Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step toward controlling symptoms that interfere with daily life. Many people are hesitant to seek a diagnosis however, it can be a great relief.
An ADHD evaluation usually begins with a medical interview. Experts can also conduct screening tests to identify co-existing disorders like learning disabilities or mood disorders.
Symptoms
The disorder was first documented in medical science in 1902, and has been referred to by several names, most recently attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with or without hyperactivity (DSM-5). ADHD can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Adults with ADHD are unable to organize tasks, staying focused at school or work and remembering important dates. They are susceptible to impulsive behaviors like disrupting others, or not following rules. They may also have trouble completing projects, keeping their appointments or paying their bills.
It is essential to seek out a professional who is trained in ADHD when trying to diagnose the condition. Request a referral from an authority you trust such as a local mental health organization or support group. It's also a good idea to check with your insurance company to determine whether there are any providers in their network that specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include a detailed description of symptoms experienced by the patient, an examination of personal and family histories including any medical, psychiatric and academic problems, testing for neuropsychological or psychoeducational tests, and a physical examination. In addition, the therapist will talk to significant others such as spouses or partners to determine the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect their lives. Many adults with ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood, and it is helpful to have parents or other close relatives complete questionnaires detailing the child's symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time admitting their problems are caused by their attention deficit disorder. They may feel frustrated and embarrassed about their inability to stay focused and organized at home as well as at the office. They might also believe that their troubles stem from their own shortcomings or flaws in their character. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can give relief and optimism for the future and help them understand that their difficulties are not their fault.
Diagnosis
There is no one physical or medical test to diagnose ADHD (previously known as ADD). However an experienced mental health professional will collect information from many sources regarding your child's or adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptoms checklists, standardized behavior rating scales as well as a detailed record of both present and past functioning and information from people who know the person well.
A thorough evaluation may also include a psychological examination, such as a personality inventory or neuropsychological testing. In addition, a health care provider may evaluate the person's medical history, including any current or past injuries, illnesses and the usage of medication, including mood-stabilizing ones like steroids.
It's important to recognize that other conditions and disorders may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. This includes learning disabilities, anxiety disorders and mood disorders, as well as other medical conditions such a thyroid condition and sleep apnea. A thorough psychiatric examination will help determine the cause and determine the most effective treatment.
The symptoms of a person require significant impairment in two or more major situations, including at home or at school, in order to be considered for ADHD diagnosis. This is especially true for young children and adolescents. If they are not treated, these people can struggle to succeed in school, have difficulty maintaining jobs and have trouble sustaining relationships and friendships.
It is crucial to get a diagnosis by a health care provider who has worked with children and adolescents. You can find numerous primary care physicians or mental health professionals who diagnose ADHD. However, you should seek out an expert who can provide an exhaustive assessment. During the appointment, your doctor will ask you about your child's development and your family history. The doctor will also go over the criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition.
Treatment
There are a variety of psychiatric disorders which can cause ADHD for adults as well as children. A complete psychiatric assessment is necessary to rule out any other disorders. These include mood disorders and anxiety disorders. They also include learning disabilities as well as thyroid issues, head trauma, and drug use. get diagnosed adhd to consider these alternative explanations for symptoms because they can significantly impact your quality of life.
A thorough mental health assessment usually involves an interview with the patient, as well as questionnaires or checklists that other people have completed in his or her life. This can include spouses and parents for children, and siblings, co-workers and friends for adults. Personal insight can reveal information that is not gained from checklists or questions. It also helps the clinician to understand the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect the person's relationships with others.
The psychiatrist or psychologist will look over the medical records of the patient in addition to their symptoms. A physical exam is often also performed, which includes hearing and vision tests. An electroencephalograph or EEG scan, which measures brain waves and can help identify the presence of ADHD, is available in some offices.
Some patients opt to take part in a clinical trial to determine whether a new medication will improve their symptoms. Participants must be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new knowledge and not to treat a specific disease.
Based on the results of the assessment, the doctor may suggest treatment options that could include psychotherapy, medications or other interventions. In some cases the combination of treatments is most effective. Medication can alleviate some of the symptoms and is generally safe for children and adults. Other interventions that can be effective include the use of behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications and parenting strategies.
Medication
Certain people can enhance their functioning by taking medication to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can be challenging to find the right dose and type of medication that works best, and it could require time to adjust to any adverse effects. It is essential to talk with your physician if you feel sleepy or drowsy after taking certain medicines.
Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants, which boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They can also prescribe nonstimulant drugs that can boost focus, attention, and impulsivity but aren't as efficient as stimulants. They can prescribe mood stabilizers or antidepressants for those suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that may be present along with ADHD.
Other treatments that can aid people with ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy and educational or training programs for adults and children. These interventions can help individuals learn skills and strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home and at school.
A medical or mental health professional may be able to identify ADHD in a young child by looking over the child's school records and discussing his behavior with caregivers and teachers. They may interview the child, conduct psychological testing and look for signs of learning disabilities and other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms.
In order for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six of the nine symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and these symptoms must significantly hinder the ability to function at home and in the classroom. They should also not be explained by any other condition.
Counseling
When you need therapy or medication management for ADHD it is essential to find a professional who is experienced in treating the disorder. Your primary care doctor can give you a recommendation or refer you to specialists in the area. Certain specialists who specialize in ADHD offer telemedicine online to make appointments easier and more convenient. Many insurance companies allow you schedule appointments through their system.
Doctors and ADHD specialists can diagnose ADHD in children by discussing the symptoms with parents and teachers in-depth, observing them in different settings, interviewing the family members and conducting a learning disability evaluation. They also review the school documents and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. Adults or adolescents need to exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms to qualify for diagnosis:
A thorough medical history is important for diagnosing ADHD. Clinicians might inquire about childhood memories from other sources, such as spouses or family members, since adults tend to have a weak or blurred memories of their childhood. They should also look for other possible causes, like the development disorder, brain injury or other health issues, that could be causing ADHD-like symptoms.
During the initial consultation, the professional will assess how the patient manages ADHD symptoms and the impact these symptoms have on their daily lives. They must also discuss the history of any previous ADHD evaluations and treatments. It is also beneficial to determine other conditions that have similar symptoms, like anxiety and mood disorders. A mental health professional shouldn't just evaluate an individual but also listen to them without judgement. This is especially important if the patient has an history of depression or abuse.