Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often the first step towards controlling symptoms that interfere with daily life. Many people are hesitant to seek a diagnosis but doing so can be a great relief.
An ADHD evaluation typically starts with a clinical interview. Experts also use standardized checklists and may also conduct screening tests for coexisting conditions such as 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 may be caused by an imbalance in chemicals in the brain. Adults who suffer from ADHD are unable to organize tasks, staying focused at school or work, and remembering important dates. They are prone to impulsive behaviors such as cutting lines, interrupting others or ignoring rules. They may also have trouble finishing projects, keeping appointments or paying bills.
It is important to seek out a professional who has been certified in ADHD when looking for a diagnosis. Look for local chapters of mental health organizations, local support group or ask for the recommendation of a reliable source. You can also check with your insurance company to see if they have any providers who specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric examination will include a detailed description of symptoms, a review of the family and personal history, which includes past mental health, medical and educational issues and completion of neuropsychological or psychoeducational tests and a physical examination. In addition, the therapist will interview significant others, such as spouses or partners to determine how ADHD symptoms impact their lives. Many adults suffering from ADHD have poor memories of their childhood. Therefore, it is helpful to ask parents or other close relatives fill out questionnaires describing the child's symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be hesitant to admit that their issues are caused by their attention deficit disorder. They may be ashamed, frustrated and embarrassed for having trouble staying organized and focused at home and at work. They may also believe that their problems are due to their own fault or personality flaws. A diagnosis of ADHD may provide hope and a sense of relief for the future, and help them realize that their problems aren't their fault.
Diagnosis
There isn't a single medical or physical test for ADHD (previously called ADD), but a qualified mental health care professional will gather information on your child or adult's symptoms through a variety of sources. These include ADHD symptom lists, standardized behavioral rating scales and a detailed history of the person's previous and present functioning.
A thorough evaluation can also include a psycho-psychological test like a personality inventory or a neuropsychological test. Additionally the health professional may evaluate the person's medical history, which includes present or past injuries, illnesses and the use of medications, including the mood-stabilizing drugs like steroids.
It's important to note that other conditions and disorders may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. This includes anxiety disorders, learning disabilities and mood disorders as in addition to other medical conditions such a thyroid disorder or sleep apnea. A thorough evaluation of psychiatric disorders will help identify the root cause and determine the most effective treatment.
The most important aspect to consider when diagnosing ADHD is whether the person's symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as school and at home. This is particularly true for young children and adolescents. Without treatment, these people can struggle to succeed at school, and have difficulty maintaining jobs, and struggle to maintain relationships and friendships.
It is crucial to get a diagnosis by a health care provider who is familiar with working with children and adolescents. There are many primary care doctors or mental health professionals who can diagnose ADHD. However, you should seek out a specialist that will do a thorough examination. During the consultation the doctor will ask you about your child's development and your family history. The doctor will also review the criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition.
Treatment
There are a myriad of psychiatric issues which can cause ADHD in adults as well as children. A thorough psychiatric examination is necessary to determine if there are any other illnesses. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, head injuries thyroid disorders, and use of drugs. These other explanations can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
A comprehensive mental health assessment consists of an interview with the person being assessed and checklists and questionnaires that are completed by others in their life. This may include parents, spouses siblings, teachers and parents for children; co-workers, friends and therapists for adults. Personal insight often uncovers information that can't be culled from a checklist or a set of questions and also helps the clinician understand the ways in which a person's ADHD symptoms could have affected his or her relationships with others.
The psychiatrist or psychologist will examine the medical records of the patient as well as their symptoms. A physical exam is typically 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 opt to take part in clinical trials to determine whether an upcoming medication can improve their symptoms. However, they should be aware that the main purpose of a clinical study is to learn new scientific knowledge, not to treat a disease.
Depending on the outcomes, the doctor might suggest psychotherapy, medication or other therapies. In some cases, a combination of treatments is the most efficient. Medication is generally safe for children and adults and can relieve certain symptoms. Other methods can be successful with regard to behavior therapy, for example lifestyle changes.
Medication
For some people, medication can reduce symptoms of ADHD and enhance their capacity to function. It can be a challenge to find the right dosage and kind of medication that works best, and it may take a while to adjust to any side effects. Certain medication can cause people to feel sleepy or drowsy and it is essential to talk to a doctor about this.
Psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants which increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They can prescribe non-stimulant drugs, which can increase impulsivity and attention, but aren't as effective as stimulants. They may also prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers to people suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that could be present in conjunction with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, family therapy and educational or training programmes for children and adults are additional treatments that can aid those suffering from ADHD. These programs can help individuals develop strategies and skills to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at home and at school.
A mental or medical professional may be able to determine ADHD in a young child by looking over the school records of the child and discussing the child's behavior with caregivers and teachers. They will probably interview the child, conduct psychological tests, and screen for learning disabilities as well as other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
For a child to receive an ADHD diagnosis, they must exhibit at least six of nine symptoms listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV TR) and the symptoms must be significant enough to hinder adaptive functioning in the classroom and at home. They should also not be explained by any other medical condition.
Counseling
If you require medication management or therapy for ADHD look for a certified specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care doctor will be able to give you recommendations or refer you to specialists in the area. Some professionals specializing in ADHD also offer online telemedicine making appointments simple and convenient. Many insurance companies let you schedule appointments via their system.
Doctors and ADHD specialists can identify ADHD in children by discussing their symptoms with parents and teachers in-depth by observing them in various settings, interviewing the family members and conducting a learning disability evaluation. They also look over school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. To be eligible for a diagnosis, the adolescent/adult must show at least five signs:
A thorough medical history is important to diagnose ADHD. Clinicians may ask about childhood memories from other sources, such as spouses or family members, as adults have a tendency to have blurred or unclear memory of their childhood. They should also evaluate for other possible causes of symptoms resembling ADHD, like developmental disorders, brain injuries or other health issues.
During adhd diagnosis in adult should evaluate the way in which the person deals with the symptoms of ADHD and consider the impact of those symptoms on their daily lives. They must also discuss the history of any prior ADHD evaluations and treatments. It is also beneficial to determine other conditions that have similar symptoms, like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition to conducting an assessment of an individual, a mental health professional should also listen to the person with openness and without judgement. This is particularly important if the patient has an history of depression or abuse.