How to Diagnose ADHD
Finding out if you have ADHD involves gathering a lot of information. Your doctor will go over your symptoms and past history, and use the standard ADHD rating scales. They will also check for other problems that may be causing the symptoms of your adult or child like thyroid issues, sleep disorders or depression. You may also be suffering from alcohol abuse.
To be diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly impact family and school activities and last for at least six months.
Symptoms
A medical professional needs to take a careful look at a patient before determining ADHD. He or she will ask questions about the symptoms, review family, social, and medical histories, and look at the mental health of the person's current and prior and medical issues. The provider may also order tests to determine if there is a problem with anxiety, depression, or other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD is more likely than other people to have trouble concentrating for long periods of time. This can hinder schoolwork and other important tasks. They are more prone to getting distracted by activities, people or things surrounding them. They have a difficult time following instructions, retaining details and keeping deadlines. They can be easily annoyed by criticism or have unrealistic expectations, which can lead to disappointment and failure.
The symptoms of ADHD are different for each person and can be mild, moderate or severe. The mild symptoms aren't a hindrance to the daily routine or relationships. The more severe symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and home. People with ADHD generally experience symptoms throughout their lives. It is more prevalent in childhood, but some adults are not diagnosed due to their ability to manage their symptoms.
For children suffering from ADHD the doctor will do thorough examinations, including hearing and vision tests. He or she may inquire about the child parents, the child, and their teachers about their habits and behavior. They may also order an examination of the brain to rule out any other possible causes, for example MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric assessment is usually done by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or clinical social worker psychologist. The examiner will inquire about the person's symptoms and how they affect his or her life and work, and consider the family's background and education. He or she will also examine the person's medical and mental health background and talk to other family members and friends to obtain more of a complete picture.
The evaluator will decide if the person has the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD, the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type or both. The inattentive presentation is more common among girls and affects all ages, while the hyperactive-impulsive type is more common in boys and younger children.
Triggers
Helping your child is a good idea if your child is constantly snoozing or has trouble focussing on schoolwork, other tasks at home, or seems easily distracted by their friends. ADHD is adhd adults diagnosis that affects children who have trouble paying attention, controlling behavior or being organized. It can affect children in a variety of ways, and create problems at school, at home as well as in their relationships with their family and classmates.
Take notes and observe your child's behavior prior to you go to the doctor. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will look for a mix of symptoms and signs to determine if your child suffers from ADD or ADHD. They will also take into consideration the child's developmental stage as well as age. A diagnosis of ADD is given when an infant under the age of 16 has at least 6 signs of inattention (or 5 for teenagers older than that) for at least 6 months, and these symptoms hinder daily functioning. The signs of ADHD include fidgeting and talking, tapping, or any other constant movement and a failure to follow through with instructions chores, school or work-related tasks.
A professional will inquire about the impact of these behaviors on your child's everyday life. They will be looking to find out whether they struggle with academics or other activities or have trouble maintaining romantic relationships or friendships, and are frequently late for appointments. They will also review the medical history of your child and current medications, since some medications can cause symptoms of ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is a bit more difficult because the criteria used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is geared toward diagnosing children. The most reliable method to identify ADHD in adults is to conduct an interview with a specialist with experience with the disorder. They will not rush through the process and will take their time. They often employ scans and computer programs of the brain to examine your child's structure.
Recognizing triggers is the initial step to managing ADHD. Once you have identified what triggers your symptoms, you can take actions that will help you avoid these triggers. For example, you could limit screen time, eat a healthy diet and plan regular sleep times.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD the first step is to obtain a professional diagnosis. Many medical professionals are specially trained to assess ADHD in adults. When selecting a doctor be sure to inquire about their education and experience with adult ADHD.
Your doctor will make use of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, in order to make a diagnosis. He or she wants to know if you have various symptoms that have been present for at minimum six months and are interfering with your everyday life whether at home, at work or socially. These include: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, difficulty sitting still or waiting your turn, trouble organizing activities, making careless mistakes, problems with schoolwork or work, and difficulties forming close relationships.
The examination will also examine other conditions that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include mood disorders, learning disorders like depression or anxiety thyroid issues or head injuries, among other medical issues. Your doctor might also look into your family history to determine whether you suffered from ADHD as an infant.
Because people with ADHD often have difficulties forming close relationships, it is important that your assessment includes information from family members. Teachers as well as religious and Scout leaders, coaches, co-workers and others who interact with you may also offer valuable insight. These people can tell your doctor about how you interact with them and if there are particular issues you face in these relationships.
An assessment for ADHD typically involves an appointment with your physician and questionnaires you fill out. Sometimes, computer programs, such as continuous performance tests or SPECT brain scans, are used to measure the level of attention and impulse control.
Your doctor and you will discuss your personal life to determine if there are any significant problems at work or in your relationships. If you have a spouse or partner, you may consider starting couples therapy as well. Together with your doctor, you must determine the most effective treatment plan for you. This could include changes in your lifestyle, counseling, and medication.
Treatment
The good news is that treatment for ADHD can help your child or you manage symptoms and live a more productive life. There are several treatments, including medication and therapy.
It is essential to consult a mental health professional who is specialized in ADHD. They can give you an accurate diagnosis, develop a treatment plan and teach you coping skills to manage your symptoms. They can also help you support your child's learning and behavior needs at school by working closely with their teachers.
Most children and teens with ADHD are treated with an ad-hoc combination of therapy for behavior and medication. The dosage and kind of medication can differ from one individual to another. It can take some time to find a dosage and a drug that is suitable for you or your children. Talk to your doctor about various options for medication and ask for samples. This allows you to test out the drugs to see which ones are most effective and have the smallest adverse consequences.
Adults with untreated ADHD may have trouble at work or in their relationships. They may have trouble keeping jobs, interacting with colleagues, or meeting financial obligations. They may also be suffering from anxiety and depression as well. A health care provider will examine the patient's emotional and mental health history and moods. The provider may suggest an evaluation for mood disorders or other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the diagnosis consultation, the provider will pay attention to your your child's story. They may ask questions about family and social life as well as how the symptoms affect the way they function in their lives and how they have changed over time. They could ask teachers and relatives for more details to get an accurate picture. The doctor will likely suggest a full physical examination that includes blood and urine tests. The doctor may also recommend brain imaging.
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD begin talking to your primary physician. They can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or another mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. It is also advisable to check with your health insurance provider to ensure that the professionals you're thinking about using are covered. If not, you might think about a mental health insurance plan like BetterHelp.