ADHD Evaluation
An evaluation is required to determine whether a person has ADHD. A diagnosis is made by analyzing the symptoms that began before 12 years of age and cause significant disruption to work, school or social interactions.
Rating scales are commonly used to measure ADHD. The CAARS-L:S is a self-rating instrument with confirmed validity. The version that is a observer (CAARS-L: O) also has a high degree of validity.
Signs and symptoms
Many children are fidgety, impulsive and have difficulty waiting their turn. When a child has these issues to the extent that they affect his or her daily functioning and cause suffering at home, at school and in activities as well as in relationships, they could meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Health professionals rely on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) guidelines to establish a diagnosis of ADHD. Symptoms have to be present for at least six months and have affected the person's life in more than one setting, such as the workplace and at home. They must also affect academic, professional or social achievement.
To determine if someone has ADHD, the provider will inquire about the person's symptoms currently and if they started at or before the age of 12. A thorough mental health history will be taken. The doctor will talk to the person's parents, teachers and other relatives who know about their behavior and schooling history. The provider will also search for indications that other illnesses or conditions may be causing symptoms, including learning disorders, mood disorders, thyroid conditions and head injuries.
Symptoms of ADHD are divided into three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In adolescence, a person's symptoms may shift between one type and the other as they develop with age and the demands of their surroundings.
In the inattentive subtype, a person may struggle with paying attention to details, making careless mistakes or staying focused on tasks and activities. People may also struggle with following instructions, paying close to the finer details or retaining information over time. This kind of ADHD is most common in young children.
The hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD is less common in young children. A person might have difficulty being able to recognize social boundaries or waiting their turn during games or conversations. They may interrupt others often or engage in risky behavior such as using drugs or unsafe sexual activities.
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. They might lose some of their hyperactivity as they age but they still be afflicted by inattention and restlessness.
Family History
Parents who suffer from ADHD are more likely to pass on the disorder to their children. But, genetics alone cannot predict whether or not a child will have the condition. The environment of a person can also affect how likely they are to develop mental health problems and how they show up in their lives.
A family history of ADHD can aid a physician in assessing the likelihood that a child has the disorder. The disorder can make it harder to perform at school or at work, and could cause problems with relationships. If the child's parent or sibling is suffering from the disorder, the physician may suggest testing to determine if medication can help improve performance at the classroom as well as at home.
If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the doctor can help to manage the symptoms by psychotherapy 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. Students can enhance their learning abilities by applying the use of study skills, behavioral training, classroom changes, and other teaching strategies.
Researchers are dedicated to identifying the root of ADHD and developing more efficient treatments. In addition to medication, therapies can include behavior modification and parent education. The process of educating parents and children about the condition is important in removing stigmas and increasing awareness, and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment.
The manner in which ADHD manifests differs by gender, and it can appear different between boys and girls. For example, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is more common in males than in females, while inattentive ADHD is more commonly seen in girls.
A number of studies have shown that families of individuals with ADHD experience a specific profile in their family and their developmental experiences. This profile is different from non-referred samples of people with ADHD and appears to be influenced by gender. In one study, a clinical routine interview was employed to obtain information about family history and developmental histories. Rating scales were used to evaluate the specific characteristics of disorders.
Physical Examination
During a physical exam, the examiner will be able observe how the patient moves as well as detect signs of injury or illness. The exam can be done in many ways and by different people, such as physicians, nurses and other health professionals. It may include observation, palpation, and auscultation, which are techniques of touching and listening to the patient. It should be performed in a comfortable, quiet space with privacy and, when possible, a great deal of silence. Examiners should make use of appropriate lighting and dim the room during certain parts of the exam. They should also supply water and other beverages.
For adults, primary care providers and mental health professionals often diagnose ADHD. They might refer the person to a psychiatrist or clinical psychology to conduct a thorough evaluation. The evaluation may include interviewing the individual and their family members, close friends and work colleagues, as well as a review of medical and psychiatric history, and psychoeducational tests. The tests typically focus on working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning skills.
It is important that the person being evaluated is able to discuss their symptoms and experiences with their health care provider. The physician will likely ask questions about the way that the symptoms impact a person's life and well-being at home, at school or at work as well as their relationships and interests. The doctor will want to determine if there are any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These include learning disorders, mood disorders and head injuries.
Inattention ADHD can cause people to have difficulty staying still waiting for their turn, or keeping focus on conversations or tasks. They might also forget details. They can be easily distracted by non-essential activities or other events, like an interview, a TV show, or a telephone call. They may struggle with organizing their stuff and keeping track of deadlines, or getting 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 suffering from ADHD have more issues in the areas of concentration and attention than they do in impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are more likely to have difficulty with learning and to experience depression or anxiety. They are more likely to suffer injuries due to their impulsiveness, or lack of organization skills. They may also experience issues with substance abuse and self-medication such as alcohol and drugs.
Psychological Testing
To establish a diagnosis of ADHD, the patient will be required to undergo psychological testing. This enables healthcare providers to determine whether cognitive disorders could exacerbate the problem and make treatment more difficult. This allows them to identify any other mental health problems that could co-exist with ADHD.
Psychological tests may include intelligence, memory and attention and language assessment. They could also include a broad spectrum test that detects mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In certain instances the psychologist will talk to family members as well as friends and colleagues about the person's behavior. This is referred to as a collateral interview and can be very helpful in establishing a clear picture of the symptoms.
A patient could also undergo a neuropsychological examination such as TOVA which is comprised of both auditory and visual tests. The test subject is asked to look at two geometric shapes and press an electronic microswitch each time they see them. The test tests how well a person can pay attention and respond to visual cues.
The physician will inquire about the patient's day-to-day life and how symptoms affect their school and work. great post to read 'll want to know whether they frequently miss appointments, lose items or have difficulty following through on their plans. They may also inquire about their relationships and if they have difficulty to manage their emotions.
The doctor will conduct an examination of the physical. The patient must wear comfortable clothes and should not wear jewelry. The clinician will take a medical record and look for indications of anxiety, depression or ADHD.