Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step toward controlling symptoms that interfere with everyday life. Many people are reluctant to seek a diagnosis, however, it can be a great relief.
An ADHD evaluation usually begins with a medical interview. Experts can also conduct screening tests to detect co-existing 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 can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty with organizing tasks, paying attention at work or school and remembering important dates. They are prone impulsive behavior such as cutting in line, interrupting others, or ignoring rules. They might also have difficulties working on projects, sticking to their appointments, or paying their bills.
It is essential to seek out a clinician who is trained in ADHD when seeking a diagnosis. Look for local chapters of mental health organizations, a local support group, or ask for a referral from another trusted source. It's also a good idea to check with your insurance company to determine whether they have providers in their the network who specialize in ADHD.
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation will include a thorough explanation of symptoms experienced by the patient, a review of personal and family history including any medical, psychiatric and educational problems, testing for neuropsychological or psychoeducational tests and a physical exam. In addition, the clinician will talk to significant others such as spouses or partners to determine the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect their lives. Many people with ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood, and it is helpful to have parents or other relatives fill out questionnaires describing the child's symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have a difficult time admitting their problems are due to their attention deficit disorder. They may feel angry or embarrassed by their inability to remain focused and organized both at home and at the office. They may also believe that their problems are due to their own mistakes or character flaws. Being diagnosed with ADHD can provide relief and hope for the future, and help them understand that their problems aren't their fault.
Diagnosis
There is no single medical test or physical test to diagnose ADHD (previously known as ADD). However, a qualified mental healthcare specialist will collect information from many sources regarding your child's and adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed account of the person's previous and present functioning.
A thorough evaluation may also include a psychological exam, such as an inventory of personality or neuropsychological testing. A medical professional will also examine the medical history of the patient, including past or current illnesses, injuries, and medications, like mood-stabilizing drugs such as steroids.
It's important to recognize that other conditions and disorders can be a source of symptoms similar to 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 psychiatric evaluation will help identify the root of the problem and determine the most effective treatment.
A person's symptoms must cause significant impairment in two or more significant settings, such as at home and at school, in order to qualify for ADHD diagnosis. This is particularly true for young children and adolescents. If they are not treated, these people 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 crucial to get an evaluation from a health care provider who is familiar with working with children and teens. Many primary care doctors and mental health professionals regularly diagnose ADHD however, you must choose an expert who takes the time to conduct a thorough assessment. In the course of the interview, the doctor will inquire about your child's and your personal 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 adults and children A thorough psycho-psychiatric examination is required to rule out any other conditions. These include mood disorders and anxiety disorders. They also include learning disabilities, thyroid issues, head trauma and use of drugs. These alternative explanations can have a major impact on your quality of life.
A comprehensive mental health assessment includes an interview with the person who is being assessed and checklists and questionnaires that are completed by others in their life. This could include spouses, parents siblings, teachers and parents for children, co-workers as well as therapists, friends and coworkers for adults. Personal insights can provide insights that is not obtained from checklists or questions. It can also help the clinician to comprehend the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect the relationships of a person with other people.
The psychologist or psychiatrist will look over the medical records of the patient as well as their symptoms. 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 take part in a clinical study to determine if a new medication they are taking can improve their symptoms. However, they should be aware that the main purpose of a clinical study is to acquire new scientific knowledge and not to treat a condition.
Depending on the results of the evaluation, the doctor will recommend treatment options that may include psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In certain instances, it is recommended to combine treatments as they are the most efficient. Medication is generally safe for both adults and children, and can relieve some symptoms. Other treatments that are beneficial include behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes and parenting strategies.
Medication
For certain people medication can ease symptoms of ADHD and improve their capacity to perform. It can be challenging to determine the right medication and dosage and it may take some time to adjust to the side effects. Certain medication can cause people to feel sleepy or drowsy and it is essential to discuss this with a doctor.
Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants, that increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. They may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that can help improve attention and impulsivity but are not quite as efficient 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 help those with ADHD. These interventions can help people learn strategies and techniques to deal with symptoms and improve their performance at home and in school.
A mental or medical professional might be able to determine ADHD in a child by looking over the school records of the child and discussing his behavior with teachers and caregivers. They may interview the child, conduct psychological tests and look for signs of learning disabilities and other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms.
To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must show at least six of the nine symptoms as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV TR) and these symptoms must be significant enough to impair adaptive functioning in the classroom as well as at home. In addition, they should not be more easily explained by another condition.
Counseling
When you need treatment or medication treatment for ADHD it is essential to find a licensed specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care physician will make a recommendation or direct you to specialists in your area. Some specialists who specialize in ADHD offer online telemedicine to make appointments simpler and more convenient. Many insurance companies allow you make these appointments using their system.
Doctors and ADHD specialists can diagnose ADHD in children by discussing the symptoms with parents and teachers in-depth and observing them in various settings, interviewing the family and conducting a study of learning disabilities. They also look over the school records and fill out questionnaires by teachers and caregivers. To receive a diagnosis, the adolescent/adult must show at least five signs:
A thorough medical history is important to determine ADHD. Since adults typically have weak or blurry memories of childhood, doctors may seek out information from independent sources like spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes of ADHD-like symptoms, such as developmental disorders, brain injuries or other health issues.
During the initial consultation the doctor should determine the way in which the person deals with the symptoms of ADHD and evaluate the impact of these symptoms on their daily life. They should also discuss the history of any prior ADHD evaluations and treatments. It is also helpful to identify other conditions with similar symptoms, like depression and anxiety. When evaluating an individual and their mental health condition, a professional must also be able to listen to the person with openness and without judgment. This is particularly important if the patient has a history of substance abuse or depression.
