluation with a doctor or psychologist can take several weeks. It is important to give honest answers and not hide any symptoms or pretend they don't exist. Some experts will ask you to talk with spouses or other people who know you well about your symptoms, and whether they were present in your childhood. They'll also be sure to ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by another disorder, like depression or anxiety. Adults with ADHD can benefit from a clear diagnosis, since it will help them get the support they require in their lives, and also find treatment options. In addition it's a requirement for receiving workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws that ban discrimination against people with disabilities. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult, but it's the first step towards understanding how to manage your ADHD symptoms and ultimately gaining control over your life. A ADHD diagnosis can help to boost your confidence in all aspects of your life. 4. Physical Examination It can be a bit daunting to undergo a physical examination however, it's essential to establish the diagnosis. A medical professional will examine your ears and mouth, as well as your nose to determine if you have any red marks or other symptoms of infection. The examiner may also look at your eyes to determine if you suffer from any issues with your vision. Other tools will be used to examine your neck, back and head. They might require you to remain still or move about while they watch you. The evaluator will go over the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines found in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition" (DSM-5) to see whether or not you have ADHD symptoms. The evaluator will examine the impact of your symptoms on your life to determine if you require treatment. This can include losing your job due to impulsive spending, trouble paying your bills on time, or being placed on academic probation in college because of failing grades. In addition to conducting an interview with you, the evaluator will also likely talk to other people who know you well. This could include your spouse, children, and other family members. In some cases, the evaluator might want to speak with teachers and other professionals to get more details about your symptoms. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be an emotional experience for a lot of adults. They might feel happy to finally understand the reason for their ailment or may be overwhelmed by the prospect of seeking treatment. Whatever emotions come to the surface, it is essential to get an assessment when they suspect they suffer from ADHD. This will enable them to get the help they require and improve their performance. 5. Medical Histories It is crucial for health professionals to know your medical history in order to rule out any physical causes for ADHD symptoms. https://www.openlearning.com/u/bakbowden-sj4nrv/blog/5AdhdDiagnosticMythsYouShouldStayClearOf may also interview your spouse, family members, or close friends and anyone else who has more insight into the symptoms that your child or yourself and their impact on your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires that provide your health professional with more detailed information about your or your child's development, educational and social history. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for many people in knowing that they or their child is not simply incompetent or lazy but have a mental condition that requires special intervention and treatment. It can also be a source of anxiety for those who get the diagnosis, as they feel shamed and embarrassed that their ADHD symptoms aren't "normal." Consult your primary care doctor for recommendations when selecting a specialist who will perform an ADHD evaluation. You can also conduct some research to find out what degrees the potential specialist holds and the amount of experience they have working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider and ask whom they recommend as qualified professionals. Also, you can find out if there are any ADHD support groups in your area.