Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step towards managing symptoms that affect daily activities. Many people are reluctant to seek a diagnosis but it could be a great relief.
An ADHD evaluation usually begins with a consultation. Experts also use standardized checklists, and may administer screening tests for coexisting conditions such as 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 is often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with organizing 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 might also have difficulty completing projects, keeping appointments or paying their bills.
It is essential to seek out a clinician who is trained in ADHD when seeking a diagnosis. Find local chapters of mental health organizations, a local support group or ask for an appointment from a trusted source. It's also a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if there are providers in network who specialize in ADHD.
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment will include a detailed description of their symptoms, a review of the family history and personal history, including past mental health, medical and educational problems, as well as taking psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests as well as a physical examination. The clinician will also interview others who are close to the patient, such as their spouses and partners, to determine the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect their lives. Many adults with ADHD have poor memories of their childhood. Therefore, it is helpful to have parents or other relatives fill out questionnaires describing the child's symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time admitting that their problems stem from their attention deficit disorder. They may be frustrated and embarrassed about their inability to stay focused and organized at home as well as at the office. They may also think that their problems stem from their own faults or flaws in their character. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can bring relief and optimism for the future and help them understand that their issues are not their own fault.
Diagnosis
There is no one physical or medical test to diagnose ADHD (previously known as ADD). However an experienced mental health professional will collect information from a variety sources regarding your child's and adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history of the person's past and current functioning.
A thorough evaluation can also include a psycho-psychological test, such an inventory of personality or a neuropsychological test. Additionally the health professional may evaluate the person's medical history, including any present or past illnesses, injuries and usage of medication, including the mood-stabilizing drugs like steroids.
Other conditions and disorders can mimic 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 evaluation will help identify the root cause and determine effective treatments.
A crucial aspect to consider when determining ADHD is whether the person's symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two important settings - such as home and school. This is especially true for young children and adolescents. These individuals may struggle to succeed at school, may have trouble keeping their jobs, and are having trouble maintaining relationships and friendships with no being treated with respect.
It is crucial to seek an evaluation from a health professional who specializes in working with children and adolescents. You can find numerous primary care physicians or mental health specialists who can diagnose ADHD. However, you should seek out a specialist that will do a thorough examination. During the appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your child's condition and your family history. He or she 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 for adults as well as children. A complete psychiatric assessment is required to rule out any other disorders. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, learning disabilities, head injuries, thyroid conditions and use of drugs. These alternate explanations can have a significant impact on your adhd adult diagnosis quality of life.
A complete mental health assessment consists of an interview with the person who is being assessed, as well as checklists and questionnaires completed by people who are in their lives. This may include parents, spouses siblings, teachers and parents for children; co-workers or friends, as well as therapists for adults. Personal insight often uncovers information that can't be culled from a list of questions or checklists as well as helps the doctor understand how an individual's ADHD symptoms may have affected their relationships with others.
In addition to examining symptoms, the psychiatrist or psychologist will also examine a patient's medical history. A physical exam is typically performed as well, including 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 a study conducted by a physician to determine if the new medication they're taking will help their symptoms. Participants must be aware that the main goal of a clinical study is to increase knowledge, not treat a particular disease.
Based on the outcomes, the doctor might suggest psychotherapy, medication or other therapies. In some cases the combination of treatments is the most effective. Medication is generally safe for children and adults and can relieve certain symptoms. Other treatments can be beneficial, including behavior therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Medication
Some people can improve their functioning by taking medication to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. It can be a challenge to determine the appropriate dose and type of medication that works best, and it may take time to get used to any side effects. It is important to talk with your physician if you are feeling sleepy or drowsy after taking certain medications.
Psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants which boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They can prescribe non-stimulant drugs that improve attention and impulsivity but are not quite as effective as stimulants. They can also prescribe antidepressants and mood stabilizers for those suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that could be present alongside ADHD.
Psychotherapy, family therapy, and training or educational programs for adults and children are additional treatments that can aid those suffering from ADHD. These interventions can help individuals develop strategies and skills to cope with their symptoms and improve their functioning at home and in school.
In certain instances a mental or medical health professional can detect ADHD in children by reviewing their school records and discussing the child's behavior with caretakers and teachers. They'll likely interview the child, conduct psychological tests, and screen for learning disabilities and other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
For a child to receive an ADHD diagnosis the child must display at least six out of nine symptoms as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV TR) and these symptoms must be significant enough to affect adaptive functioning in the classroom as well as at home. In addition, they should not be explained better by a different condition.
Counseling
If you require treatment or medication treatment for ADHD it is essential to find a licensed professional with experience in treating the disorder. Your primary physician can provide the recommendation or recommend specialists in the area. Some professionals specializing in ADHD also offer telemedicine via the internet that makes appointments simple and convenient. Many insurance companies allow you schedule appointments through their system.
For children, doctors and specialists in ADHD are able to diagnose the condition based on discussions of the symptoms in depth with teachers and parents as well as observing the child an adolescent in various situations including interviewing family members, and conducting an assessment for learning disabilities. They also examine school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers. The adolescent or adult needs to show at minimum five of the following symptoms to receive a diagnosis:
A thorough medical history is important for diagnosing ADHD. Clinicians may ask about childhood memories from other sources, like spouses or family members, as adults have a tendency to have poor or hazy memory of their childhood. They should also be looking for other possible causes, such as developmental disorder, brain injury or other health issues, which could be causing symptoms similar to ADHD.
In the initial consultation, the doctor should determine how the person copes with the symptoms of ADHD and evaluate the impact of those symptoms on their daily life. They must also discuss the results of any previous ADHD evaluations and treatments. It's also helpful to recognize other conditions that share similar symptoms to ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. A mental health professional should not just evaluate an individual but also listen to them without judgement. This is particularly important when there is an history of depression or addiction to drugs.