Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is often the first thing that can be taken to manage symptoms that hinder daily life. Many people are reluctant to seek out a diagnosis, however, it can be a great relief.
An ADHD evaluation typically starts with a clinical interview. Experts also utilize checklists that are standard and may also conduct screening tests for coexisting 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 can be caused by an imbalance in the chemical system of the brain. Adults with ADHD have difficulty with organizing tasks, paying attention at work or school, and remembering important dates. They are more prone to impulsive behaviors like cutting lines, interrupting others or ignoring rules. They may also have difficulty finishing projects, completing their appointments or paying their bills.
It is crucial to seek out a clinician who has been trained in ADHD when seeking a diagnosis. Find local chapters of mental health organizations, local support group, or request an appointment from a trusted source. You may also check with your insurance company to find out whether they have any providers who specialize in ADHD.
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment will include a detailed patient description of their symptoms and a thorough review of the family and personal history, including any past medical, mental health and educational problems and the taking psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests, as well as a physical exam. In addition, the clinician will talk to significant others, such as spouses or partners to find out the extent to which ADHD symptoms impact their lives. Many adults with ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood, and it is helpful to ask parents or other relatives fill out questionnaires describing the child's symptoms.
Adults with ADHD may have a difficult time admitting their problems result from their attention deficit disorder. They may feel angry and embarrassed about their inability to stay focused and organized both at home and at the office. They may also believe that their problems are their own imperfections in their character. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring hope and a sense of relief for the future, and aid them in understanding that their problems aren't their blame.
Diagnosis
There's no one-stop physical or medical test for ADHD (previously referred to as ADD) however a trained mental health professional will collect information about your child or adult's symptoms from numerous sources. These include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior as well as a detailed record of past and present functioning and information from those who know the person.
A thorough assessment could include a psycho-psychological examination, such a personality inventory or a neuropsychological test. A health care provider will also look into the medical background of the patient including past or current injuries, illnesses, and medications, such as mood-stabilizing drugs such as steroids.
Other conditions and disorders may be a source of ADHD symptoms. These include learning disabilities anxiety disorders, mood disorders and other medical problems such as sleep apnea head injuries and thyroid disorders. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help identify the root of the problem and provide effective treatment options.
The symptoms of a person must be causing 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 relevant for children and young adults. Without treatment, these individuals are likely to struggle to get ahead in school, 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 has experience working with children and adolescents. A majority of primary care physicians and mental health professionals routinely diagnose ADHD however, you must choose a specialist who takes the time to perform a thorough examination. During the consultation, your doctor will ask you about your child's development and your family history. He or she 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 adults and children, and a complete mental health evaluation is needed to rule out any other conditions. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders as well as head injuries, learning disabilities, thyroid conditions and use of drugs. These other explanations can have a significant impact on the quality of life.
A thorough mental health assessment usually involves an interview with the patient and also checklists or questionnaires completed by other people who are in the patient's life. This can include spouses, parents siblings, teachers and parents for children; as well as coworkers, friends and therapists for adults. Personal insight can provide information that is not gained from checklists or questions. It also assists the clinician to understand the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect the relationships of a person with other people.
In addition to reviewing symptoms, the psychologist or psychiatrist can also examine a patient's medical history. A physical exam is often conducted as well, which may include 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 decide to participate in a clinical study to determine if a new medication they're taking will help their symptoms. However, participants should know that the primary purpose of a clinical study is to learn new knowledge about science and not to treat a disease.
Based on the results of the assessment, the doctor will recommend treatment options that may include psychotherapy, medications or other interventions. In some instances the combination of treatments is the most efficient. The medication is generally safe for adults and children, and can help alleviate some symptoms. Other methods can be successful such as behavior therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Medication
Certain people can enhance their functioning by taking medication to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. It can be challenging to find the most effective dosage and medication and it can take some time to adjust to the side effects. Certain medication can cause people to feel tired or sleepy and it is essential to talk to a doctor about this.
Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. These drugs increase the levels in the brain of specific neurotransmitters. undiagnosed adhd in adults may also prescribe nonstimulant medications that can improve attention, impulsivity and focus but aren't as efficient as stimulants. They can also prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers for those suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that could be present with ADHD.
Other treatments that can help people suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy, and training or education programs for children and adults. These treatments can help people develop strategies and skills to cope with their symptoms and improve functioning at home and at school.
In some instances an expert medical or mental health professional can identify ADHD in the child by looking over school records and discussing the child's behavior with caretakers and teachers. They'll likely interview the child, conduct psychological tests, and screen to determine if there are any issues with learning or other disorders that have similar symptoms.
For a child to receive an ADHD diagnosis the child must display at least six of nine symptoms 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 another condition.
Counseling
If you require treatment or medication management for ADHD, find a licensed specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care doctor will be able to give you a recommendation or recommend specialists in the area. Some professionals specializing in ADHD also offer telemedicine via the internet, which makes appointments easy and convenient. Many insurance companies let you make appointments using their system.
In children doctors and specialists with ADHD can diagnose the disorder based on discussing symptoms with teachers and parents as well as observing the child an adolescent in various settings including interviewing family members, and conducting an evaluation for learning disabilities. They also review the school reports and questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers. To be eligible for a diagnosis an adult or adolescent must present at least five symptoms:
A complete medical history is important in determining ADHD. Because adults often have poor or spotty memories of childhood, clinicians may seek out information from independent sources such as spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes, like brain injury, developmental disorder or other health issues, that could be causing symptoms similar to ADHD.
During the initial consultation, the doctor should determine how the person copes with the symptoms of ADHD and assess the impact of these symptoms on their daily life. They must also discuss the results of any previous ADHD assessments and treatments. It's also helpful to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. A mental health professional shouldn't just assess an individual, but also listen to them without judgement. This is particularly important when there is a history of depression, or drug abuse.