Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step toward managing symptoms that affect everyday life. Many people are hesitant to seek a diagnosis but doing so can be a great relief.
An ADHD evaluation typically starts with a consultation. Experts may also administer screening tests to detect co-existing 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 an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty in completing tasks that require organization as well as paying attention in work or school and remembering important events. They are susceptible to impulsive behavior, such as cutting lines and interrupting others, or not following rules. They may also have trouble completing projects, keeping appointments or paying their bills.
It is crucial to seek out a clinician who has been trained in ADHD when trying to diagnose the condition. Check with local chapters of mental health organizations, a local support group, or request the recommendation of a reliable source. You may also check with your insurance provider to see if they have any providers who specialize in ADHD.
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment will include a thorough patient description of symptoms and a thorough review of the family and personal history, which includes past mental health, medical and educational issues and the taking psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests and a physical examination. The doctor will also talk to other people who are close to the patient, like their spouses and partners, to learn how ADHD symptoms impact their lives. It is important to ask parents or other relatives about the symptoms of ADHD in adults. Many adults suffering from ADHD don't remember their childhood.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult to admit their problems result from their attention deficit disorder. They may be ashamed, frustrated and embarrassed for having trouble staying well-organized and focused at home and at work. They might also believe their issues are due to their own character flaws. A diagnosis of ADHD may provide some hope and comfort for the future and help them realize that their issues aren't the fault.
Diagnosis
There is no single physical or medical test to determine ADHD (previously known as ADD). However, a qualified mental healthcare professional will collect information from a variety sources regarding your child's or adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptoms checklists, standardized behavior rating scales and a detailed account of past and present functioning and information from people who know the person well.
A thorough evaluation can also include a psycho-psychological examination such as a personality inventory or a neuropsychological test. In addition the health care professional may evaluate the person's medical history, including current or past illnesses, injuries and use of medications, including mood-stabilizing ones like steroids.
Other conditions and disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. This includes learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and other medical issues like sleep apnea, thyroid conditions and head injuries. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help identify the root cause and identify effective treatment options.
The most important aspect to consider when determining ADHD is whether the person's symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two important settings - such as school and home. This is especially true for children and young adults. Without treatment, these individuals are likely to struggle to get ahead at school, and find it difficult to maintain jobs, and struggle to maintain relationships and friendships.
It is essential to seek a diagnosis by an expert in health care 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 find an how to get a adhd diagnosis expert who can provide an exhaustive examination. During the appointment, your doctor will ask you about your child 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
There are many psychiatric conditions that can mimic ADHD in both adults and children. A complete psychiatric assessment is necessary to rule out any other illnesses. These include mood disorders and anxiety disorders. They also include learning disabilities and thyroid issues, head trauma and use of prescription drugs. These other explanations can have a significant impact on the quality of life.
A comprehensive mental health assessment consists of an interview with the person who is being assessed and checklists and questionnaires that are completed by people who are in their lives. This can include parents, spouses siblings, teachers and parents for children, co-workers, friends and therapists for adults. Personal experience can reveal information that cannot be obtained from checklists or questions. It also assists the clinician to understand the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect the person's relationships with other people.
The psychiatrist or psychologist will review the patient's medical records in addition to their symptoms. A physical exam is usually conducted as well, which may include 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 study to see if the new medication they are taking can help their symptoms. Participants must be aware that the main goal of a clinical study is to learn new information, not treat a particular disease.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will recommend treatment options that may include medications, psychotherapy or other treatments. In some instances the combination of treatments is most effective. Medication is generally safe for both children and adults and can help alleviate certain symptoms. Other interventions that can be effective include behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes and parenting strategies.
Medication
For some, medication can reduce symptoms of ADHD and increase their ability to function. It can be difficult to determine the appropriate dose and type of medication that works best, and it may require time to adjust to any side effects. It is crucial to speak with your physician if you are feeling sleepy or drowsy after taking certain medications.
Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants to reduce symptoms of ADHD. These drugs increase the levels in the brain of specific neurotransmitters. They can also prescribe non-stimulant drugs that can boost focus, attention, and impulsivity but aren't as effective as stimulants. They may also prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers to people suffering from depression and other disorders that may be present alongside ADHD.
Other treatments that can help people suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy, and training or educational programs for children and adults. These treatments can help people develop strategies and techniques to deal with their symptoms and improve their performance at home and school.
A medical or mental health professional might be able to determine ADHD in a child by reviewing the child's school records and discussing his behavior with caregivers and teachers. They will probably interview the child, conduct psychological testing and look for signs of learning disabilities and other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must exhibit at least six of the 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. Additionally, they must not be more easily explained by a different condition.
Counseling
If you require treatment or medication management for ADHD it is essential to find a licensed specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary physician can provide a recommendation or refer you to specialists in your area. Some professionals specializing in ADHD also offer telemedicine online making appointments simple and convenient. Many insurance companies allow you to schedule appointments using their system.
In children doctors and specialists with ADHD can diagnose the condition based on discussions of symptoms at length with teachers and parents and observing the child or adolescent in several environments including interviewing family members, and conducting an evaluation of learning disabilities. They also look over school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers. The adolescent or adult needs to demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms to be diagnosed:
A thorough medical history is essential in determining ADHD. Because adults often have poor or hazy memories of childhood, therapists may seek out information from other sources like spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes, like developmental disorder, brain injury or other health issues, that could be causing symptoms reminiscent of ADHD.
During the initial consultation, the professional will evaluate how the patient is coping with ADHD symptoms and the impact that these symptoms affect their daily lives. They should also discuss the history of any previous ADHD assessments and treatments. It's also helpful to recognize other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. A mental health professional should not only examine an individual, but also listen to them without judgment. This is especially important if there is an underlying depression issue, or drug abuse.