Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is often the first thing to be taken to manage symptoms that can interfere with everyday life. Many people are reluctant to seek a diagnosis, however, it can be a relief.
An ADHD evaluation usually begins with a clinical interview. Experts also utilize checklists that are standard and may conduct screening tests for coexisting disorders like learning disabilities or mood disorders.
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 is often caused by an imbalance in the chemical system of the brain. Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty with organizing tasks, paying attention at work or school, and remembering important dates. They are prone to impulsive behaviors such as cutting lines and interrupting others, or not following rules. They may also have difficulty working on projects, sticking to their appointments or paying their bills.
When seeking a diagnosis it is essential to locate a clinician trained in ADHD. Check with local chapters of mental health organizations, a local support group, or ask for the recommendation of a reliable source. You may also check with your insurance company to find out whether they have any providers who specialize in ADHD.
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation will include a thorough description of symptoms by the patient, review of personal and family history including medical, psychiatric, and educational issues, taking neuropsychological or psychoeducational tests, and a physical examination. The clinician will also interview other people who are close to the patient, such as their spouses or partners to find out the extent to which ADHD affects their lives. Many adults suffering from ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood. Therefore, it is helpful to ask parents or other family members fill out questionnaires describing the child's symptoms.
Adults with ADHD may have a difficult to admit that their issues result from their attention deficit disorder. They may be shamed, angry and frustrated for being unable to stay organized and focused at home and at work. They might also believe their issues are due to their own personality flaws. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring some hope and comfort for the future and help them realize that their problems aren't their blame.
Diagnosis
There is no one medical test or physical test to determine ADHD (previously called ADD). However an experienced mental health professional will gather information from a variety sources regarding your child's or adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a thorough history of the person's previous and current functioning.
A thorough assessment could include a psychological examination like an inventory of personality or neuropsychological tests. In addition, a health care provider will examine the patient's medical history, including any recent or previous illnesses, injuries and usage of medication, including the mood-stabilizing drugs like steroids.
It is important to remember that other disorders and conditions may be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. These include learning disabilities, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and other medical issues such as sleep apnea, head injuries and thyroid disorders. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help identify the root cause and determine the most effective treatment.
The symptoms of a person must cause significant impairment in two or more major situations, including at home and in school, in order to be considered for ADHD diagnosis. This is especially true for young children and adolescents. They may have a difficult time to succeed at school, have difficulty maintaining jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships with no treatment.
It is crucial to get a diagnosis by a health care provider who has worked with children and adolescents. diagnose adhd You can find numerous primary care physicians or mental health specialists who can diagnose ADHD. However it is recommended to find an expert who can provide an extensive evaluation. During the consultation, your doctor will ask you about your child 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
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD in children and adults, and a complete psycho-psychiatric examination is required to rule out other conditions. These include anxiety disorders and mood disorders. They also include learning disabilities as well as thyroid disorders, head trauma, and drug use. These alternative explanations can have a major impact on quality of life.
A comprehensive mental health assessment includes an interview with the person being assessed, as well as questionnaires and checklists filled out by others in their life. This can include parents and spouses for children, and siblings, coworkers and friends for adults. Personal experience often reveals facts that cannot be gleaned from a list of questions or checklists, and it also aids the therapist in understanding how an individual's ADHD symptoms might have affected their relationships with other people.
In addition to reviewing symptoms, a psychologist or psychiatrist can also review the medical history of the patient. Physical examination, which includes audio and vision tests, is also conducted. 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 participate in a study conducted by a physician to see if the new medication they are taking will improve their symptoms. Participants must be aware that the primary objective of a study is to increase knowledge, not treat a particular health condition.
Based on the results, the doctor could recommend medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions. In some cases an integrated treatment may be the most effective. Medication can alleviate some of the symptoms and is generally safe for children as well as adults. Other treatments that are successful include behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes and parenting strategies.
Medication
Certain people can increase their performance by taking medication to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can be difficult to determine the right dosage and medication and it may take some time to adjust to side effects. Some medications can cause someone to feel tired or sleepy and it is essential to discuss this with a physician.
Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. These drugs increase the levels in the brain of certain neurotransmitters. They may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs that can boost attention, impulsivity and focus but aren't as efficient as stimulants. They can also prescribe antidepressants and mood stabilizers to people suffering from depression and other disorders that could be present with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, family therapy and educational or training programmes for adults and children are other treatments that can help those with ADHD. These interventions can help people learn strategies and skills to cope with symptoms and improve their performance at home and school.
In some instances, a medical or mental health professional can identify ADHD in a child by reviewing school records and discussing the child's behavior with teachers and caretakers. They will likely interview the child, conduct psychological tests, and screen to determine if there is any learning disabilities or other conditions that have similar symptoms.
For a child to be identified with ADHD, they must show at least six of the nine symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and these symptoms must significantly impair the ability to function at home and in the classroom. They must also not be caused by any other medical condition.
Counseling
If you require therapy or medication management for ADHD, it's essential to find a licensed professional who is experienced in treating the disorder. Your primary physician can offer a recommendation or guide you to specialists in your area. Some professionals specializing in ADHD also offer telemedicine online, which makes appointments easy and convenient. Many insurance companies let you schedule appointments via their system.
In children doctors and specialists who specialize in ADHD are able to diagnose the disorder by discussing the symptoms in depth with teachers and parents, observing the child or adolescent in several situations, interviewing family members and conducting an evaluation of learning disabilities. They also look over school reports and questionnaires that are completed by teachers and caregivers. The adult or adolescent must to demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms to receive a diagnosis:
A complete medical history is essential to diagnose ADHD. Clinicians can 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 be looking for other possible causes, such as brain injury, developmental disorder or other health issues which could be responsible for the ADHD-like symptoms.
During the initial consultation, the professional will examine how the patient manages ADHD symptoms and the impact these symptoms have on their daily lives. They must also discuss the results of any prior ADHD assessments and treatments. It is also helpful to identify other conditions with similar symptoms, like anxiety and mood disorders. A mental health professional should not only assess an individual, but also listen to them without judgment. This is particularly important when there is a history of depression, or addiction to drugs.