Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step toward controlling symptoms that interfere with daily life. Many people are hesitant about seeking an assessment. However, it can be an important relief.
A clinical interview is usually the first step in an ADHD assessment. Experts can also conduct screening tests to detect co-existing 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 can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Adults with ADHD are unable to organize tasks, paying attention at work or school and retaining important dates. They are susceptible to impulsive behaviors like cutting lines, interrupting others or ignoring rules. They might also have difficulty making appointments, completing tasks or paying bills.
When seeking a diagnosis it is essential to locate a clinician trained in ADHD. Request how to get an adult adhd diagnosis from an established source like an organization for mental health in your area or a support group. It is also a good idea to check with your insurance company to see whether they have providers in their the network who specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric assessment will include a thorough description of symptoms experienced by the patient, an examination of personal and family histories including any medical, psychiatric, and educational problems, taking neuropsychological or psychoeducational 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 determine how ADHD symptoms impact their lives. It is crucial to inquire with parents or other relatives about the signs of ADHD in adults. Many adults suffering from ADHD don't remember their childhood.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty admitting that their issues are caused by their attention deficit disorder. They may feel embarrassed, frustrated and ashamed for being unable to stay well-organized and focused at home and at work. They might also believe that their troubles stem from their own mistakes or flaws in their character. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring hope and a sense of relief for the future, and enable them to realize that their issues aren't the fault.
Diagnosis
There isn't a single physical or medical test to determine ADHD (previously known as ADD). However an experienced mental health professional will collect information from a variety sources regarding your child's or adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptom lists, standardized behavioral rating scales and a detailed history of the person's previous and present functioning.
A thorough evaluation can also include a psycho-psychological test such as a personality inventory or a neuropsychological test. A medical professional will also examine the medical background of the patient including past or current injuries, illnesses, and medications, like the mood-stabilizing drug steroids.
Other conditions and disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. This includes anxiety disorders, learning disabilities and mood disorders, as in addition to other medical conditions like thyroid condition and sleep apnea. A thorough evaluation of psychiatric disorders will help determine the cause and identify effective treatment options.
The symptoms of a person require significant impairment in two or more major environments, like at home and at school, in order to be considered for ADHD diagnosis. This is particularly true for young people and children. These individuals may struggle to get through school, have difficulty maintaining jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships without being treated with respect.
It is essential to get an assessment from a medical professional who specializes in working with adolescents and children. There are many primary care doctors or mental health specialists who diagnose ADHD. However you should find a specialist that will do a thorough assessment. During the clinical interview the doctor will ask about your child's as well as your own personal and family history, and will also examine the criteria for diagnosing ADHD established 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, and a complete psycho-psychiatric examination is required to rule out any other conditions. These include anxiety disorders and mood disorders. They also include learning disabilities and thyroid issues, head trauma and use of prescription drugs. These other explanations could have a significant impact on quality of life.
A complete mental health assessment includes an interview with the person being assessed and checklists and questionnaires completed by other people in their lives. This could include spouses and parents for children, and siblings, coworkers and friends for adults. Personal experience can reveal information that is not obtained from checklists or questions. It also assists the clinician to comprehend how ADHD symptoms affect a person's relationships with others.
The psychologist or psychiatrist will examine the patient's medical records along with their symptoms. A physical exam is often conducted as well, which may include 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 clinical trials to determine if the new medication can help improve their symptoms. However, they should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to acquire new scientific knowledge, not to treat a condition.
Depending on the outcomes, the doctor might suggest psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some instances, a combination treatment is the most effective. Medication is generally safe for both children and adults and can alleviate some symptoms. Other treatments can be beneficial such as behavior therapy and lifestyle changes.
Medication
For some, medication can reduce symptoms of ADHD and improve their capacity to function. It can be difficult to determine the right medication and dosage, and it can take some time to adjust to the side effects. Some medication can cause people to feel sleepy or drowsy It is therefore important to discuss this with a physician.
Psychiatrists might prescribe stimulants to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. These medications increase the levels in the brain of specific neurotransmitters. They may also prescribe non-stimulant medications that improve attention and impulsivity but are not quite as efficient as stimulants. They can also prescribe antidepressants and mood stabilizers for those suffering from depression and other disorders that could be present in conjunction with ADHD.
Other treatments that can help people suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy, and educational or training programs for adults and children. These treatments can help people develop strategies and skills to cope with their symptoms and improve their performance at home and school.
A medical or mental health professional might be able to detect ADHD in a young child by reviewing the child's school records and discussing his behavior with caregivers and teachers. They will likely interview the child, perform psychological tests, and screen to see if there are any learning disabilities or other conditions that have similar symptoms.
To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the child must display at least six out of nine symptoms as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV TR), and these symptoms must be significant enough to hinder adaptive functioning in the classroom and at home. Additionally, they must not be more easily explained by another condition.
Counseling
When you need treatment or medication treatment for ADHD, it's essential to find a licensed professional who is experienced 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 via the internet making appointments simple and convenient. Many insurance companies allow you to make these appointments through their system.
Doctors and ADHD specialists can diagnose ADHD in children by discussing their symptoms with parents and teachers in depth and observing them in various situations, speaking with the family and conducting a study of learning disabilities. They also review school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. To be eligible for a diagnosis an adult or adolescent must present at least five signs:
A thorough medical history is important to determine ADHD. Clinicians might inquire about childhood memories from other sources, such as spouses or family members, since adults have a tendency to have poor or hazy memory of their childhood. They should also be able to identify other possible causes for symptoms resembling ADHD, like neurological disorders, brain injuries or other health issues.
In the initial consultation, the doctor should determine how the person copes with the symptoms of ADHD and assess the impact of these symptoms on their daily life. They must also discuss the results of any previous ADHD evaluations and treatments. It's also helpful to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms to ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition to the evaluation of an individual 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 there is an underlying depression issue, or addiction to drugs.