Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is often the first thing to be done to reduce symptoms that interfere in everyday life. Many people are reluctant about getting a diagnosis. However, it can be an uplifting experience.
A clinical interview is typically the first step in an ADHD assessment. Experts also use standardized checklists and may 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 is often caused by moved here in the brain. Adults who suffer from ADHD are unable to organize tasks, paying attention at work or school and retaining important dates. They are prone impulsive behavior such as cutting in line, interrupting others, or not following rules. They may also have problems finishing projects, keeping appointments or paying their bills.
It is important to find a doctor who is trained in ADHD when looking for a diagnosis. Check with local chapters of mental health organizations, a local support group, or seek the recommendation of a reliable source. It is recommended to inquire with your insurance provider to see if there are providers in network that specialize in ADHD.
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment will include a detailed description of symptoms, a review of the family and personal history, including past medical, mental health and educational problems, as well as taking psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests, as well as a physical exam. The doctor will also talk to other people who are close to the patient, for example their spouses or partners, to determine the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect their lives. Many adults suffering from ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood, and it is helpful to have parents or other close relatives complete questionnaires detailing the child's symptoms.
Adults with ADHD may have a difficult to admit their problems result from their attention deficit disorder. They may be frustrated or embarrassed by their inability to stay organized and focused both at home and at the office. They might also believe that their issues are due to their own shortcomings or flaws in their character. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and hope for the future and help them realize that their problems aren't their fault.
Diagnosis
There is no one physical or medical test to diagnose ADHD (previously called 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 symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed account of the person's past and present performance.
A thorough assessment could include a psycho-psychological test such as an inventory of personality or a neuropsychological test. Additionally the health care professional can examine a person's medical history, which includes present or past illnesses, injuries and use of medications, such as those that stabilize moods, such as steroids.
It's important to recognize that other disorders and conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. This includes learning disabilities, anxiety disorders and mood disorders as in addition to other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorder or sleep apnea. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help identify the root of the problem and identify effective treatments.
The symptoms of a person must cause significant impairment in two or more major environments, like at home or at school, in order to be considered for ADHD diagnosis. This is especially relevant for children and young adults. They may have a difficult time to get through school, may have trouble keeping their jobs, and have trouble maintaining friendships and relationships without being treated with respect.
It's important to seek an assessment from a health professional who specializes in working with adolescents and children. A majority of primary care physicians and mental health professionals frequently diagnose ADHD however, you should seek out a specialist who is able to perform a thorough examination. During the clinical interview the doctor will ask about your child's and your own family and personal history and will also review the criteria for diagnosing ADHD defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
Treatment
There are a myriad of psychiatric issues that can mimic ADHD in adults as well as children. A complete psychiatric assessment is necessary to exclude any other medical conditions. These include anxiety disorders and mood disorders. They also include learning disabilities as well as thyroid issues, head trauma and use of drugs. It is crucial to consider the various explanations for symptoms because they can impact the quality of life.
A thorough mental health assessment usually involves an interview with the patient and also checklists or questionnaires that are that other people have completed in their lives. This could include parents, spouses, siblings and teachers for children, co-workers as well as therapists, friends and coworkers for adults. Personal experience often reveals facts that cannot be gleaned from checklists or questions, and it also helps the clinician understand how an individual's ADHD symptoms may have affected his or her relationships with other people.
In addition to reviewing symptoms, a psychologist or psychiatrist will also look over the medical history of a patient. A physical exam is usually also performed, which includes 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 decide to participate in a clinical trial to determine if a new medication they are taking can help their symptoms. However, participants must be aware that the primary goal of a clinical study is to gain new knowledge about science, not to treat a condition.
Based on the results of the evaluation, the doctor may suggest treatment options that could include psychotherapy, medications or other therapies. In some cases, a combination of treatments is most effective. Medication is generally safe for both adults and children, and can relieve certain symptoms. Other methods can be successful with regard to behavior therapy, for example lifestyle modifications.
Medication
For certain people medications can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and enhance their ability to function. It can be challenging to find the most effective medication and dosage and it may take a while to adjust to side effects. Some medications can cause a person to feel tired or sleepy and it is essential to discuss this with a physician.
Psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants, that increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medication, which can increase impulsivity and attention, but are not quite as effective as stimulants. They can prescribe mood stabilisers or antidepressants for those suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that might be present in conjunction with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, family therapy, and training or educational programs for adults and children are other treatments that can aid those suffering from ADHD. These interventions can help people develop strategies and skills to cope with their symptoms and improve their performance at home and school.
In some instances, a medical or mental health professional may be able to identify ADHD in children by reviewing their school records and discussing the child's behavior with teachers and caretakers. They may interview the child, conduct psychological testing and test for learning disabilities as well as other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
To be able for a child to be identified with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six of the nine symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and these symptoms must significantly hinder functioning at home as well as in the classroom. They should also not be attributed to any other condition.
Counseling
If you require therapy or medication treatment for ADHD it is essential to find a certified specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care physician can make a recommendation or direct you to specialists in your area. Certain specialists who specialize in ADHD also offer telemedicine online that makes appointments simple and 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, observing them in different environments, talking to the family members and conducting a study of learning disabilities. They also review the school records and complete questionnaires by teachers and caregivers. To be eligible for a diagnosis the adult or adolescent must exhibit at least five of the following symptoms:
A thorough medical history is necessary in order to diagnose ADHD. Clinicians can inquire about childhood memories from other sources, like spouses or family members, since adults are more likely to have poor or hazy memories of their childhood. They should also be looking for other possible causes, such as the development disorder, brain injury or other health issues which could be causing symptoms reminiscent of ADHD.
During the initial consultation, the professional will assess how the patient is coping with ADHD symptoms and the impact that these symptoms have on their daily life. They should also discuss prior ADHD assessments or treatments. It is also beneficial to determine other conditions that have similar symptoms, like depression and anxiety. When evaluating an person and their mental health condition, a professional should also be listening to the person in a respectful manner and without judgment. This is particularly important if the patient has a history of depression or abuse.