How to Diagnose ADHD
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves gathering a lot of details. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and medical history and use the standard ADHD ratings scales. They will also assess for other problems that may be causing the symptoms of your adult or child for example, thyroid issues, sleep disorders or depression. You may also be suffering from substance abuse.
To be diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly affect school and family life and last for at minimum six months.
Symptoms
A health care provider needs to take a careful look at a patient before diagnosing ADHD. They will ask about symptoms, examine family, social and medical background, examine current and past medical and mental health issues and conduct a physical examination. The doctor might also suggest tests to determine if there is a problem with anxiety, depression or other disorders that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
A person who has ADHD is more likely to have trouble staying focused 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 things that are around them. They have trouble following instructions and retaining specifics, as well as keeping deadlines. They can be easily irritated by criticism or set unrealistic expectations for themselves, which can lead to failure and disappointments.
The symptoms of ADHD are different for each person and can be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not affect a person's daily activities or relationships, while severe symptoms can cause significant issues at work or at home. ADHD is an illness that can affect people throughout their lives. It is more common in children, however some adults are not diagnosed as they can cope with the symptoms.
For children with ADHD the doctor will conduct a thorough exam including hearing and vision tests. He or she will speak with the child, their parents and teachers about their habits and behavior and may order an imaging test of the brain to rule out possible causes for the symptoms like an MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric assessment is usually done by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or clinical social worker psychologist. The examiner inquires about the person's symptoms and how they impact their life and work. They also take into consideration the family history and the person's education. He or she will also review the individual's mental health and medical background and talk to other family members and friends to obtain 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
Asking for help is a great idea if your child is always occupied with daydreams or is having trouble staying focused on schoolwork, other activities at home, or seems easily distracted by their friends. ADHD is a brain disorder that is a problem for children who have trouble paying attention, controlling their behavior and staying organized. It can affect a child in many ways and cause issues at school, at home as well as in their relationships with family members and their peers.
Note down and observe your child's behavior prior to you go to the doctor. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will look for a mix of symptoms and signs to determine whether your child has ADD or ADHD. More Support will also look at the child's age as well as their developmental level. A diagnosis of ADD is given when a child under age 16 has 6 or more symptoms of inattention (or 5 for teenagers older than that) for at least 6 months, and these symptoms interfere with everyday functioning. ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, tapping, talking or performing other repetitive movements as well as failure to finish tasks, follow instructions, or do chores.
A professional will also inquire what the impact of these behaviors has been on your child's daily life. They will ask if your child has difficulty with schoolwork or other activities. If they are having difficulty maintaining friendships or relationships or are often late for appointments, they'll need to be aware of. They will also review the medical history of your child and current medications, as certain medications can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier because the criteria used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is geared toward diagnosing children. The most reliable method to diagnose ADHD in adults is through a clinical interview conducted by a specialist with experience with the disorder. They will not hurry through the process and take their time. They will often use scans and computer programs of the brain to determine your child's structure.
Recognizing triggers is the initial step to managing ADHD. Once you know the triggers that cause your symptoms, you can take steps to avoid these triggers. For example you can limit screen time, eat a healthy diet, and schedule regular sleep time.
Diagnosis
If you suspect ADHD the first step is to obtain a diagnosis from a professional. A lot of medical professionals have training in assessing ADHD in adults. Ask about the doctor's education and experience in adult ADHD.
Your doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) to assist in making the diagnosis. The doctor will want to know whether you have several symptoms that are present over a period of time and interfere with 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 test will also be able to identify other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders, mood disorders such as depression or anxiety thyroid disorders as well as head injuries and other medical problems. Your doctor may look into your family history to determine if were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid.
Because people with ADHD are often unable to form close relationships, it is essential that your evaluation includes information from family members. Other people who spend a lot of time with you, like teachers or scout and religious coaches, leaders and coworkers, could also give important information. These people can give valuable information to your doctor, including how you interact with them or whether you have any issues in these relationships.
A test for ADHD typically involves an interview with your doctor and questionnaires that you complete. Computer programs, like continuous tests of performance or brain scans with SPECT, can be used to assess impulsivity and attention.
Because diagnosing adhd can be caused by stress and anxiety, you and your physician will talk about your life to determine whether there are any serious problems in your relationships or work. If you have a spouse or partner, you may consider starting couples therapy too. You and your physician will have to come up with the treatment plan that is suitable for you. This could include lifestyle changes, counseling, and medication.
Treatment
The good news is that treatment for ADHD can aid you or your child manage symptoms and lead a more productive life. There are a variety of options for treatment for ADHD, including medication and therapy.
It's important to consult with an expert in mental health who specializes in ADHD. They can give you an accurate diagnosis, design an appropriate treatment plan, and teach you coping strategies to manage your symptoms. They can also assist with your child's learning and behavioral needs in school by working with their teachers.
The majority of children and teens suffering from ADHD can be treated with the combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The type of medication and dosage can vary from one person to another. It can take time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that works for your child or yourself. Ask your doctor for samples and discuss various options for medication. This way, you can try the medications to determine which ones work best and have the smallest adverse effects.
Adults with untreated ADHD may have trouble at work or in their relationships. They may have difficulty keeping jobs, interacting with co-workers or meeting financial obligations. They also struggle with depression and anxiety. A health care provider will assess the patient's mental and emotional health, including moods. The doctor might suggest an evaluation of mood disorders or other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the consultation, the provider will listen closely to the account of your child or you. They might ask about family and social activities and how the symptoms impact your or their daily functioning and how they've changed over time. They might request information from relatives and teachers to get a more complete picture. The doctor may suggest a thorough physical examination, including blood and urine tests. The doctor might also suggest brain imaging.
Talk to your primary doctor If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They can refer to psychologists or psychiatrists who is an expert in treating ADHD. You should also consult your health insurance provider to confirm that the professionals you're thinking of using are covered. If not, you may think about a mental health insurance plan such as BetterHelp.