Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often the first step toward controlling symptoms that interfere with everyday life. Many people are hesitant about finding out if they have an assessment. However, it could be an important relief.
A clinical interview is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. Experts can also conduct screening tests to detect co-existing 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 can be caused by an imbalance in chemicals in the brain. Adults with ADHD often have trouble with organizational tasks, paying attention in school or at work and remembering important events. They are more prone to impulsive behaviors such as cutting lines, interrupting others or ignoring rules. They may also have trouble making appointments, completing tasks or paying bills.
When seeking a diagnosis it is important to find an expert in ADHD. Check with local chapters of mental health organizations, a local support group or ask for a referral from another trusted source. It is also a good idea to inquire with your insurance company to see whether they have providers in their network who specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include a thorough description of symptoms of the patient, review of family and personal history including any medical, psychiatric and educational issues, completion of psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests and a physical exam. The clinician will also speak with other people who are close to the patient, for example their spouses and partners, to find out the extent to which ADHD symptoms affect their lives. Many adults with ADHD suffer from poor memories of their childhood. Therefore, it is beneficial to ask parents or other family members complete questionnaires detailing the child's symptoms.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty admitting that their issues are caused by their attention deficit disorder. They may feel shamed, angry and frustrated for being unable to stay focused and organized at home and at work. They might also believe that their problems are due to their own shortcomings or character flaws. Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring relief and hope for the future and help them understand that their issues are not their own fault.
Diagnosis
There is no single medical test or physical test to determine ADHD (previously known as ADD). However getting diagnosed with adhd trained mental health specialist will collect information from many sources about your child's or adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history of the person's past and current functioning.
A thorough assessment could include a psycho-psychological examination such as a personality inventory or a neuropsychological test. A medical professional will also examine the medical background of the patient including any current or past injuries, illnesses, as well as medications, including mood-stabilizing drugs like steroids.
It's important to recognize that other disorders and conditions may be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. These include learning disabilities mood disorders, anxiety disorders and medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid conditions and head injuries. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help determine the cause and identify effective treatment options.
The symptoms of an individual must be causing significant impairment in two or more major settings, such as at home or at school, in order to qualify for ADHD diagnosis. This is particularly true for young people and children. They may have a difficult time to succeed at school, struggle to maintain their jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships with no being treated with respect.
It is crucial to get an assessment from an expert in health care who is familiar with working with children and adolescents. There are many primary care doctors or mental health specialists who diagnose ADHD. However it is recommended to find a specialist who will conduct an extensive examination. During the clinical interview the doctor will ask 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 can mimic ADHD in both children and adults A thorough psycho-psychiatric examination is required to rule out other conditions. These include anxiety disorders and mood disorders. They also include learning disabilities, thyroid disorders, head trauma and use of drugs. It's important to consider these alternative explanations for symptoms, as they can significantly impact your quality of life.
A thorough mental health evaluation typically includes an interview with the patient as well as questionnaires or checklists that are completed by other people in their lives. This could include parents and spouses for children, as well as siblings, coworkers and friends for adults. Personal experience often reveals facts that cannot be gleaned from a checklist or a set of questions, and it also helps the clinician understand how a person's ADHD symptoms could have impacted their relationships with others.
In addition to reviewing symptoms, the psychologist or psychiatrist will also examine the medical history of a patient. A physical exam, including audio and vision tests is also performed. 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 take part in a clinical study to determine if a new medication they are taking will improve their symptoms. Participants must be aware that the primary objective of a study is to learn new information, not treat a particular health condition.
Based on the outcomes, the doctor might prescribe psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments. In some instances, it is recommended to combine treatments as they are the most effective. The medication is generally safe for both children and adults and can relieve some symptoms. Other treatments can be beneficial, including behavior therapy and lifestyle changes.
Medication
For some medication can ease symptoms of ADHD and enhance their ability to perform. It can be difficult to determine the right medication and dosage and it may take a while to adjust to side effects. It is essential to talk to your doctor if you feel tired or sleepy after taking certain medicines.
Psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants, that increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. They may also prescribe non-stimulant medication, which can improve attention and impulsivity but aren't as efficient as stimulants. They can prescribe mood stabilizers or antidepressants to people suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that may be present along with ADHD.
Psychotherapy, family therapy, and training or educational programs for adults and children are other therapies that can benefit those suffering from ADHD. These treatments can help people develop strategies and techniques to deal with their symptoms and improve their performance at home and school.
In certain instances, a medical or mental health professional can detect ADHD in children by reviewing their school records and discussing the child's behavior with caretakers and teachers. They'll likely interview the child, conduct psychological testing and look for signs of learning disabilities as well as other conditions that have similar symptoms.
For a child to receive 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 the symptoms must be significant enough to hinder adaptive functioning in the classroom as well as at home. In addition, they must not be more easily explained by a different condition.
Counseling
If you require medication management or therapy for ADHD look for a certified professional with experience in treating the disorder. Your primary physician can make a recommendation or direct you to specialists in your region. Certain specialists who specialize in ADHD offer online telemedicine to make appointments simpler and more convenient. Many insurance companies allow you to make these appointments using their system.
In children doctors and specialists with ADHD can diagnose the condition based on discussions of symptoms at length with teachers and parents and observing the child or teenager in various settings including interviewing family members, and conducting an evaluation for learning disabilities. They also review the school records and complete questionnaires by caregivers and teachers. The adult or adolescent must to demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms to qualify for diagnosis:
A complete medical history is important in determining ADHD. Because adults have often poor or spotty memories of childhood, doctors may ask for information from independent sources such as spouses or other family members. They should also be able to identify other possible causes for symptoms similar to ADHD, such as neurological disorders, brain injuries or other health issues.
During the initial consultation, the doctor should determine how the person copes with the symptoms of ADHD and assess the impact of those symptoms on their daily life. They should also discuss any previous ADHD assessments or treatments. It is also helpful to identify other conditions with similar symptoms, like anxiety and mood disorders. When the evaluation of an individual as a mental health professional, they should also listen to the person with openness and without judgement. This is particularly important if the patient has a history of depression or substance abuse.