How to Diagnose ADHD
Finding out if you have ADHD requires gathering a lot of information. Your doctor will review your symptoms and history, and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also check for any other issues that could be contributing to the symptoms of your child or adult like sleep disorders, thyroid problems or depression. You may also be suffering from addiction to drugs.
ADHD symptoms can be a significant issue in family and school and last for at least six months before being diagnosed.
Signs and symptoms
A medical professional needs to examine a person with care before diagnosing ADHD. The doctor will inquire about the symptoms, review medical, social and family background, examine recent and previous medical and mental health problems and conduct a physical examination. The doctor might also suggest tests to confirm the absence of anxiety, depression, or other disorders that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
A person who has ADHD is more likely to experience difficulties staying focused for long periods of time, which can impact schoolwork and other important tasks. They are more likely to be distracted by people, objects or activities that surround them. They have difficulty following instructions, remembering specifics and meeting deadlines. They may be easily irritated 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. Mild symptoms don't interfere with daily activities or relationships. In the case of severe symptoms, they can cause serious problems at work and home. ADHD is an illness that can affect people throughout their life. It is more common during the early years, however some adults are not diagnosed due to their ability to manage their symptoms.
The doctor will conduct an extensive examination of children suffering from ADHD. This includes vision and hearing tests. The doctor may also interview the child parents, the child, and their teachers about their behavior and habits. They may also order an examination of the brain to rule out other possible causes, for example MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric examination is usually performed by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or clinical social worker psychologist. The examiner will inquire about the individual's symptoms, how they affect the person's life and work, and consider the family's background and education. The evaluator will also look at the person's medical and mental history, and speak with other family members and acquaintances to build 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 your child who is constantly daydreaming, struggling to focus on schoolwork or other activities at home, or is easily distracted by their peers then it's the time to seek help. ADHD is a brain disorder that affects children who have difficulty paying attention, controlling behavior, or staying organized. It affects children's lives in a variety of ways, and can cause problems at home, school, and in relationships with family members and classmates.
Take notes and observe your child's behavior prior to you visit the doctor. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will examine various signs and symptoms in order to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD or ADD. adhd diagnosis for adults will also take into consideration the child's developmental stage as well as age. A diagnosis of ADD is made if an infant under the age of 16 has at least 6 signs of inattention (or 5 for teenagers older than that) for at least 6 months and these symptoms hinder everyday functioning. The symptoms of ADHD include fumbling and talking, tapping, or other constant movement, and not being able to follow through on instructions, chores, or classroom or workplace tasks.
A professional will inquire about the consequences of these behaviors for your child's life in general. They will inquire whether your child is struggling with schoolwork or other activities. If they are having difficulty maintaining relationships or friendships or are frequently late for appointments, they want to be aware. They will also take a look at the medical history of your child and any medications they are currently taking because certain medications can cause symptoms of ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult because the criteria used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is geared toward diagnosing children. The most reliable way to diagnose ADHD in adults is through a clinical interview conducted by an expert who has worked with the disorder. They won't rush through the process and will take their time. Most often, they'll employ computer programs and brain scans to examine the structure of your child's brain.
Identifying your triggers is among the most important actions you can take to manage your ADHD. Once you identify what triggers your symptoms, you can take steps to avoid them. For instance you can reduce screen time, eat a healthy diet and plan regular sleep times.
Diagnosis
The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may have ADHD is to seek out a professional diagnosis. Many medical professionals are specially trained to evaluate ADHD in adults. When selecting a doctor, ask about his or his training and experience in dealing with adult ADHD.
Your doctor will use Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, in order to make an assessment. The doctor will want to know if you have several symptoms that are present for at least six months. They may interfere with your daily routine, whether it is at home, 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 examine other conditions that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders and mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. Head injuries and other medical problems 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.
It is important to include family members' information in your evaluation because people with ADHD struggle to form close bonds. Other people who spend a lot of time with you, like teachers, religious and scout leaders, coaches and colleagues, can also give valuable information. They can inform your doctor about how you interact with them and if there are specific challenges that you have in these relationships.
A doctor will usually ask you to fill out questionnaires and conduct an interview. Computer programs, such as continuous performance tests or brain scans using SPECT, can be used to determine impulsivity and attention.
You and your doctor will discuss your personal life in order to determine if you have any major issues at work or in your relationships. You may also want to consider couples therapy if you have a partner or spouse. Together with your doctor, you will determine the best treatment strategy for you. This could include lifestyle changes, counseling, and medication.
Treatment
The good news is that treatment for ADHD can help you or your child manage symptoms and live an active and fulfilling life. There are a myriad of treatments available, including therapy and medication.
It is crucial to work with a mental health professional who specializes in ADHD. They can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, develop a treatment plan and teach you coping skills to manage your symptoms. They can also collaborate with your child's teachers to help support their academic and behavioral needs at school.
The majority of teenagers and children who suffer from ADHD can be successfully treated by combining treatment for ADHD with behavioral therapy. The kind and dosage of medication can vary from person to person. It can take time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that works for your child or yourself. Ask your doctor for samples and talk about various options for medication. This means you can test out the different medications to see which ones are the most effective and have the fewest adverse negative effects.
Adults who have untreated ADHD may have trouble at work or in their relationships. They may have trouble keeping their job, interacting with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They also struggle with depression and anxiety. A health care provider will examine the patient's emotional and mental health history and moods. The doctor might suggest an evaluation for mood disorders or other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the consultation for diagnosis the healthcare professional will listen carefully to your or your child's story. They might inquire about family and social life, how the symptoms affect the way they function in their lives and how they've changed over time. They could request details from relatives and teachers to gain a full picture. The doctor is likely to suggest a thorough physical examination, including blood and urine tests. The doctor might also suggest brain imaging.
If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, start talking to your primary care physician. They may refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional that specializes in treating ADHD. You should also make sure to check with your health insurance to confirm that the professionals you're considering employing are covered. If not, consider a mental health coverage program like BetterHelp.