How to Diagnose ADHD
Finding out if you have ADHD involves gathering a lot of information. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and history, and use the standard ADHD rating scales. They will also look for any other issues that could be causing the symptoms of your adult or child, such as thyroid issues, sleep disorders or depression. You may also be suffering from alcohol abuse.
To be diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly affect family and school activities and last for at minimum six months.
Signs and symptoms
A healthcare professional has to take a careful look at a patient before diagnosing ADHD. He or she will ask about the symptoms, review family, social and medical history, review the past and present medical and mental health problems and conduct a physical examination. The doctor may request tests to rule-out depression, anxiety, or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
Someone with ADHD is more likely to have trouble concentrating for long periods of time, which could affect school work and other tasks that are important. They are more susceptible to getting distracted by people, activities or objects surrounding them. They have difficulty following instructions or recollecting details and meeting deadlines. They can be easily irritated by criticism or set unrealistic expectations for themselves, which could cause disappointment and failure.
The symptoms of ADHD can differ from one person to another and could be mild moderate, severe, or mild. Mild symptoms don't interfere with the daily routine or relationships. In the case of severe symptoms, they can cause serious issues at work and home. People who suffer from ADHD typically experience symptoms throughout their lives. It is more common in children, but a few adults are not diagnosed as they can cope with the symptoms.
The doctor will conduct an extensive examination of children suffering from ADHD. This includes hearing and vision tests. The doctor will discuss with the child, the parents and the teachers about their behavior and habits and may also request an imaging test of the brain to rule out possible causes for the symptoms like an MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric evaluation is typically done by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, clinical social worker or psychologist. The evaluator asks about the person's symptoms and how they affect their life and work. They also consider the family background and education. He or she will also review the person's medical and mental history, and speak with others in the family and with friends to get a complete 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 a child who is always in a state of mind, struggling to focus on schoolwork or other tasks at home, and is easily distracted by their peers It could be the right time to seek assistance. ADHD is a brain disorder that is a problem for children who have trouble staying focused, controlling their behavior, or being organized. It impacts a child's life in many ways, and can cause problems at home, in school as well as in relationships with classmates and family members.
Before taking your child to see a doctor, begin by making notes and then watching how they behave. A good psychiatrist or a psychologist will look at the combination of indicators and signs to determine if your child suffers from ADD/ADHD. They will also take into consideration the child's developmental stage as well as age. A diagnosis of ADD is given when an infant under the age of 16 has 6 or more symptoms of inattention (or 5 for teenagers older than that) for at least six months, and these symptoms interfere with daily functioning. ADHD symptoms include fidgeting and talking, tapping or performing other repetitive movements as well as failure to complete tasks, follow directions or complete chores.
A professional will inquire about the consequences of these behaviors for your child's life in general. They will ask if your child has difficulty with schoolwork or other activities. If they are having difficulty maintaining relationships or friendships or are often late for appointments, they want to be aware of. adhd diagnosis adult will also examine your child's medical history as well as current medications, as certain medications can trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, are intended to help diagnose children. The most reliable method for diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is to have a consultation with a specialist for the field, who will take their time with the assessment and not rush the process. They will often use computers and scans of the brain to determine the structure of your child's brain.
Recognizing triggers is the initial step to tackling ADHD. Once you know what causes your symptoms to flare up, you can take steps to avoid them, like cutting down on screen time and eating a healthy diet and establishing regular sleep times.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step is to get a professional diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals are specially trained to evaluate ADHD in adults. Ask about the doctor's education and experience with adult ADHD.
Your doctor will refer you to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) to help make an assessment. He or she will want to know whether you are suffering from multiple symptoms that manifest for six months and significantly impact your life at work, at home 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 assessment will also consider other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include mood disorders, learning disorders such as depression or anxiety, thyroid conditions or head injuries, among other medical problems. Your doctor may look into your family background to determine if you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid.
It is essential to include family members' information when evaluating your ADHD because those with ADHD have difficulty forming close relationships. Other people who spend a lot of time with you, such as teachers as well as religious and scout coaches, leaders, and co-workers, can also provide important information. They can inform your doctor about your interactions with them and if there are any particular issues you face in these relationships.
A doctor will usually request you to complete questionnaires and conduct an interview. Computer programs, like continuous performance tests or brain scans using SPECT, are a way to measure attention and impulsivity.
Because ADHD can be triggered by stress, you and your doctor will discuss your life to see if there are any significant issues in your relationships or at work. If you have a spouse or partner you might want to consider beginning therapy for couples as well. Together, you and your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for you. This could include lifestyle changes, counseling, and medications.
Treatment
The good news is that treating ADHD can help your child or you manage symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life. There are a variety of treatments available that include therapy and medication.
It is essential to consult with a mental health professional who is specialized in ADHD. They will provide you with an accurate diagnosis, create an appropriate treatment plan, and help you cope with your symptoms. They also can work with your child's teachers to help support their learning and behavioral needs in the school.
The majority of adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD can be successfully treated by combining behavioral therapy with medication. The dosage and type of medication will differ from one person to another. It may take some time to find the right dosage and the drug that is most effective for your child or yourself. Discuss with your doctor different options for medications and request samples. You can then test out the different drugs to determine which are the most effective and have fewer side negative effects.
Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD might have problems at work or in relationships. They may struggle to keep an occupation, getting along with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They may also be suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. A doctor will examine the person's mental and emotional history, including moods. The doctor may recommend an evaluation of mood disorders or other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the appointment, the doctor is going to listen carefully to the account of your child or yourself. They may ask questions about your family life and social interactions and how the symptoms impact your daily life and how they have changed over time. They could ask teachers and relatives for more details to obtain a complete picture. The doctor may suggest a thorough physical examination, including blood and urine tests. The doctor could also recommend brain imaging.
Consult your primary physician If you think you or your child might have ADHD. They can refer to a psychiatrist or psychologist who are experts in treating ADHD. It is also advisable to consult your health insurance to ensure that the professionals you're thinking of hiring are covered. If not, you may be interested in a mental health coverage program such as BetterHelp.