Your Family Will Thank You For Having This ADHD Diagnosis
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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step toward managing the symptoms that hinder daily activities. Many people are hesitant to seek a diagnosis, but doing so can be a great relief.
An ADHD evaluation usually begins with a medical interview. Experts may also administer screening tests to identify co-existing disorders like learning disabilities or mood disorders.
Signs and 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 in chemicals in the brain. Adults who suffer from ADHD often have trouble organizing tasks, paying attention in the workplace or at school, and retaining important information. They are susceptible to impulsive behaviors like cutting lines or interrupting others, as well as ignoring rules. They may also have problems completing projects, keeping appointments or paying bills.
It is crucial to seek out a professional who has been certified in ADHD when trying to diagnose the condition. Look for local chapters of mental health organizations, local support group or seek an appointment from a trusted source. It's also a good idea to contact your insurance provider to see whether they have providers in their network that specialize in ADHD.
A thorough psychiatric examination will include a detailed description of their symptoms and a thorough review of the family and personal history, which includes past mental health, medical and educational problems and the completion of neuropsychological or psychoeducational tests and a physical examination. In addition, the clinician will interview significant others such as spouses or partners to determine how ADHD symptoms impact their lives. It is important to ask parents or other relatives about the signs of ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD do not have a memory of their childhood.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be hesitant to admit that their issues are caused by their attention deficit disorder. They may be ashamed, frustrated and embarrassed for having trouble staying well-organized and focused at home and at work. They might also believe their problems are their own shortcomings or imperfections in their character. A diagnosis of ADHD may provide hope and relief for the future, and help them realize that their problems aren't their responsibility.
Diagnosis
There's no single physical or medical test for ADHD (previously referred to as ADD), but a trained mental health professional will gather information about your child's or adult's symptoms by utilizing various sources. These include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales, a detailed history of past and present functioning and information from people who know the person well.
A thorough examination could also include a psycho-psychological examination, such an inventory of personality or a neuropsychological test. A health care provider will also evaluate the medical background of the patient including past or current injuries, illnesses, as well as medications, such as mood-stabilizing drugs such as steroids.
Other conditions and disorders may cause ADHD symptoms. This includes anxiety disorders, learning disabilities and mood disorders as in addition to other medical conditions such a thyroid condition and sleep apnea. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will help determine the cause and identify effective treatments.
An important consideration for determining ADHD is whether the individual's symptoms result in significant impairments in at least two important settings, including school and home. This is especially relevant for children and young adults. Without treatment, these individuals can struggle to succeed in school, find it difficult to maintain jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships.
It is crucial to get a diagnosis by a health care provider who has experience working with children and teens. A lot of primary care doctors and mental health professionals routinely diagnose ADHD, but you should look for a specialist who is able to conduct a thorough assessment. During the appointment your doctor will inquire with you questions about your child's condition and your family history. They will also review the criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition.
Treatment
Many psychiatric disorders are similar to ADHD in children and adults and a thorough psycho-psychiatric examination is required to rule out other conditions. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and learning disabilities, head injuries thyroid issues, and use of drugs. It is crucial to consider these possible explanations for symptoms because they can impact the your quality of life.
A thorough mental health evaluation typically includes an interview with the patient and also questionnaires or checklists that other people have completed who are in the patient's life. This could include spouses and parents for children, and siblings, co-workers and friends for adults. Personal insights often reveal information that can't be culled from checklists or questions as well as helps the clinician understand how a person's ADHD symptoms could have impacted their relationships with others.
The psychologist or psychiatrist will review the medical records of the patient in addition to their symptoms. A physical exam, including vision and audio tests, is also performed. 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 a clinical trial to see if an upcoming medication can alleviate their symptoms. However, participants should know that the main purpose of a clinical trial is to acquire new scientific knowledge, not to treat a specific condition.
Depending on the results, the doctor could recommend medication, psychotherapy, or other therapies. In some instances the combination of treatments is the most effective. Certain medications can ease the symptoms and is generally safe for children and adults. Other methods that can be successful include behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes and parenting strategies.
Medication
Some people can improve their ability function by taking medication to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can be challenging to find the most effective medication and dosage and it may take some time to adjust to the side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor if you feel sleepy or drowsy after taking certain medicines.
Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants, which increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They may prescribe non-stimulant drugs, which can increase impulsivity and attention, but are not quite as efficient as stimulants. They can also prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers for those suffering from depression as well as other disorders that might be present alongside ADHD.
Other therapies that can benefit people with ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy and training or education programs for adults and children. These treatments can help people develop strategies and techniques to deal with the symptoms and improve their functioning at school and at home.
In certain instances, a medical or mental health professional can detect ADHD in a child by reviewing school records and discussing the child's behavior with teachers and caretakers. They will probably interview the child, conduct psychological tests and look for signs of learning disabilities and other conditions with similar symptoms.
For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must more info show at least six of the nine symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and these symptoms must significantly hinder the ability to function at home and in the classroom. They must also not be caused by any other illness.
Counseling
When you need therapy or medication management for ADHD it is crucial to find a licensed specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care doctor can provide the recommendation or recommend specialists in the area. Some professionals who specialize in ADHD provide telemedicine via the internet to make appointments easier and more convenient. Many insurance companies let you schedule appointments using their system.
Doctors and ADHD specialists can identify ADHD in children by discussing their symptoms with parents and teachers in depth, observing them in different situations, speaking with the family members and conducting a learning disability evaluation. They also review school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers. The adolescent or adult needs to show at least five of these symptoms to receive a diagnosis:
A thorough medical history is crucial to diagnose ADHD. Because adults often have poor or blurry memories of childhood, doctors may ask for information from independent sources like spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes, such as the development disorder, brain injury or other health issues, which could be responsible for the symptoms similar to ADHD.
During the initial consultation the expert should evaluate how the patient copes with the symptoms of ADHD and evaluate the impact of these symptoms on their daily lives. They must also discuss any previous ADHD assessments or treatments. It is also beneficial to identify other conditions with similar symptoms, for example depression and anxiety. A mental health professional should not just evaluate an individual but also listen to them without judgment. This is particularly important when the patient has an history of depression or substance abuse.