Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step towards managing the symptoms that hinder daily activities. Many people are hesitant about seeking a diagnosis. However, it could be an uplifting experience.
An ADHD evaluation typically starts with a medical interview. Experts also use standardized checklists, and may administer 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, staying focused at work or school and retaining important dates. They are more prone to impulsive behaviors like cutting lines or interrupting others, as well as ignoring rules. They may also have trouble working on projects, sticking to their appointments or paying their bills.
It is crucial to seek out a clinician who is trained in ADHD when trying to diagnose the condition. Ask for a referral by a trusted source such as a local mental health organization or a support group. You can also contact your insurance company to see if they have any providers who specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include a thorough description of symptoms experienced by the patient, a review of personal and family histories including any medical, psychiatric and academic issues, the testing for neuropsychological or psychoeducational tests, and a physical examination. The clinician will also speak with other people who are close to the patient, like their spouses or partners to find out how ADHD affects their lives. Many adults suffering from ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood, and it is beneficial to have parents or other close relatives fill out questionnaires describing the child's symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time admitting that their issues stem from their attention deficit disorder. They may feel shamed, angry and frustrated for having trouble staying focused and organized at home and at work. They may also believe that their issues are due to their own fault or imperfections in their character. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring hope and a sense of relief for the future, and enable them to realize that their issues aren't the responsibility.
Diagnosis
There isn't a single physical or medical test to determine ADHD (previously known as ADD). However a trained mental health specialist will collect information from various sources regarding your child's and adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history of the person's previous and current functioning.
A thorough examination could also include a psychological exam, such as an inventory of personality or neuropsychological tests. A medical professional will also evaluate the medical background of the patient, including past or current injuries, illnesses, as well as medications, such as mood-stabilizing drugs like steroids.
It is important to remember that other conditions and disorders may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. This includes anxiety disorders, learning disabilities and mood disorders as and other medical conditions such a thyroid condition and sleep apnea. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help identify the root cause and identify effective treatment options.
adhd diagnosis adults must be causing significant impairment in two or more major environments, like at home or at school, to be considered for ADHD diagnosis. This is particularly true for young children and adolescents. Without treatment, these people can struggle to succeed in school, find it difficult to maintain jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships.
It is crucial to get an evaluation from a medical professional who is familiar with 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 who will conduct an extensive examination. During the clinical interview the doctor will inquire about your child's as well as your own family and personal history as well as examine the criteria for diagnosing ADHD set by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
Treatment
Many psychiatric disorders are similar to ADHD in both children and adults and a thorough psycho-psychiatric examination is required to rule out any other conditions. These include anxiety disorders and mood disorders. They also include learning disabilities, thyroid disorders, head trauma and use of prescription drugs. These alternative explanations could have a significant impact on your quality of life.
A complete mental health assessment includes an interview with the person being assessed and questionnaires and checklists filled out by other people in their lives. This could include spouses and parents for children, and siblings, friends, and coworkers 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 how a person's ADHD symptoms could have affected his or her relationships with other people.
In addition to reviewing symptoms, the psychiatrist or psychologist will also review the medical history of the patient. A physical exam is typically performed as well, including hearing and vision 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 participate in a clinical study to see if the new medication they are taking can improve their symptoms. Participants must be aware that the primary goal of a clinical study is to gain new knowledge and not to treat a specific disease.
Depending on the results, the doctor may suggest psychotherapy, medication or other therapies. In some instances, a combination of treatments is most efficient. Medication is generally safe for both children and adults and can alleviate certain symptoms. Other interventions that can be effective include behavior therapy, lifestyle changes and parenting strategies.
Medication
Some people can improve their functioning by taking medication to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. It can be difficult to determine the right medication and dosage and it can take some time to adjust to side effects. Certain medication can cause people to feel tired or sleepy, so it is important to discuss this with a physician.
Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants to reduce symptoms of ADHD. These medications increase the levels in the brain of specific neurotransmitters. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medication, which can enhance impulsivity and attention but aren't as efficient as stimulants. They can prescribe mood stabilizers or antidepressants to people suffering from depression, and other disorders that could be present alongside ADHD.
Other treatments that can help those suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy and training or education programs for adults and children. These programs can help individuals learn skills and strategies to cope with their symptoms and improve their functioning at home and in school.
In some cases an expert medical or mental health professional can identify ADHD in a child by reviewing school records and discussing the child's behavior with the child's teachers and caregivers. They may interview the child, carry out psychological tests, and screen to determine if there are any issues with learning or other disorders that have similar symptoms.
To be able for a child to be identified with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six of the nine symptoms described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and the symptoms must be significantly affecting functioning at home as well as in the classroom. They should also not be attributed to any other condition.
Counseling
If you require medication management or therapy for ADHD seek out a licensed specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care physician can give you recommendations or refer you to specialists in the field. Some professionals who specialize in ADHD provide telemedicine via the internet to make appointments simpler and more convenient. Many insurance companies allow you to schedule appointments via their system.
Doctors and ADHD specialists can diagnose ADHD in children by discussing their symptoms with parents and teachers in depth and observing them in various settings, interviewing the family members and conducting a learning disability evaluation. They also review the school documents and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. The adolescent or adult needs to show at minimum five of the following symptoms to be diagnosed:
A thorough medical history is important to determine ADHD. Because adults have often poor or spotty memories of childhood, clinicians might seek information from other sources, such as spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes of symptoms resembling ADHD, like brain injuries, developmental disorders or other health issues.
In the initial consultation, the professional should assess how the patient copes with the symptoms of ADHD and evaluate the impact of these symptoms on their daily lives. They should also discuss previous ADHD evaluations or treatments. It is also useful to look for other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition to the evaluation of an individual and their mental health condition, a professional should also be listening to the person in a respectful manner and without judgement. This is especially important if there is a history of depression, or addiction to drugs.