How to Diagnose ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD requires gathering a lot of information. Your doctor will look at your symptoms as well as your medical history and apply standard ADHD ratings scales. They will also look for other problems that may be responsible for the symptoms of your adult or child for example, sleep disorders, thyroid problems and depression, as well as alcohol abuse.
ADHD symptoms are a major issue in family and school, and persist for a minimum of six months before being diagnosed.
Signs and symptoms
A health care provider needs to examine a person with care before diagnosing ADHD. He or she will ask questions about symptoms, review family, social, and medical history, and review past and present mental health and medical issues. The doctor may request tests to rule out depression, anxiety, or other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD is more likely than other people to have difficulty concentrating for long durations of time. This can impact the schoolwork or other tasks. They are more likely to get distracted by the people, things or activities that surround them. They have trouble following instructions, remembering specifics and keeping deadlines. They can be easily annoyed by criticism or have unrealistic expectations which can lead to disappointment and failure.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from one person to another and could be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not affect a person's daily activities or relationships, while severe symptoms can cause significant issues at work or at home. People with ADHD generally experience symptoms throughout their lives. It is more common in the early years, however some adults are not diagnosed due to their ability to cope with their symptoms.
For children who suffer from ADHD the doctor will do thorough examinations, including hearing and vision tests. He or she may inquire about the child parents, the child, and their teachers about their behavior and habits. They may also order a brain-imaging study to rule out any other possible causes, such as MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric examination is usually performed by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, clinical social worker or psychologist. The evaluator will ask about the person's symptoms, how they impact the person's life and work, and take into account the family's background and education. He or she will also look into the person's medical and mental health history and talk with other family members and acquaintances to gather a more 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 always in a state of mind, struggling to concentrate on schoolwork or other activities at home, and seems easily distracted by their friends then it's time to ask for help. ADHD is a brain-based condition, and children with it are unable to focus and controlling their behavior and staying organized. It impacts a child's life in many ways, and can cause issues at home, in school as well as in relationships with family members and peers.
Before you take your child to visit a doctor, begin by taking notes and watching how they behave. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will look at the combination of symptoms and signs to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD or ADD. They will also take into consideration the child's age as well as their developmental level. A child diagnosed with ADD must exhibit 6 or more symptoms (or 5 in older teens) of inattention for at least six months, and these signs must interfere with everyday functioning. ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, talking, tapping or performing other repetitive movements and inability to finish tasks, follow instructions or perform chores.
A professional will ask about the consequences of these behaviors for your child's life in general. They will ask whether your child is struggling with schoolwork or other activities. If they have difficulty maintaining friendships or relationships or are often late for appointments, they want to know. They will also review the medical history of your child and current medications, since some medications can trigger symptoms of ADHD.
The criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, are specifically designed to identify children. The most reliable method of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a clinical interview with a specialist in the disorder. They will take their time with the evaluation and not rush the process. diagnosing adhd employ computers and scans of the brain to determine your child's structure.
Recognizing your triggers is one of the most important things you can do to manage your ADHD. Once you have identified the triggers that cause your symptoms to flare, you can take steps to avoid them, like limiting screen time and eating a balanced diet, and scheduling regular sleep times.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step is to obtain a professional diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals have training for assessing ADHD in adults. Find out about the professional's training and experience with adult ADHD.
Your doctor will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, to make a diagnosis. He or she wants to know if you've several symptoms that are present for at least six months and interfere with your everyday life whether 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 look for other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders, mood disorders like anxiety or depression, thyroid conditions, head injuries and other medical problems. Your doctor may look into your family history to determine if you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child.
Because people who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty forming close relationships, it is important that your assessment includes information from family members. Other people who spend much time with you, such as teachers, religious and scout coaches, leaders and coworkers, could also offer important information. They can provide important information to your doctor, including how you interact with them or whether you have any issues in these relationships.
A doctor is likely to request you to complete questionnaires and conduct an interview. Sometimes computer programs, such as continuous performance tests or SPECT brain scans, are used to measure the level of attention and impulse control.
Because ADHD can be triggered by stress and anxiety, you and your physician will discuss your personal life to determine whether there are any serious issues in your relationships or at work. If you have a spouse or partner you might want to consider beginning couples therapy too. Together with your doctor, you will determine the best treatment plan for you. This could include lifestyle changes and counseling as well as medication.
Treatment
The good news is that treating ADHD can help your child or you manage the symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication and therapy.
It's crucial to work with a professional who is an ADHD specialist. They will provide you with an accurate diagnosis, develop an appropriate treatment plan, and help you cope with your symptoms. They can also work with your child's teachers to support their learning and behavioral needs in school.
The majority of teenagers and children with ADHD can be successfully treated by combining behavioral therapy with medication. The dosage and type of medication can differ from one individual to another. It can take some time to find a dosage and medication that is suitable for you or your child. Discuss with your doctor various options for medication and request samples. You can then test out the various medications to determine which are the most effective and have less adverse consequences.
Adults suffering from untreated ADHD may have issues at work or with relationships. They may have difficulty keeping an occupation, getting along with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They may also be suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders. A health professional will look at the person's mental and emotional history as well as moods. The provider may suggest an evaluation of mood disorders or other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the diagnosis consultation the healthcare professional will pay close attention to your child's or your own story. They may ask about your family or social life. They might be interested in how the symptoms affect the way you or your child is functioning. They can ask their teachers and relatives for more details to get an accurate picture. The doctor may suggest a full physical examination that includes urine and blood tests. The doctor will also likely suggest brain imaging.
If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD begin by talking to your primary care doctor. They can refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or another mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. It is also important to check with your health insurance company to ensure that the professionals you're thinking about employing are covered. If not, consider a mental health coverage service like BetterHelp.