What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?
For many children, the diagnosis of ADHD is the first time they've received an explanation for their inattention and hyperactivity. For adults, a diagnosis is often the result of symptoms that become serious enough to impact their job and home life.
Find a health care provider who has experience treating ADHD to give you a reliable diagnosis. Get referrals from therapists or trusted friends, or seek recommendations from your health plan.
Signs and symptoms
You may have tried treating the symptoms of ADHD by consuming a healthy diet, exercising or other methods but failed. A diagnosis from a qualified professional will provide the assistance you need. Having an official diagnosis can be a source of relief and assurance that there isn't low intelligence or laziness hindering your progress towards reaching your goals. Your doctor can also offer you a treatment plan that can improve your functioning.
Your GP can determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD symptoms and refer you to an expert who will conduct an official assessment. Before you make an appointment with a health professional, make sure you take any ADHD tests or questionnaires that are available on the internet. They serve as a self-screening tool, and will help you feel confident to seek an evaluation by a professional. Bring a copy of all relevant documents with you to your appointment. The doctor will review your medical history and family history and talk to people who are familiar with you and your behavior. This could include a teacher, coach or your spouse. The clinician will look for symptoms of inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD or combined ADHD.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) offers guidelines for clinicians to diagnose ADHD. Symptoms must have been present before a patient turns 12 and be severe enough to hinder functioning at school, at work or in family life. They should also have lasted for more than six months.
Inattentive ADHD affects children who are not able to pay attention or remain in one place. They often daydream or lose focus during conversations. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They fidget and wait to be asked. They also have a lot of energy. They interrupt others or act without considering the consequences. Combined ADHD is less common and combines aspects of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.
If your symptoms aren't severe, you can still get the help you need taking medication or therapy. The use of medication can help improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness and help you reach your goals in the workplace at school, at work or at home. You can also find ways to improve organization create structure, and create healthy eating and sleep habits. It is crucial to seek assistance as soon as you begin to notice signs of ADHD.
Evaluation
A thorough assessment is necessary for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of ADHD to determine the reason. During an evaluation conducted by a trained mental health professional will assess many factors like the patient's mood medical history, and any issues that may be contributing to or concealing the symptoms of the disorder. A broad spectrum scale measuring social, emotional and mental issues can be administered. Additionally, tests that measure the ability of the body to process information will be conducted.
A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is an expert in the field of attention disorders is usually able to accurately diagnose ADHD. The specialist will consult with the patient and or family members to describe their symptoms, complete an assessment of psychiatric issues, review medical records, and use adult rating scales and questionnaires.
The doctor will also look at the symptoms to determine how they affect the person's daily activities. He or she will note whether the symptoms occur at work, in school or in relationships and at home. He or she will also consider how the symptoms have been evident for. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD cannot be diagnosed as an adult for the first time, since the current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD only recognize it if the disorder was evident during childhood.
In children, the diagnostic process involves gathering information from a variety of sources, including the child's teachers and caregivers. The professional will compare the child's behavior with that of other children his or her age, and may also utilize standardized rating scales. In addition, the specialist will go over a child's medical history and conduct a physical exam.
Adults might have a harder time diagnosing ADHD due to the fact that the DSM-5 is not designed specifically for adults. The professional will still have to gather detailed information about the patient's spouse or partner, and other close friends and parents. In addition, the specialist will likely use adult rating scales and checklists. Behavioral therapy and medication can aid in managing ADHD in adults. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief for many people, as it may indicate that their problems are not due to laziness or a lack of intelligence.
Medication
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It works by boosting the levels of noradrenaline within the brain, which helps to regulate impulses and send messages between nerve cells. Stimulants can help children and adults concentrate and pay attention to complete tasks. They are often used in combination with behavior therapy and accommodations at school. For adults, the signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity decrease as they age, but they are still struggling with inattention, disorganization and working on tasks that require attention. If not treated, ADHD can lead to problems in relationships and increase the risk of certain medical conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety, and addiction to substances.
Since it's difficult to recognize ADHD as an adult, many adults don't receive treatment for their symptoms. Women may be more prone to inattention rather than hyperactivity and, therefore, their symptoms may go undetected. They might also be reluctant to seek a diagnosis because as children, they were told that their issues with concentration and attention are normal.
A medical specialist who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD will evaluate the person's symptoms as well as their family history, and conduct a physical exam. The health professional will employ standardized scales of ratings to assess the behavior of the person against that of other children and adults in the same age group. It's important to bring any medical, psychological or school/work records to your appointment. You can also ask your doctor whether you're eligible to participate in any clinical trials that are currently being conducted to discover new methods to prevent, detect or treat disorders and diseases, such as ADHD.
Children with ADHD who are pre-school age typically receive a treatment based on behavior. Behavioral therapy is usually paired with cognitive-behavioral therapy, or non-stimulant medicines, such as Atomoxetine. The medications don't cause the same issues with sleep or agitation as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause dependence and abuse. These drugs are not a replacement for an extensive assessment and treatment of your mental and physical health by a trained medical professional. It is essential to check with your insurance provider about the coverage prior to seeing a mental health professional, and ensure you have a referral from your primary medical doctor.
Treatment options
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with daily tasks such as paying attention and listening attentively, as well as organizing - all things that come easily to others. When these symptoms interfere with work, school and home life, they may need a diagnosis and treatment. A diagnosis can bring relief as it explains the reasons why certain people are more frustrated. It also helps get more info to dispel the myths that say those with ADHD is incompetent, or isn't smart enough or does not want to try.
A health professional who has specific training in ADHD evaluation and treatment is likely to diagnose the patient. This could be a pediatrician or psychiatrist. It is important to choose an expert who takes the time to assess each patient individually and collect a complete history. Family doctors, therapists and trusted friends can offer recommendations. Inquiring about credentials, such as the specialist’s academic and professional degrees, is also a great idea.
The first step in evaluating for ADHD is to conduct a thorough medical history to determine whether other factors could be contributing to the symptoms. Some medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, low birthweight and seizure disorders can trigger ADHD-like signs and symptoms. A person's mood, their stress level and past drug and alcohol use can also cause symptoms.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They are energetic, fidget and constantly in motion. They have a difficult time waiting for their turn in class or sitting still. They may lose their focus when studying or taking tests. This form of the disorder is more likely to result in a child's suspension from school due to behavioral issues.
When diagnosing adults, it is essential to provide a description of the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning. In adults, the hyperactivity generally decreases, but the inattention and impulsivity are more challenging.
There are many medications that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The stimulants target a neurotransmitter known as dopamine, which regulates movement and emotions and plays a role in motivation. Non-stimulant medicines such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) that target dopamine and norepinephrine, are also available.