Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is usually the first thing to be taken to manage symptoms that can interfere with daily life. Many people are reluctant to seek a diagnosis however, it can be a great relief.
An ADHD assessment typically begins with a consultation. Experts can also conduct screening tests to determine if there are co-existing conditions like mood disorders or learning disabilities.
Signs and 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 in chemicals in the brain. Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty with organizational tasks and paying attention at school or at work and retaining important information. They are susceptible to impulsive behaviors like cutting lines, interrupting others or ignoring rules. They may also have trouble working on projects, sticking to their appointments or paying their bills.
It is essential to find a doctor who has been trained in ADHD when trying to diagnose the condition. Check with local chapters of mental health organizations, local support group, or seek the recommendation of a reliable source. It is recommended to check with your insurance company to determine whether there are any providers in their the network who specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric examination will include a thorough description of symptoms experienced by the patient, a review of family and personal history including medical, psychiatric and educational issues, the completion of psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests and a physical exam. The clinician will also interview others who are close to the patient, like their spouses and partners, to determine how ADHD affects their lives. Many adults with ADHD have poor memories of their childhood. Hence, it is beneficial to have parents or other family members complete questionnaires detailing the child's symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult to admit that their issues result from their attention deficit disorder. They may feel ashamed, frustrated and embarrassed for being unable to stay focused and organized at home and at work. They might also believe that their problems are due to their own fault or character flaws. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring some hope and comfort for the future, and help them realize that their problems aren't their responsibility.
Diagnosis
There is no single physical or medical test to diagnose ADHD (previously known as ADD). However, a qualified mental healthcare specialist will collect information from many sources regarding your child's or adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptom checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales as well as a detailed record of the person's past and present behavior and information from people who know the person.
A thorough evaluation can also include a psycho-psychological test such as a personality inventory or a neuropsychological test. Additionally the health professional can examine a person's medical history, including any present or past injuries, illnesses and the use of medications, such as those that stabilize moods, such as steroids.
Other disorders and conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. This includes anxiety disorders, learning disabilities and mood disorders as in addition to other medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and thyroid conditions. A thorough psychiatric assessment will help determine the cause and provide effective treatment options.
An important consideration for diagnosing ADHD is whether the individual's symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two primary settings - such as school and home. This is especially true for young children and adolescents. Without treatment, these people are likely to struggle to get ahead in school, struggle to keep their jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships.
It is essential to get an assessment from a health specialist who is specialized in working with children and adolescents. There are many primary care doctors or mental health specialists who can diagnose ADHD. However you should find a specialist that will do a thorough examination. During the interview, your doctor will ask you questions about your child's condition and your family history. They will also review the criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition.
Treatment
Many psychiatric disorders are similar to ADHD in adults and children, and a complete mental health evaluation is needed to rule out any other conditions. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders and learning disabilities, head injuries thyroid issues, and drug use. These other explanations can have a significant impact on quality of life.
A thorough mental health evaluation usually includes an interview with the patient, as well as checklists or questionnaires that are completed by other people who are in the patient's life. This can include parents, spouses siblings, teachers and parents for children; as well as coworkers or friends, as well as therapists for adults. Personal insights often reveal details that aren't possible to extract from a checklist or a set of questions and also helps the clinician understand how an individual's ADHD symptoms might have impacted their relationships with other people.
The psychiatrist or psychologist will examine the patient's medical records in addition to their symptoms. A physical examination, which includes vision and audio tests, is also carried out. An electroencephalograph or EEG scan, which measures brain waves and can help identify the presence of ADHD, is available in some offices.
Some patients decide to participate in clinical trials to see if a new medication will improve their symptoms. Participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to increase knowledge, not treat a particular health condition.
Based on the results, the doctor may recommend medication, psychotherapy, or other therapies. In some cases an integrated treatment may be the most effective. Medication can alleviate some of the symptoms and is generally safe for children and adults. Other treatments that are successful include behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes and parenting strategies.
Medication
For certain people medications can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and improve their ability to perform. It can be difficult to find the most effective dosage and medication and it may take a while to adjust to the side effects. It is essential to talk to your doctor if are feeling sleepy or drowsy after taking certain medications.
Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants, that increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain, which reduces the symptoms of ADHD. They can also prescribe nonstimulant medications that can improve focus, attention, and impulsivity but aren't as efficient as stimulants. They can prescribe mood stabilisers or antidepressants to people suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that could be present in conjunction with ADHD.
Other therapies that can benefit people suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy, and training or education programs for adults and children. These interventions can help individuals develop strategies and skills to cope with their symptoms and improve their performance at home and at school.
A medical or mental health professional may be able identify ADHD in a child by looking over the school records of the child and discussing the child's behavior with teachers and caregivers. They'll likely interview the child, perform psychological testing, and screen to see if there are any problems with learning or any other condition that have similar symptoms.
For a child to receive an ADHD diagnosis the child must display at least six out of nine symptoms described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV TR), and these symptoms must be significant enough to hinder adaptive functioning in the classroom as well as at home. They must also not be attributed to any other medical condition.
Counseling
If you need treatment or medication management for ADHD seek out a licensed specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care physician can offer a recommendation or guide you to specialists in your area. Some specialists who specialize in ADHD offer telemedicine online to make appointments simpler and more convenient. Many insurance companies allow you to make these appointments using their system.
For children, doctors and specialists in ADHD can identify the condition based on discussions of symptoms with teachers and parents and observing the child or adolescent in several environments as well as interviewing family members and conducting an assessment for learning disabilities. They also look over school documents and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. recommended site or adult needs to exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms to be diagnosed:
A thorough medical history is also crucial for diagnosing ADHD. Clinicians can inquire about childhood memories from other sources, like spouses or family members, as adults are more likely to have weak or blurred memory of their childhood. They should also be looking for other possible causes, including the development disorder, brain injury or other health issues, which could be causing symptoms reminiscent of ADHD.
During the initial meeting, the specialist will assess how the patient is coping with ADHD symptoms and the impact that these symptoms have on their daily life. They must also discuss any previous ADHD evaluations or treatments. It's also helpful to identify other conditions that have similar symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders. A mental health professional should not just evaluate an individual but also listen to them without judgement. This is especially important if there is a history of depression, or drug abuse.