What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?
For many children, a diagnosis of ADHD is the first time they've had an explanation for their inattention and hyperactivity. Adults are diagnosed when symptoms get so severe that they interfere with their work and personal lives.
Find a doctor who has experience treating ADHD to give you a reliable diagnosis. Request recommendations from trusted therapists or friends, or request recommendations from your health insurance.
Symptoms
Although you might have tried to address the symptoms of ADHD with diet, exercise or other methods without success, an official diagnosis by a medical professional will give you the help you require. A diagnosis from a medical professional will give you the peace and relief of knowing that lack of intelligence or laziness aren't preventing you from realizing your goals. Your doctor will also be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will improve your performance.
Your GP can determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD symptoms and then refer you to a specialist who will perform an official assessment. Before scheduling an appointment with a medical professional, make sure you take any ADHD questions or quizzes that are on the internet. They serve as a self-screening tool, and will give you the confidence to request a professional assessment. Bring a copy of all relevant records with you to your appointment. The provider will review your medical and family history, and will interview those who know your personality and behavior. This could be a teacher or coach, or your spouse. The clinician will look for symptoms of inattentive ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive ADHD or combined ADHD.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) provides clinical guidelines that providers use to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must be present prior to the patient turning 12 and severe enough to interfere with functioning at school, work or at home. They must also have continued for more than six months.
Inattentive ADHD is the most common presentation, affecting children who struggle to pay attention or staying still. They often daydream or lose focus when they are talking. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They fidget and are eager to be asked to do something. They also have excess energy. They interrupt others or do things without considering the consequences. Combined ADHD is less common and combines aspects of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.
If your symptoms are not severe If your symptoms are not severe, you can receive the assistance you require by tackling the symptoms with therapy or medication. Medicine can help you focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness and help you reach your goals at work, at school or at home. You can also find ways to improve your organization and structure, as well as create healthy eating and sleep habits. It is important to seek help as soon you notice symptoms of ADHD.
Evaluation
If you notice symptoms of ADHD an in-depth evaluation is necessary to determine the reason. During an evaluation, a qualified mental health professional will look at various factors, including the patient's mood, medical history and any issues that may be contributing to or concealing the symptoms of the disorder. A broad-spectrum scale to measure social, emotional and psychiatric issues could also be administered. In addition tests that test motor skills and the ability to process information will be performed.
A doctor who specializes in attention disorders, whether a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, is usually able to provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The specialist will ask the patient and his or family members to describe their symptoms, take a psychiatric history, review medical records, and use adult rating scales and questionnaires.
The doctor will also examine the symptoms and see how they impact a person's daily functioning. The doctor will determine the time when symptoms are present at school, work, in relationships, and at home. He or she will determine how long symptoms have been present for. It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD cannot be diagnosed for the first time in adults, because current guidelines for diagnosis only recognize the disorder when it was present in the child years.
The process of diagnosing children involves collecting information from various sources including caregivers and teachers. The specialist will assess the child's behavior to those of children of the same age, and may use standardized ratings scales. In addition, the professional will examine a child's medical history and conduct a physical examination.
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is often more difficult because the DSM-5 symptom guide is not intended to identify adults. The professional will still have to collect specific details about the patient's spouse or partner, and other close friends and parents. Additionally, the professional is likely to use adult rating scales and checklists. Behavioral therapy and medications can help to manage ADHD in adults. Many people feel relieved to be diagnosed with ADHD since they now know that their issues aren't due to laziness and insufficient intelligence.
Medication
The most commonly prescribed medication for treating ADHD is methylphenidate (Ritalin). It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline which passes messages between nerve cells and assists control impulses. Stimulants can help children as well as adults concentrate, pay attention and complete tasks. Medication is often used in conjunction with behavior therapy and adjustments at school. Adults, the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity decrease as they age, but they still struggle with disorganization, inattention and completing work-related tasks. If not treated, ADHD can lead to problems in relationships and increase the risk of certain medical conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety, as well as substance abuse.
Because it's hard to diagnose ADHD in adulthood, many adults don't receive treatment for their symptoms. Women are more prone to hyperactivity rather than inattention and their symptoms could be unnoticed. They may also be hesitant to seek a diagnosis because they were taught as kids that their problems with attention and concentration were normal.
A specialist in health care who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD analyzes the symptoms of a person as well as family history and conducts a physical exam. The doctor will employ standardized ratings scales to compare the behavior of the person with others within the same age range. Bring any psychological, medical, school/work and other records to your appointment. You can ask your doctor whether you're eligible to participate in any clinical trials currently being conducted to find new methods to treat or prevent diseases and disorders. This includes ADHD.
Children with ADHD who are preschool-aged typically receive a treatment based on behavior. Behavioral therapy can be incorporated with cognitive-behavioral treatment or an anti-stimulant medication like atomoxetine. The medications don't cause the same sleep problems or agitation as stimulants and they are less likely to cause dependence and abuse. But, they're not an alternative to an in-depth physical and mental health assessment and treatment by a trained healthcare professional. It is important to check with your insurance provider about coverage before you see an expert in mental health, and make sure you have a referral from a primary care physician.
Treatment options
Some people suffering from ADHD have trouble with basic life skills such as paying attention, listening attentively and organizing. These are things that others find easy. These symptoms can interfere with their school, work and even their home life. They may seek a diagnosis or treatment when they begin to exhibit symptoms. A diagnosis can provide relief since it clarifies the reasons that some people are more annoyed. It also helps dispel the myths that say those with ADHD is lazy, or not smart enough or does not desire to try.
A person is likely to be diagnosed by a medical professional, such as a pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who has special training in ADHD assessment and treatment. It is crucial to locate a specialist who will examine each patient and take a comprehensive history. Recommendations are offered by family doctors, therapists, and trusted friends. It's recommended to ask for qualifications for the specialist, such as professional certification and academic degrees.
The first step in assessing for ADHD is to take a thorough background to determine if other factors may be causing the symptoms. Some medical conditions, such as low birthweight, thyroid disorders, and seizure disorders, can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms. The symptoms can be influenced by the person's mood, their level of stress, and previous drinking or drug use.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They are bursting with energy, fidget and are constantly moving around. They have a difficult time waiting for their turn at school or sitting still. They can also lose focus while reading or taking tests. Children with this form of disorder are more apt to be expelled from class due to behavioral issues.
When diagnosing adults it is essential to provide a description of the symptoms and how they impact the individual's daily functioning. In adults, the hyperactivity tends to decrease, but the inattention and impulsivity can become more challenging.
There are many website medications that can be used to treat adults with ADHD. Stimulants target a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which controls emotions and movement and plays a role in motivation. There are also non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, which targets dopamine and norepinephrine.