Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step toward managing the symptoms that hinder daily activities. Many people are reluctant to seek out a diagnosis, but doing so can be a relief.
An ADHD evaluation typically starts with a medical interview. Experts also utilize checklists that are standard and may conduct screening tests for coexisting conditions like mood disorders or learning disabilities.
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 is often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Adults suffering from ADHD are unable to organize tasks, paying attention at work or school and remembering important dates. They are prone impulsive behavior such as disrupting others, or not following rules. They may also have trouble completing projects, keeping appointments or paying bills.
When seeking a diagnosis, it is crucial to find a doctor who is trained in ADHD. Look for local chapters of mental health organizations, local support group or seek a referral from another trusted source. It's recommended to contact your insurance provider to see whether they have providers in their network that specialize in ADHD.
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment will include a detailed patient description of their symptoms and a thorough review of the family history and personal history, including past mental health, medical and educational problems, as well as an examination of psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests and a physical examination. The clinician will also interview others who are close to the patient, such as their spouses or partners to learn the extent to which ADHD symptoms impact their lives. Many adults with ADHD have poor memories of their childhood, and it is beneficial to have parents or other relatives complete questionnaires that describe the child's symptoms.
Adults with ADHD can have a hard time admitting their problems are due to their attention deficit disorder. They may be shamed, angry and frustrated for having trouble staying focused and organized at home and at work. They may also believe that their troubles are caused by their own faults or character flaws. A diagnosis of ADHD may provide some hope and comfort for the future and help them realize that their problems aren't their responsibility.
Diagnosis
There isn't a single medical or physical test for ADHD (previously referred to as ADD) However, a qualified mental health care professional will gather information on your child's or adult's symptoms from a variety of sources. These include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior as well as a detailed record of the person's past and present behavior and information from those who know the person.
A thorough evaluation may also include a psychological examination like an inventory of personality or neuropsychological testing. A medical professional will also examine the medical background of the patient including current or past illnesses, injuries, and medications, like the mood-stabilizing drug steroids.
It's important to note that other disorders and conditions can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. This includes learning disabilities, anxiety disorders and mood disorders as and other medical conditions such a thyroid condition and sleep apnea. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help identify the cause and identify effective treatment options.
The most important aspect to consider when determining ADHD is whether the individual's symptoms result in significant impairments in at least two important settings, including home and school. This is particularly relevant for children and young people. They may have a difficult time to succeed at school, struggle to maintain their jobs, and are having trouble maintaining friendships and relationships without being treated with respect.
It is crucial to get a diagnosis by an expert in health care who has worked with children and teens. A majority of primary care physicians and mental health professionals routinely diagnose ADHD however, you must look for a specialist who takes the time to perform a thorough examination. During the interview the doctor will ask you questions about your child's condition and your family history. They 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 that can mimic ADHD in adults as well as children. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine if there are any other disorders. These include mood disorders and anxiety disorders. They also include learning disabilities and head trauma, thyroid conditions and use of prescription drugs. These alternative explanations could have a significant impact on the quality of life.
A thorough mental health assessment usually includes an interview with the patient and also checklists or questionnaires that are that are completed by other people in their lives. This could include spouses, parents, siblings and teachers for children; co-workers, friends and therapists for adults. Personal experience often reveals details that aren't possible to extract from checklists or questions, and it also helps the clinician understand the ways in which a person's ADHD symptoms might have impacted their relationships with other people.
The psychologist or psychiatrist will look over the medical records of the patient along with their symptoms. A physical exam is usually also performed, which includes vision and hearing 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 choose to take part in a clinical trial to determine if the new medication they're taking will improve their symptoms. Participants must be aware that the main objective of a study is to increase knowledge and not to treat a specific condition.
Based on the findings of the assessment, the doctor may suggest treatment options that could include psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases, a combination of treatments is the most effective. Medication is generally safe for adults and children, and can relieve certain symptoms. Other interventions can be effective with regard to behavior therapy, for example lifestyle changes.
Medication
Some people can improve their ability function by taking medication to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. It can be difficult to find the right dose and kind of medication that works best, and it could require time to adjust to any side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor if are feeling sleepy or drowsy after taking certain medicines.
Psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants to reduce symptoms of ADHD. These drugs increase the levels in the brain of specific neurotransmitters. They may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that increase impulsivity and attention, however they are not as effective as stimulants. They may also prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilisers for people with depression and other disorders that could be present with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, family therapy and educational or training programmes for children and adults are other treatments that can help those with ADHD. These treatments can help people develop strategies and skills to cope with the symptoms and improve their functioning at home and school.
In certain instances a mental or medical health professional can detect ADHD in the child by looking over school records and discussing the child's behavior with the child's teachers and caregivers. They may interview the child, conduct psychological testing and test for learning disabilities and other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must show at least six of nine symptoms as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV TR) and the symptoms must be significant enough to impair adaptive functioning in the classroom and at home. They should also not be explained by any other medical condition.
Counseling
If you need treatment or medication for ADHD, find a licensed professional who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary physician can provide recommendations or recommend specialists in the area. Certain specialists who specialize in ADHD also offer telemedicine online making appointments simple and convenient. Many insurance companies allow you make these appointments using their system.
For children doctors and specialists with ADHD can diagnose the disorder by discussing symptoms at length with teachers and parents as well as observing the child teenager in various situations including interviewing family members, and conducting an assessment for learning disabilities. They also review school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers. To be eligible for a diagnosis the adult or adolescent must exhibit at least five of the following symptoms:
A thorough medical history is important for diagnosing ADHD. Since adults typically have weak or blurry memories of childhood, doctors may seek out information from independent sources such as spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes of ADHD-like symptoms, such as brain injuries, developmental disorders or other health issues.
In the initial consultation, the professional will examine how the patient copes with ADHD symptoms and the impact that these symptoms affect their daily lives. They must also discuss any prior ADHD evaluations or treatments. It is also helpful to identify other conditions with similar symptoms, for example depression and anxiety. When the evaluation of an person, a mental health professional should also listen to the person in a respectful manner and without judgment. This is especially important if the person has a history of depression or abuse.