What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?
For many children, being diagnosed of ADHD is the first time they've had an explanation for their hyperactivity and inattention. For adults, a diagnosis is often the result of symptoms that become severe enough to affect their work and personal life.
Find a medical professional who has experience treating ADHD to provide a precise diagnosis. Get referrals from therapists or trusted friends, or ask for recommendations from your health plan.
Signs and symptoms
If you've tried to get rid of the symptoms of ADHD through diet, exercise or other methods that haven't worked, a diagnosis from a medical professional could give you the help you require. A diagnosis from a medical professional can provide you with the comfort and confidence that your lack of motivation or apathy are not holding you back from achieving your goals. Your doctor can also give you an treatment plan that will enhance your functioning.
Your GP can help determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms and can refer you to a specialist who will perform an official assessment. You can take any ADHD tests or questionnaires that are available on the internet prior to scheduling an appointment with medical professionals. These are excellent self-screening tools that will allow you to feel confident to ask for a professional assessment. When you go for the assessment, bring a copy of your relevant records to the appointment. The physician will examine your medical and family history, and interview people who are familiar with you and your behaviour. This could include a teacher, 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 turning 12 and severe enough to interfere with functioning at work, school, or home. The symptoms should have lasted for at least six months.
Inattentive ADHD is the most common form of ADHD, which affects children who struggle to pay attention or sit still. They tend to drift off or lose focus when they talk. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They fidget and wait to be called upon. They also have a lot of energy. They are often disruptive to 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 get the assistance you need by taking medication or therapy. Medicine can help you focus and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, helping you to achieve your goals in the workplace in school, at home or at home. There are also strategies that improve organization, increase structure and develop good eating and sleeping habits. It is essential to seek help as soon as you begin to notice signs of ADHD.
Evaluation
For those who are suffering from symptoms of ADHD and other disorders, a thorough assessment is required to determine the root cause. In an evaluation conducted by a trained mental health professional will examine several factors, such as the patient's mood, medical history, and any issues that could be causing or hiding the symptoms of the disorder. A broad-spectrum scale to measure the emotional, social and psychiatric issues could also be administered. Additionally tests to assess the ability of the body to process information will be conducted.
A doctor who is specialized in attention disorders, such as a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, is usually able to provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The specialist will consult with the patient and or family members to describe their symptoms, complete an psychiatric history, look over medical records, and utilize adult rating scales and questionnaires.
The doctor will also look at the symptoms to determine how they interfere with the daily functioning of a person. He or she will note whether the symptoms manifest at work, in school or in relationships, as well as at home. The doctor will determine how long symptoms have been present. It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD is not a condition that can be diagnosed until an adult for the first time, since the current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD only recognize it when the disorder was evident in childhood.
In children, the process of diagnosis involves obtaining information from multiple sources, including the child's teachers and caregivers. The specialist will assess the behavior of a child with the behavior of other children similar to their age and might use scales of ratings that are standardized. The specialist will also look over the child's medical records and perform physical examination.
Adults might have a harder in identifying ADHD, since the DSM-5 is not designed for adults. However, the specialist will still need to collect details from the patient's spouse or partner and other close friends and the person's parents. Additionally, the professional will likely use adult rating scales and checklists. The use of medication and behavioral therapy can help to manage ADHD in adults. Finding out that you have ADHD can be a relief for many people, as it can suggest that their issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack of intelligence.
Medication
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline which transmits messages between nerve cells and assists control impulses. Stimulants can help children and adults concentrate, pay attention and keep track of tasks. They are often used in conjunction with behavior therapy as well as accommodations at school. For adults, the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity diminish as they get older, but they still struggle with disorganization, inattention and working on tasks that require attention. Many people suffering from untreated ADHD struggle with their relationships and have greater risk of developing certain medical conditions, including bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorder, as well as substance abuse.
Some adults don't receive treatment due to it being difficult to recognize ADHD as an adult. Women are more prone to inattention rather than hyperactivity and, therefore, their symptoms may go undetected. They might also be hesitant to seek treatment because as young children, they were told that their problems with concentration and attention are normal.
A medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD will assess a person's symptoms and family history before performing a physical exam. They'll then use standardized rating scales to document how the person's behavior compares with other children and adults of the same age. It is important to bring any medical, psychological, or school/work records to the appointment. You may also ask your physician if you are eligible for any clinical trials currently being conducted to discover new methods to treat, prevent or detect disorders and diseases, such as ADHD.
Children with ADHD who are in the preschool age group typically receive treatment for their behavior. Behavioral therapy is usually paired with cognitive-behavioral therapy, or non-stimulant medications, like Atomoxetine. These medicines don't cause the same sleep problems or agitation that stimulants do, and have a lower incidence of abuse and addiction. However, these are not an alternative to an in-depth mental and physical health assessment and treatment from a trained healthcare professional. It is essential to check with your insurance provider regarding the coverage prior to seeing a mental health professional and ensure you have a referral from your primary care physician.
Treatment options
Many people with ADHD struggle with life skills like paying attention to their surroundings, focusing on their listening and organizing - things that are easily accomplished by others. These symptoms can interfere with their school, work and even their home life. They might seek a diagnosis or treatment when they become a problem. A diagnosis can provide relief because it explains the reasons that some people are more annoyed. It also helps to dispel common myths that a person with ADHD is incompetent, or isn't smart enough or does not desire to try.
A health professional with specific training in ADHD evaluation and treatment will likely diagnose a person. This could be a psychiatrist or pediatrician. It is important to find a specialist who takes the time to assess each patient and collect a comprehensive history. Recommendations can be given by family doctors, therapists and trusted family members. It is also a good idea to inquire about qualifications like the specialist's professional certification and academic degrees.
The first step in evaluating for ADHD is to conduct a thorough medical review of the history to determine if any other factors may be contributing to the symptoms. Some medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, low birthweight, and seizure disorders, may cause symptoms and signs. The symptoms can also be affected by a person's mood, stress level, and past drug or alcohol use.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They are impulsive, fidgety, and always on the move. They have a difficult time waiting for their turn in school or sitting still. They may lose their focus when studying or taking tests. Children who read more have this form of disorder are more apt to be expelled from class for behavioural issues.
When diagnosing adults it is important to include a description of the symptoms and how they impact the individual's daily functioning. In adults, the level of hyperactivity generally decreases, however, the inattention and impulsivity are more challenging.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat adults with ADHD. Stimulants are substances which target dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is responsible for controlling emotions and movement. It also plays a part in motivation. Non-stimulant drugs like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which targets dopamine and norepinephrine, are also available.