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How to Diagnose ADHD
Finding out if you have ADHD requires gathering a lot of details. Your doctor will look at your symptoms and medical history and use standard ADHD ratings scales. They will also check for other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms of your child or adult like sleep disorders, thyroid problems and depression, as well as substance abuse.
ADHD symptoms must be a significant problem in the family and at school, and persist for at least six months before being diagnosed.
Signs and symptoms
A health care provider needs to carefully evaluate a person before determining ADHD. He or she will ask questions about symptoms examine family medical, social, and history, and review the mental health of the person's current and prior and medical issues. The doctor may request tests to rule out depression, anxiety, or other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
A person with ADHD is more likely to struggle with concentration for long periods of time, which could impact schoolwork and other tasks that are important. They are more prone to getting distracted by people, activities or objects surrounding them. They have a difficult time following instructions, remembering details and meeting deadlines. They can be easily irritated by criticism or set unrealistic expectations for themselves, which could lead to failure and disappointments.
The symptoms of ADHD can differ from one person to another and could be mild or moderate, or even severe. The mild symptoms don't affect a person's daily activities or relationships, whereas severe symptoms can cause serious difficulties at work and at home. ADHD is an illness that can affect people throughout their lives. It is more prevalent in children, however some adults are not diagnosed as they can cope with the symptoms.
For children suffering from ADHD, the doctor will conduct a thorough exam including vision and hearing tests. The doctor may also inquire about the child parents, the child, and their teachers about their behavior and habits. They may also order an imaging study of the brain to rule out other possible causes, for example MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric assessment is usually conducted by a psychologist, clinical social worker, or nurse practitioner. The evaluator inquires about the person's symptoms and how they impact their life and work. They also consider the family background and educational background. The evaluator will also review the person's medical and mental background, and talk to others in the family and with acquaintances to build a 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
Asking for help is a good idea if your child is always daydreaming or is having trouble focussing on schoolwork or other tasks at home, or seems easily distracted by his or her friends. ADHD is adhd diagnosis in adults that affects children who have difficulty paying attention, controlling behavior and staying organized. It can affect children in a variety of ways, and cause issues at school, at home, and with their relationships with family and their peers.
Take notes and observe your child's behavior before you go to the doctor. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will look at various indicators and signs to determine if your child has ADHD or ADD. They will also take into consideration the child's developmental stage as well as age. A child who is diagnosed with ADD must exhibit 6 or more symptoms (or 5 in older teens) of inattention for at least six months. These symptoms are a hindrance to everyday functioning. The signs of ADHD include fidgeting, talking, tapping or any other constant movement and not being able to follow through with instructions, chores, or classroom or work-related tasks.
A professional will ask about the consequences of these behaviors for your child's daily life. They will ask whether your child has difficulties with schoolwork or other activities. If they are having difficulty maintaining relationships or friendships, or are often late for appointments, they'll want to be aware. They will also take a look at your child's past medical history and any medications they are currently taking because certain medications can cause symptoms of ADHD.
The criteria used 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 to have a consultation with a specialist in the disorder. They will take their time during the assessment and not rush the process. They will often use scans and computer programs of the brain to determine the structure of your child's brain.
Finding triggers is the first step to managing ADHD. Once you have identified the triggers that cause your symptoms, you can take actions to avoid these triggers. For example you can limit screen time, eat a balanced diet and schedule regular sleep times.
Diagnosis
The first thing you should do if you suspect that you might have ADHD is to seek out a professional diagnosis. Many medical professionals are specially trained to assess ADHD in adults. Ask about the professional's education and experience in adult ADHD.
Your doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) to help you make an assessment. The doctor will want to know if you are suffering from multiple symptoms, which are exhibited for a period of six months and can interfere with your life at work, at home 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 may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders, mood disorders such as depression or anxiety, thyroid conditions, head injuries and other medical conditions. Your doctor may want to check your family history to determine if you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child.
Since people with ADHD often have difficulties forming close relationships, it's crucial to include information from family members. Other people who spend much time with you, like teachers as well as religious and scout leaders, coaches and coworkers, could also give important information. These people can give valuable information to your doctor, such as how you interact with them, or whether you have any issues in these relationships.
A doctor will usually request you to complete questionnaires and conduct an interview. Sometimes, computer programs, such as continuous tests of performance or SPECT brain scans, are used to measure attention and impulse control.
You and your doctor will discuss your personal life in order to determine if you're experiencing any significant problems at work or in your relationships. You may also want to consider couples therapy when you have a partner or spouse. Together with your doctor, you must determine the most effective treatment strategy for you. This can include lifestyle modifications and counseling as well as medication.
Treatment
The good news is that treatment for ADHD can aid you or your child manage symptoms and lead an active and fulfilling life. There are a myriad of treatments available for ADHD, including medication and therapy.
It's important to consult an expert in mental health who specializes in ADHD. They can give you an accurate diagnosis, create a treatment plan and help you develop coping skills to manage your symptoms. They also can work with your child's teachers to support their academic and behavioral needs at the school.
The majority of adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD can be successfully treated with the help of treatment for ADHD with behavioral therapy. The dosage and type of medication can differ from one individual to another. It can take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and the drug that is most effective for you or your child. Discuss with your doctor various options for medication and request samples. You can then test the different drugs to determine which are the most effective and have the least adverse consequences.
Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD might have problems at work or with relationships. They may have difficulty keeping jobs, interacting with colleagues, or meeting financial obligations. They also suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. A health care provider will look at the person's mental and emotional history, including moods. The doctor may suggest an assessment for mood disorders or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the consultation for diagnosis the healthcare professional will pay close attention to your or your child's story. They may ask questions about family and social activities, how the symptoms affect your or their daily functioning and how they've changed over time. They can ask their teachers and relatives for more details to get an accurate picture. The doctor is likely to recommend a complete physical exam, which includes urine and blood tests. The doctor might also recommend brain imaging.
Consult your primary physician if you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or any other mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. Make sure to check with your health insurance to determine if the specialists you're considering employing are covered by your insurance. If not, consider a mental health insurance plan such as BetterHelp.
