Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step towards controlling symptoms that interfere with daily activities. Many people are uncomfortable getting a diagnosis. However, it can be a relief.
A clinical interview is usually the first step in an ADHD assessment. Experts can also conduct screening tests to identify co-existing conditions like 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 of chemicals in the brain. Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with organizing tasks, paying attention at work or school and remembering important dates. They are more prone to impulsive behavior like disrupting others, or ignoring rules. They may also have difficulty completing projects, keeping their appointments, or paying their bills.
It is crucial to seek out a clinician who has been certified in ADHD when trying to diagnose the condition. Request a referral from an established source such as an organization for mental health in your area or a support group. It's also a good idea to contact your insurance provider to see whether they have providers in their network that specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include a thorough explanation of symptoms experienced by the patient, a review of personal and family history including past medical, psychiatric, and educational problems, testing for neuropsychological or psychoeducational tests, and a physical examination. Additionally, the doctor will talk to significant others, such as spouses or partners to find out how ADHD symptoms affect their lives. It is essential to ask parents or other relatives about the symptoms of ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD don't remember their childhood.
Adults with ADHD may have a difficult to admit that their issues are caused by their attention deficit disorder. Read Even more 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 personality flaws. Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring relief and hope for the future, and help them understand that their issues are not their fault.
Diagnosis
There is no single physical or medical test to diagnose ADHD (previously called ADD). However a trained mental health specialist will collect information from many sources regarding your child's and adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior, a detailed history of past and present functioning and information from people who know the person well.
A thorough evaluation may also include a psychological test like an inventory of personality or neuropsychological tests. In addition the health care professional will examine the patient's medical history, which includes present or past injuries, illnesses, and use of medications, such as the mood-stabilizing drugs like steroids.
It is important to remember that other conditions and disorders may be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. These include learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and other medical issues such as sleep apnea thyroid conditions and head injuries. A thorough assessment of psychiatric disorders will help determine the cause and determine the most effective treatment.
An important consideration for determining ADHD is whether the person's symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two primary settings - such as school and home. This is particularly true for children and young adults. They may have a difficult time to get through school, have difficulty maintaining jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships without treatment.
It is essential to seek a diagnosis by an expert in health care who is familiar with working with children and adolescents. A majority of primary care physicians and mental health professionals routinely diagnose ADHD, but you should choose a specialist who takes the time to conduct a thorough assessment. In the course of the interview, the doctor will ask about your child's and your own personal and family history, and will also review the criteria used to diagnose ADHD defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition.
Treatment
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD in adults and children, and a complete psycho-psychiatric examination is required to rule out other disorders. These include mood disorders and anxiety disorders. They also include learning disabilities as well as thyroid issues, head trauma, and drug use. These other explanations could have a significant impact on the quality of life.
A complete mental health assessment includes an interview with the person being assessed and checklists and questionnaires completed by people who are in their lives. This may include spouses, parents, siblings and teachers for children, co-workers or friends, as well as therapists for adults. Personal insights can provide insights that is not gleaned from questions or checklists. It also helps the clinician understand the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect the person's relationships with others.
In addition to examining symptoms, a psychologist or psychiatrist will also look over the medical history of a patient. Physical examination, which includes vision and audio 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 choose to participate in clinical trials to determine if the new medication can help improve their symptoms. Participants should be aware that the main objective of a study is to learn new information, not treat a particular disease.
Based on the findings of the assessment, the doctor may recommend treatment options that may include medications, psychotherapy or other therapies. In some cases it is recommended to combine treatments as they are the most effective. Certain medications can ease the symptoms and is generally safe for children as well as adults. Other treatments that are beneficial include behavior therapy, lifestyle changes and parenting strategies.
Medication
For some medications can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and improve their capacity to perform. It can be a challenge to find the right dosage and kind of medication that works most effectively, and it can take time to get used to any adverse effects. It is crucial to speak to your doctor if you are feeling sleepy or drowsy after taking certain medications.
Psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants, which increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. They may also prescribe non-stimulant medications that improve attention and impulsivity but are not quite as effective as stimulants. They may also prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers for those suffering from depression as well as other disorders that might be present with ADHD.
Other therapies that can benefit those suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy, and educational or training programs for adults and children. These interventions can help people learn strategies and skills to cope with their symptoms and improve their functioning at home and in school.
In certain instances, a medical or mental health professional can identify ADHD in children by reviewing their school records and discussing the child's behavior with caretakers and teachers. They may interview the child, perform psychological testing, and screen to determine if there are any problems with learning or any other condition with similar symptoms.
In order for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six of the nine symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and the symptoms must be significantly affecting functioning at home as well as in the classroom. In addition, they should not be better explained by a different condition.
Counseling
When you need therapy or medication management for ADHD, it's essential to find a professional who is experienced in 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 via the internet, which makes appointments easy and convenient. Many insurance companies let you schedule appointments through their system.
Doctors and ADHD specialists can identify ADHD in children by discussing their symptoms with parents and teachers in depth, observing them in different situations, speaking with the family members and conducting a study of learning disabilities. They also review school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. To be diagnosed the adult or adolescent must exhibit at least five signs:
A thorough medical history is important to diagnose ADHD. Because adults often have poor or hazy memories of childhood, therapists may seek out information from other sources like spouses or other family members. They should also search for other possible causes, such as developmental disorder, brain injury or other health issues that could be causing symptoms similar to ADHD.
In the initial consultation, the expert should evaluate 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 previous ADHD assessments or treatments. It is also beneficial to determine other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders. A mental health professional should not only examine an individual, but also listen to them without judgement. This is particularly important when the person has an history of depression or abuse.