What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?
A diagnosis of ADHD could be the first time a child has a specific cause for their hyperactivity and inattention. For adults the diagnosis is usually due to symptoms becoming severe enough to affect their work and family life.
Find a health care provider who has experience treating ADHD to make an accurate diagnosis. Request referrals from trusted therapists or friends or ask for recommendations from your health insurance.
Symptoms
You might have tried to treat the symptoms of ADHD through diet, exercise, or other methods, but failed. A diagnosis from a professional can provide you with the assistance you require. A diagnosis from a medical professional can be a source of relief and peace of mind knowing that it isn't low intelligence or laziness that is hindering you from getting to your goals. Your doctor can also provide you with a treatment plan that will enhance your performance.
Your GP can help determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms and refer you to an expert who will conduct an official assessment. Complete any ADHD tests or questionnaires that are available online prior to making an appointment with medical professionals. These act as self-screening tools and will give you the confidence to ask for a professional assessment. Bring a copy of all relevant documents with you to your appointment. The provider will review your medical history and family history and talk to people who are familiar with your personality and behavior. This could include a teacher or 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 be severe enough to affect functioning at school, work or the home. They should also have lasted for more than six months.
Inattention ADHD is the most frequent manifestation that affects children who have trouble paying attention or staying still. They daydream or lose focus during conversations. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They fidget, can't wait their turn, and possess lots of energy. They often 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 are not severe, you can still receive the assistance you need by taking medication or therapy. Treatment can decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity, as well as improve concentration which can aid you in reaching your goals at work, school or home. There are also ways to improve your organization create structure, and develop good eating and sleeping habits. I Am Psychiatry is getting assistance as soon as you start to notice the signs of ADHD.
Evaluation
If you notice symptoms of ADHD and other disorders, a thorough assessment is necessary to determine the reason. When evaluating a patient conducted by a trained mental health professional will look at various factors, such as the patient's mood, medical history, and any issues that could be causing or concealing the symptoms of the disorder. A broad spectrum scale measuring mental, emotional and social issues could be administered. Additionally tests to assess motor skills and the ability to process information will be administered.
A clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert in the field of attention disorders can usually accurately diagnose ADHD. The specialist will ask both the patient and his family members to describe their symptoms and complete an assessment of psychiatric disorders, look over medical records and complete adult rating scales.
The specialist will also examine the symptoms and determine how they affect a person's everyday life. He or she will note whether the symptoms occur at work, in school or in relationships and at home. The doctor will determine how long symptoms have been present. It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD cannot be diagnosed for the first time in adults, as current diagnostic guidelines only recognize the disorder if it was evident in childhood.
In children, the diagnostic process involves gathering information from several sources that include the child's teachers and caregivers. The professional will assess the child's behavior with that of other children their age, and may also employ standard rating scales. The specialist will also look over the child's medical records and conduct an examination of the body.
For adults, the diagnosis of ADHD is usually more difficult due to the fact that the DSM-5 symptoms guide isn't designed to identify adults. The professional will still have to collect specific information about the patient from their spouse or partner, other close friends and parents. The doctor may also utilize adult checklists and rating scales. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy and medication. Many people feel relieved to be diagnosed with ADHD since they now realize that their problems aren't caused by laziness or insufficient intelligence.
Medication
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It works by boosting the levels of noradrenaline in the brain, which aids to control impulses and send messages between nerve cells. Stimulants can help children as well as adults concentrate and pay attention to complete tasks. They are often prescribed as part of a behavior therapy program and school accommodations. Adults with ADHD experience less hyperactivity and impulsivity as they age, however they still experience issues with disorganization, inattention, and difficulty completing tasks. Many people with untreated ADHD struggle with their relationships and are at a higher risk for certain medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.
Some adults don't receive treatment because it is difficult to recognize ADHD as an adult. Women are more likely to suffer from hyperactivity than inattention. This could cause their symptoms disappear from sight. They may also be hesitant to seek treatment due to the fact that they were taught as kids that their problems with attention and concentration are normal.
A health professional who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD evaluates a person's symptoms and family history. They also conducts a physical examination. They will then use standard rating scales to determine how the person's behavior is compared to other adults and children of the same age. Bring any medical, psychological or other documentation from school/work, etc. to your appointment. You may also ask your physician if you are eligible for any clinical trials currently being conducted to discover new ways to treat, prevent or detect disorders and diseases, including ADHD.
The use of behavioral therapy is typically advised for children in preschool who suffer from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can be incorporated with cognitive-behavioral treatment or an anti-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine. The medications don't cause the same issues with sleep or agitation that stimulants do, and they are less likely to cause dependence and abuse. These medications are not substitutes for a thorough examination and treatment of your physical and mental health by a trained health professional. Before you visit a mental health professional it is crucial to check your insurance coverage, and request a referral from your primary care physician.
Treatment options
Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle with daily tasks like paying attention, listening closely and organizing - all things that are easily accomplished by other people. These symptoms can hinder their school, work as well as their personal life. They may seek a diagnosis or treatment when they start to show signs of being a problem. A diagnosis can be a relief, because it explains why some people are more frustrated than others. It also helps debunk the common misconception that those with ADHD is lazy, or not smart enough or does not want to try.
A health care professional with specific training in ADHD evaluation and treatment will most likely be able to identify a person. This could be a pediatrician or psychiatrist. It is important to choose a doctor who will take the time to examine every patient and take a complete medical history. Family doctors, therapists and trusted friends can offer recommendations. Requesting credentials, such as the doctor's professional and academic degrees is a great idea too.
The first step in evaluating for ADHD is to take a thorough background to determine if other factors could be contributing to the symptoms. For example, some medical conditions like low birth weight or thyroid disorders as well as seizure disorders can cause ADHD-like symptoms. A person's mood, stress levels and past drug and alcohol usage can also trigger symptoms.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They have tons of energy, fidget and are constantly moving. They have difficulty sitting still or waiting for their turn at school, and may lose their focus when studying or taking tests. This form of the disorder is more likely to result in a child being exiled from school due to behavior issues.
When diagnosing adults it is essential to provide a description of the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily functioning. In adults, hyperactivity tends to decrease but inattention and impulsivity increase.
There are a variety of medications available to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants are drugs that target dopamine neurotransmitter, which is responsible for controlling movement and emotions. It also plays a part in motivation. Non-stimulant drugs like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which targets dopamine and norepinephrine, are also available.