How to Diagnose ADHD
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves gathering a variety of information. Your doctor will go over your history and symptoms, and use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also assess for any other issues that could be causing the symptoms of your child or adult for example, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, depression or addiction to drugs.
To be considered as diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly affect family and school life and last for at minimum six months.
Signs and symptoms
A medical professional needs to take a careful look at a patient before determining ADHD. He or she will ask about symptoms, check medical, social and family background, examine the past and present mental health and medical problems and conduct a physical exam. The doctor may request tests to rule-out depression, anxiety, or other disorders which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A person with ADHD is more likely than others to be unable to concentrate for extended durations of time. This can hinder the academics and other essential tasks. They are more likely to be distracted by the people, things or activities around them. They have difficulty following instructions, remembering specifics and keeping deadlines. They are often easily annoyed by criticism or have unrealistic expectations for themselves, which could lead to failure and disappointments.
The symptoms of ADHD are different from individual to individual and can be mild moderate, severe, or mild. Mild symptoms don't hinder the daily routine or relationships. The more severe symptoms can lead to serious issues at home and work. People who have ADHD typically have symptoms throughout their lives. It is more common in children, but a few adults aren't diagnosed because they are able to cope with the symptoms.
For children with ADHD, the doctor will do a thorough exam including vision and hearing tests. He or she may ask the child, their parents, and their teachers about their behavior and habits. They may also order an examination of the brain to rule out any other possible causes, like MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric examination is typically performed by a psychologist, clinical social worker, or nurse practitioner. The examiner will inquire about the person's symptoms and how they affect the person's life and work, and take into consideration the family's background and education. They will also look into the person's mental health and medical history and talk with other family members and acquaintances to gather an accurate picture.
getting a adhd diagnosis 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
Helping your child is a great idea if your child is always occupied with daydreams or has difficulty focusing on schoolwork, other activities at home, or is easily distracted by his or her friends. ADHD is a brain-based disorder, and children with it are unable to focus and controlling their behavior and being organized. It can affect a child in many ways and cause issues at home, school and in their relationships with family and classmates.
Note down and observe your child's behavior prior to you visit the doctor. A good psychologist or psychiatrist will look for a mix of symptoms and signs to determine if your child suffers from ADD or ADHD. They will also consider the child's age as well as their developmental level. A diagnosis of ADD is given if an infant under the age of 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 daily functioning. The signs of ADHD include fidgeting, talking, tapping or other constant movement, and not being able to follow through on instructions chores, classroom or workplace tasks.
A professional will inquire about the consequences of these behaviors for your child's daily life. They will ask if your child has difficulty with schoolwork or other activities. If they have trouble maintaining friendships or relationships, or are often late for appointments, they'll want to know. They will also take a look at the medical history of your child and any medications they are currently taking, because certain medications can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier due to the fact that the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is specifically designed to identify children. The most reliable method to identify ADHD for adults is by a clinical interview conducted by an expert who has worked with the disorder. They won't hurry through the process and take their time. Often, they will also employ computer programs and brain scans to study the structure of your child's brain.
Finding triggers is the first step to managing ADHD. Once you identify what triggers your symptoms you can take steps that will help you avoid them. For instance you can reduce screen time, eat a healthy diet, and schedule regular sleep times.
Diagnosis
If you suspect ADHD, the first step is to obtain an expert diagnosis. Medical professionals are often equipped with special training for assessing ADHD in adults. Ask about the professional's education and experience in adult ADHD.
Your doctor will refer you to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist in making an assessment. The doctor will want to determine if you are suffering from multiple symptoms that are present for six months and significantly 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 assessment will also consider other conditions that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders as well as mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. Thyroid conditions, head injuries and other medical problems are also considered. Your doctor might want to check your family history to determine if you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid.
It is crucial to include family members' information in your evaluation because people with ADHD have difficulty forming close relationships. Teachers, religious and Scout leaders as well as coaches, coworkers, and others who spend time with you can also provide valuable insight. They can provide important information to your doctor, for example, how you interact with them or if you face any challenges in these relationships.
A test for ADHD typically involves an appointment with your doctor and questionnaires that you complete. Computer programs, such as continuous tests of performance or brain scans with SPECT, can be used to determine impulsivity and attention.
Your doctor and you will discuss your life to determine if you're experiencing any significant problems at work or in your relationships. You may also wish to consider couples therapy in the event that you have a spouse or partner. You and your physician will need to work together to find the treatment plan that works best for you. This can include changes in your lifestyle, counseling, and medications.
Treatment
The good news is that treating ADHD can help you or your child manage symptoms and live a more productive life. There are a variety of treatments available that include therapy and medication.
It is essential to consult 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 skills to manage your symptoms. They also can work with your child's teacher to help with their academic and behavioral needs at the school.
The majority of children and teens suffering from ADHD are treated with the combination of medication and behavioral therapy. The kind and dosage of the medication may differ from person to person. It may take a while to find the right dosage and a drug that is appropriate for you or your child. Ask your doctor for samples and discuss different medication options. You can then test the different medications to determine which ones are the most effective and have less adverse effects.
Adults with untreated ADHD might have issues at work or in their relationships. They may struggle to keep jobs, interacting with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They often struggle with depression and anxiety, as well. A health professional will examine the patient's emotional and mental health history, including moods. The doctor may suggest an evaluation for a mood disorder or other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the diagnosis consultation, the provider will pay close attention to your child's or your own story. They might ask about your family life and social interactions as well as how the symptoms affect your or their daily functioning and how they've changed over time. They might request information from teachers and relatives to get a more complete picture. The doctor will probably recommend a thorough physical exam, including blood and urine tests. The doctor might also recommend brain imaging.
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD, start by talking to your primary care physician. They can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert in treating ADHD. It is also advisable to consult your health insurance to make sure the professionals you're thinking about employing are covered. If not, you should consider a mental health insurance plan such as BetterHelp.