How to Diagnose ADHD
The process of diagnosing ADHD requires a great deal of information. Your doctor will review your symptoms and past history and will use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also make sure something else isn't the cause of your child's or adult's problems like sleep apnea, thyroid problems depression, or drug abuse.
To be considered as diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly affect school and family life and last for at minimum six months.
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A health care provider needs to take a careful look at a patient before determining ADHD. He or she will ask about the symptoms, review family, social and medical history, review current and past mental health and medical problems and conduct a physical examination. The doctor may also recommend tests to confirm the absence of depression, anxiety or other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD is more likely than other people to be unable to concentrate for prolonged periods of time. This can hinder the schoolwork or other tasks. They are more prone to get distracted by other people, activities or things surrounding them. They are often unable to follow instructions, remembering details and keeping deadlines. They are often 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 don't affect a person's daily activities or relationships, but severe symptoms can cause major issues at work or at home. ADHD is a condition that can affect people throughout their life. It is more common during the early years, however certain adults do not get diagnosed due to their ability to cope with their symptoms.
For children who suffer from ADHD the doctor will do a thorough exam including vision and hearing tests. He or she will talk with the child, their parents and teachers about their behaviour and habits and may order an imaging test of the brain to rule out other possible causes like an MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric evaluation is typically carried out by a psychologist clinical social worker, or nurse practitioner. The evaluator asks about the person's symptoms and how they impact their life and work. They also consider the family history and education. The evaluator will also look into the person's medical and mental health background and talk to other family members and friends to get an accurate 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
If you have children who are constantly daydreaming, struggling to concentrate on schoolwork or other tasks at home, or is easily distracted by their peers then it's time to seek assistance. ADHD is a brain disorder that affects children who have trouble paying attention, controlling their behavior and staying organized. It affects children's lives in a variety of ways, and can cause problems at school, home and with family members and peers.
Before you take your child to see a doctor, begin by making notes and then watching how they behave. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will look for a combination of symptoms and signs to determine if your child suffers from ADD or ADHD. They will also consider your child's developmental stage and age. A diagnosis of ADD is given when an infant under the age of 16 has more than 6 symptoms of inattention (or 5 for teenagers older than that) for at least 6 months and these signs interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms of ADHD include fidgeting, talking, tapping or any other continuous movement and a failure to follow through with instructions chores, school or workplace tasks.
A professional will also ask what the impact of these behaviors has been on your child's daily routine. They will be interested in knowing if they have trouble with academics or other activities are having difficulty maintaining relationships with friends or romantic partners and are often late for appointments. They will also examine your child's medical history as well as current medications, since some medications can trigger symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is a bit more difficult due to the fact that the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is designed to diagnose children. The most reliable way to identify ADHD in adults is through an interview with a specialist with experience with the disorder. They will not hurry through the process and take their time. They typically use scans and computer programs of the brain to examine your child's structure.
Finding triggers is the first step to managing ADHD. Once you understand what triggers your symptoms to flare, you can take steps to minimize them, like cutting down on screen time and eating a healthy diet, and scheduling regular sleep times.
Diagnosis
The first thing to do if you suspect you may have ADHD is to seek out a professional diagnosis. Many medical professionals are specially trained to look for ADHD in adults. When selecting a doctor, ask about his or their education and experience with adult ADHD.
Your doctor will consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help you make a diagnosis. The doctor will want to determine if you suffer from multiple symptoms that have been present for at least six months. They may interfere 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 test will also be able to identify other conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders, mood disorders such as anxiety or depression, thyroid conditions, head injuries and other medical conditions. Your doctor might want to check your family history to determine if were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child.
It is important to include family members' information in your evaluation because people with ADHD aren't able to establish close relationships. Other people who spend a lot of time with you, like teachers as well as religious and scout leaders, coaches and coworkers, could also offer valuable information. They can inform your doctor about how you interact with them and if there are particular challenges you face in these relationships.
A doctor will usually ask you to fill out questionnaires and conduct an interview. Sometimes, computer programs, like continuous performance tests or SPECT brain scans are used to evaluate the level of attention and impulsivity.
Your doctor and you will discuss your lifestyle to determine if you're experiencing any serious issues at work or in your relationships. If you have a spouse or partner you could consider pursuing couples therapy as well. You and your doctor will have to come up with an approach that is most suitable for you. This may include changes to your lifestyle, counseling and medication.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can aid your child or help you manage symptoms and enjoy a more fulfilling life. There are a variety of treatments available that include therapy and medication.
It is essential to consult with a professional who is an ADHD specialist. They will provide you with an accurate diagnosis, develop a treatment plan and teach you coping strategies to manage your symptoms. They can also help you support your child's academic and behavioral needs at school by working closely with their teachers.
The majority of adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD can be successfully treated through combining behavioral therapy with medication. The dosage and type of medication can vary from individual to individual. It can take time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that works for you or your child. Ask getting diagnosed with adhd for samples and talk about various options for medication. This way, you can try the medications to determine which ones are most effective and have the fewest side consequences.
Adults with untreated ADHD may have trouble at work or in their relationships. They may struggle to keep jobs, interacting with colleagues, or meeting financial obligations. They are often afflicted with anxiety and depression as well. A health care provider will evaluate the person's mental and emotional health and moods. The doctor might suggest an evaluation for mood disorders or other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the consultation, the provider is going to listen carefully to the story of your child or you. They might ask about family and social life as well as how the symptoms affect your or their daily functioning and how they've changed over time. They can ask their teachers and relatives for more information to get a complete picture. The doctor may recommend a complete physical exam which includes urine and blood tests. The doctor may also recommend brain imaging.
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD Begin talking to your primary physician. They may refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. Check with your health insurer to determine if the specialists you're considering using are covered. If not, you might think about a mental health insurance plan like BetterHelp.