Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often the first step towards managing symptoms that affect daily life. Many people are hesitant about getting an assessment. However, it can be an important relief.
An ADHD evaluation typically starts with a consultation. Experts also use standardized checklists, and may administer screening tests for coexisting conditions such as 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 may be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Adults with ADHD have difficulty with organizing tasks, staying focused at school or work and retaining important dates. They are prone impulsive behavior such as cutting in line, interrupting others, or not following rules. They might also have difficulty finishing projects, keeping appointments or paying their bills.
It is important to seek out a professional who has been trained in ADHD when looking for a diagnosis. Request a referral from a trusted source, such as an organization for mental health in your area or support group. You may also check with your insurance company to find out whether they have any providers who specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include a thorough explanation of symptoms of the patient, an examination of personal and family histories including past medical, psychiatric and educational problems, completion of psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests, and a physical examination. The clinician will also speak with other people who are close to the patient, such as their spouses and partners, to learn the extent to which ADHD symptoms impact their lives. Many adults with ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood. Hence, it is beneficial to have parents or other family members fill out questionnaires describing the child's symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have a difficult to admit their problems are caused by their attention deficit disorder. They may feel angry and embarrassed about their inability to remain focused and organized both at home and in the office. They may also believe that their issues are due to their own fault or character flaws. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and hope for the future and help them realize that their issues are not their fault.
Diagnosis
There's no one-stop medical or physical test for ADHD (previously referred to as ADD), but a trained mental health professional will gather information on your child or adult's symptoms through a variety of sources. These include ADHD symptom lists, standardized behavioral rating scales and a detailed account of the person's past and present performance.
A thorough evaluation may also include a psychological exam, such as an inventory of personality or neuropsychological tests. In addition, a health care provider will examine the patient's medical history, including recent or previous injuries, illnesses and the usage of medication, including 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 anxiety disorders, learning disabilities and mood disorders as well as other medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and thyroid conditions. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help identify the root of the problem and determine the most effective treatment.
The symptoms of a person must be causing significant impairment in two or more major situations, including at home or at school, to be considered for ADHD diagnosis. This is particularly true for children and young adults. They may have a difficult time to succeed at school, may have trouble keeping their jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships without treatment.
It's crucial to seek an evaluation from an expert in health care who has worked with children and teens. There are many primary care doctors or mental health professionals who diagnose ADHD. However it is recommended to find a specialist that will do a thorough evaluation. During the consultation your doctor will inquire with you about your child's development and your family history. He or she will also review the criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition.
Treatment
There are a myriad of psychiatric issues that can mimic ADHD for adults as well as children. A thorough psychiatric examination is necessary to exclude any other medical disorders. These include anxiety disorders and mood disorders. They also include learning disabilities, thyroid disorders, head trauma and use of drugs. These alternate explanations can have a major impact on the quality of life.
A thorough mental health assessment typically includes an interview with the patient and also checklists or questionnaires that are completed by other people who are in the patient's life. This could include spouses, parents and siblings, as well as teachers for children; as well as coworkers 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 clinician understand the ways in which a person's ADHD symptoms may have impacted their relationships with others.
In addition to reviewing symptoms, a psychiatrist or psychologist will also examine the medical history of the patient. A physical exam is usually 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 choose to participate in clinical trials to determine whether the new medication can help improve their symptoms. However, participants should know that the main purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge and not to treat a specific condition.
Depending on the results, the doctor could suggest psychotherapy, medication or other therapies. In some cases a combination treatment is the most efficient. Certain medications can ease the symptoms and is generally safe for children as well as adults. Other methods can be successful such as behavior therapy and lifestyle changes.
Medication
Some people can improve their performance by taking medication to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. It can be difficult to find the best dosage and medication and it can take a while to adjust to the side effects. Certain medications can cause someone to feel tired or sleepy, so it is important to discuss this with a physician.
Psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants which boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medications that improve attention, impulsivity and focus but aren't as effective as stimulants. They can also prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers to people suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that might be present in conjunction with ADHD.
Other treatments that can aid those suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy and educational or training programs for adults and children. These treatments can help people learn strategies and techniques to deal with the symptoms and improve their performance at home and in school.
find out here or medical professional may be able to detect ADHD in a young child by looking over the school records of the child and discussing his behavior with caregivers and teachers. They'll likely interview the child, conduct psychological tests and look for signs of learning disabilities and other disorders with similar symptoms.
In order 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 the symptoms must be significantly affecting adaptive functioning at home and in the classroom. In addition, they must not be better explained by a different condition.
Counseling
If you require treatment or medication management for ADHD it is crucial to find a certified professional with experience in treating the disorder. Your primary care physician can offer a recommendation or guide you to specialists in your area. Some professionals specializing in ADHD also offer telemedicine online that makes appointments simple and convenient. Many insurance companies let you schedule appointments through their system.
For children doctors and specialists who specialize in ADHD are able to diagnose the condition based on discussions of symptoms at length with parents and teachers, observing the child or an adolescent in various situations as well as interviewing family members and conducting an assessment for learning disabilities. They also look over school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers. 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. Since adults typically have weak or blurry memories of childhood, clinicians may seek out information from other sources, such as spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes, like the development disorder, brain injury or other health issues which could be responsible for the symptoms reminiscent of ADHD.
In the initial consultation, the expert will examine how the patient copes with ADHD symptoms and the impact these symptoms have on their daily life. They must also discuss the results of any prior ADHD evaluations and treatment. It is also beneficial to determine other conditions that share similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. When conducting an assessment of an person as a mental health professional, they must also be able to listen to the person in a respectful manner and without judgement. This is particularly important if the patient has an history of substance abuse or depression.