How to Diagnose ADHD
The process of diagnosing ADHD requires a great deal of information. Your doctor will look at your symptoms as well as your medical history and apply standard ADHD ratings scales. They will also assess for other problems that may be responsible for the symptoms of your adult or child, such as sleep disorders, thyroid problems, depression or substance abuse.
To be diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly impact family and school life and last for at least six months.
Symptoms
Before determining ADHD, a health care provider must take a careful look at the patient. He or she will ask about the symptoms, review medical, social and family history, review current and past medical and mental health issues and conduct a physical exam. The doctor may request tests to rule-out depression or anxiety illnesses that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A person with ADHD is more likely than other people to be unable to concentrate for extended periods of time. This can affect the schoolwork or other tasks. They are more likely to get distracted by people, things or activities around them. They have a difficult time following instructions, remembering details and meeting deadlines. They are often easily annoyed by criticism or set unrealistic expectations for themselves, which can cause disappointment and failure.
The symptoms of ADHD are different for each person and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms don't hinder daily activities or relationships. Severe symptoms can cause serious problems at home and work. ADHD is an illness that can affect people throughout their lives. It is more prevalent in the early years, however certain adults do not get diagnosed because they are able to manage their symptoms.
For children with ADHD the doctor will do thorough examinations, including vision and hearing tests. The doctor will ask the child, their parents, and their teachers about their habits and behavior. They may also order an imaging study of the brain to rule out any other possible causes, like MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric assessment is usually performed by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, clinical social worker or psychologist. The examiner inquires about the person's symptoms and how they impact their life and work. adhd undiagnosed in adults look at the family history and education. He or she will also examine the person's mental health and medical history, and speak with 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
It is a great idea if your child is always occupied with daydreams or has trouble focussing on schoolwork or other tasks at home, or seems easily distracted by his or her friends. ADHD is a brain disorder that affects children who have trouble paying attention, controlling behavior and being organized. It can affect a child in a variety of ways, and create problems at home, school and in their relationships with their family and classmates.
Before taking your child to visit a doctor, begin by taking notes and watching how they behave. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will examine the combination of symptoms and signs to determine if your child suffers from ADHD or ADD. They will also look at the child's age as well as their developmental level. A diagnosis of ADD is given if a child under age 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. ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, talking, tapping or any other continuous movements and inability to finish tasks, follow instructions or perform chores.
A professional will inquire about the effects of these behaviors on your child's life in general. They will want to know whether they struggle with their schoolwork or other activities are having difficulty maintaining friendships or romantic relationships and are often late for appointments. They will also take a look at the medical history of your child and any medications they are currently taking since certain medications can trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The criteria that are used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, are intended to help diagnose children. The most reliable method to identify ADHD for adults is by a clinical interview conducted by a specialist who has experience with the disorder. They will not rush through the process and will take their time. In most cases, they'll utilize brain scans and computer programs to determine the structure of your child's brain.
Recognizing your triggers is among the most important actions you can take to manage your ADHD. Once you have identified what triggers your symptoms you can take steps that will help you avoid them. For instance you can limit screen time, eat a healthy diet and schedule regular sleep time.
Diagnosis
If you suspect ADHD the first step is to get a diagnosis from a professional. Medical professionals are often equipped with special training in assessing ADHD in adults. Ask about the doctor's education and experience in adult ADHD.
Your doctor will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, to determine diagnosis. He or she will want to know whether you are suffering from multiple symptoms that manifest over a period of time and impact your life 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 evaluation will also look for other conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders and mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. Thyroid conditions, head injuries, and other medical issues are also considered. Your doctor may want to check your family history to determine if you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child.
Since people who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty forming close relationships, it is essential to include information from family members. Other people who spend a lot of time with you, like teachers as well as religious and scout coaches, leaders and colleagues, can also provide important information. These people can tell your doctor about how you interact with them and if there are particular challenges you face in these relationships.
A doctor is likely to ask you to fill out questionnaires and conduct an interview. Computer programs, such as continuous test of performance or brain scans using SPECT, can be used to determine impulsivity and attention.
Because ADHD can be triggered by stress and stress, you and your doctor will talk about your life to determine whether there are any major issues in your relationships or at work. You might also want to consider couples therapy in the event that you have a spouse or a partner. Together, you and your doctor must determine the most effective treatment plan for you. This may include lifestyle changes, counseling, or medication.
Treatment
The good news is that treatment for ADHD can help your child or you manage symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. There are many treatments, including medication and therapy.
It is essential to consult with a professional who is an ADHD specialist. They will provide you with an accurate diagnosis, create a treatment plan and help you develop coping skills to manage your symptoms. They can also work with your child's teachers to help support their behavior and learning needs at the school.
Most kids and teens with ADHD can be treated using a an ad-hoc combination of medication and behavioral therapy. The type and dose of the medication may differ from one person to another. It can take a while to find the right dosage and medication that works for you or your child. Ask your doctor for samples and talk about different medication options. You can then test out the different drugs to determine which ones are the most effective and have fewer side consequences.
Adults with untreated ADHD may have issues at work or with relationships. They may have trouble keeping their job, interacting with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. A health care provider will look at the person's emotional and mental health history, including moods. The provider may suggest an evaluation of mood disorders or other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the consultation, the therapist is going to listen carefully to the story of you or your child. They might inquire about family and social activities, how the symptoms affect your or their daily functioning and how they have changed over time. They could request information from teachers and relatives to obtain a complete picture. The doctor will likely suggest a full physical examination which includes urine and blood tests. The doctor may also recommend brain imaging.
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD begin by talking to your primary physician. They can refer to psychologists or psychiatrists who are experts in treating ADHD. It is also important to make sure to check with your health insurance to make sure the professionals you're considering hiring are covered. If not, think about a mental health coverage service like BetterHelp.