What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?
For many children, the diagnosis of ADHD is the first time they've had an explanation for their inattention and hyperactivity. For adults diagnosed with ADHD, it's usually due to symptoms becoming severe enough to affect their work and personal life.
Find a medical professional who has experience in treating ADHD to make an accurate diagnosis. Request referrals from therapists or trusted acquaintances, or request recommendations from your health plan.
Signs and symptoms
If you've tried to get rid of the symptoms of ADHD by consuming a healthy diet, exercising or other methods that haven't worked, an official diagnosis by a medical professional will provide you with the help you require. A diagnosis from a medical professional will provide you with the confidence and relief of knowing that lack of intelligence or laziness aren't preventing you from achieving your goals. Your doctor can also provide you with a treatment plan that will improve your performance.
Your GP can help you determine whether you or your child exhibit the signs of ADHD and can refer you to a specialist for a formal assessment. Before you make an appointment with a medical professional, be sure to take any ADHD questions or quizzes that are available on the internet. They function as a self-screening tool and will help you feel confident to ask for an assessment by a qualified professional. When you go for the assessment, bring copies of any relevant records to the appointment. The provider will review your medical and family history and interview people who know your personality and behavior. This could include a coach, teacher 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 guidelines for doctors to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must have been present prior to the patient turning 12 and severe enough to hinder their ability to function at school, work, or home. They must also be present for longer than six months.
Inattention ADHD is the most common manifestation that affects children who have trouble paying attention or sit still. They tend to drift off or lose focus during conversations. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They flitter, don't want to wait for their turn and have an abundance of energy. They frequently interrupt others or act before they think about the consequences. Combined ADHD is less common and combines aspects of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.
If your symptoms aren't severe, you can still receive the assistance you need by taking medication or therapy. Medication can improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness which can help you achieve your goals at work, at school or at home. There are also strategies to improve the organization of your life, improve the structure of your life and establish good sleeping and eating habits. The most important thing is getting assistance when you begin to notice the symptoms of ADHD.
Evaluation
For those who are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and other disorders, a thorough assessment is necessary to determine the root cause. In an assessment an experienced mental health professional will examine many factors such as the patient's mood and medical history, as well as any other issues that could contribute to the disorder or masking the symptoms. A broad-spectrum scale that measures mental, emotional and social issues can be administered. Additionally, tests that measure motor skills and ability to process information will be administered.
A doctor who is specialized in attention disorders, either a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist is typically able to give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The specialist will ask the patient and his or relatives to describe their symptoms, take an assessment of psychiatric issues, review medical records, and utilize adult rating scales and questionnaires.
The specialist will also review the symptoms to determine if they affect a person's daily functioning. He or she will note whether the symptoms manifest at work, in school, during relationships, and at home. He or she will also consider how the symptoms have been evident for. It is important to note that ADHD is not a condition that can be diagnosed for the first time in adults, as current guidelines for diagnosis only recognize the disorder when it was present in the child years.
The diagnostic process for children involves gathering data from various sources, including teachers and caregivers. The specialist will assess the behavior of a child with that of other children of the same age, and might use scales of ratings that are standardized. Additionally, the specialist will examine the child's medical history and conduct a physical exam.
For adults, the diagnosis of ADHD is usually more difficult because the DSM-5 symptom guide is not designed to diagnose adults. However, the specialist will still require specific information from the patient's spouse or partner, as well as other close friends as well as the person's parents. In addition, the specialist will likely use adult rating scales and checklists. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a treatment program for behavioral disorders and medications. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief for many, since it may mean that their difficulties are not due to laziness or insufficient intelligence.
Medication
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is methylphenidate (Ritalin). It works by increasing the levels of noradrenaline within the brain, which assists to regulate impulses and send messages between nerve cells. Stimulants can help children as well as adults concentrate, pay attention and follow through on tasks. The use of medication is usually in conjunction with behavior therapy and accommodations at school. Adults, the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity decrease as they age but they are still struggling with disorganization, inattention and completing work-related tasks. If not treated, ADHD can cause problems in relationships and increase the risk of certain medical conditions like bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety, as well as substance abuse.
Because it's hard to diagnose ADHD in adulthood, some adults never receive treatment for their symptoms. Women are more susceptible to hyperactivity and inattention and their symptoms could go undetected. They might also be hesitant to seek a diagnosis because as children, they were taught that their problems with concentration and attention are normal.
A health professional who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD examines a person's symptoms, family history, and conducts a physical examination. The doctor will use standardized ratings scales to assess the person's behavior against that of other children and adults in the same age group. It is important to bring any medical, psychological and school/work records to your appointment. You can also ask your doctor whether you're eligible to participate in any clinical trials that are being conducted to find new ways to identify, treat or prevent disorders and diseases, including ADHD.
Children with ADHD who are in the preschool age group usually receive behavioral treatment. Behavioral therapy is usually paired with cognitive-behavioral therapy, or non-stimulant medications, like Atomoxetine. These drugs are not associated with the same issues with sleep or agitation as stimulants do and have a lower incidence of abuse and addiction. But, they're not an alternative to an extensive physical and mental health evaluation and treatment from a trained health professional. It is crucial to inquire with your insurance provider about coverage prior to visiting a mental health professional and ensure you have a referral from your primary medical doctor.
Treatment options
Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle with life skills like focusing, listening closely and organizing - things that are easily accomplished by other people. When these symptoms interfere with school, work or at home life, they might need an evaluation and treatment. A diagnosis can bring relief since it clarifies the reasons that some people are more annoyed. It also helps to debunk the common misconception that those with ADHD is lazy, or not intelligent enough or doesn't want to try.
A health professional with special training in ADHD evaluation and treatment is likely to diagnose a person. This could be a psychiatrist or pediatrician. It is essential to find a specialist who will assess each patient and collect an extensive history. Family doctors, therapists, and trusted friends can give recommendations. Asking for credentials, like the doctor's professional and academic degrees, is also a great idea.
The first step in assessing for ADHD is a comprehensive history to determine whether other factors may be causing the symptoms. For instance, medical conditions, such as low birth weight, thyroid disorders and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A person's mood, stress levels and previous alcohol and drug use can also contribute to symptoms.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They are energetic, fidget and constantly moving. They have difficulty sitting still or waiting for their turn in school, and may lose focus while studying or taking tests. Children who have this form of disorder are more apt to be suspended from class for behavioral problems.
When diagnosing adhd is essential to provide a description of the symptoms and how they impact the person's everyday functioning. In adults, the hyperactivity generally decreases, however, the inattention and impulsivity can become more problematic.
There are a variety of medications available to treat adults with ADHD. Stimulants are drugs that target the dopamine neurotransmitter which is responsible for controlling emotion and movement. It also plays a role in motivation. Non-stimulant drugs like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which targets dopamine and norepinephrine, are also available.