How to Diagnose ADHD
The process of diagnosing ADHD requires gathering a lot of details. Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history, and then use standard ADHD ratings scales. They will also look for any other issues that could be contributing to the symptoms of your child or adult for example, thyroid issues, sleep disorders or depression. You may also be suffering from substance abuse.
ADHD symptoms are a major issue in the family and at school, and persist for a minimum of six months before they can be identified.
Signs and symptoms
Before diagnosing ADHD, a health care provider must take a careful look at the patient. They will ask questions about the symptoms, review family, social, and medical histories, and examine past and present mental health and medical issues. The provider may also order tests to rule out anxiety, depression, or other disorders that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
A person with ADHD is more likely than other people to have difficulty concentrating for long durations of time. This can hinder schoolwork and other important tasks. They are more prone to getting distracted by people, activities or objects around them. They have a difficult time following instructions, retaining details and keeping deadlines. They may be easily annoyed by criticism or set unrealistic expectations for themselves, which can result in disappointments and failures.
The symptoms of ADHD The symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not affect a person's daily activities or relationships, while severe symptoms can cause major issues at work or at home. ADHD is a condition that affects individuals throughout their lives. It is more common in children, but a few adults are not diagnosed because they can cope with the symptoms.
The doctor will perform a thorough examination on children suffering from ADHD. This includes vision and hearing tests. The doctor may also inquire about the child as well as their parents and their teachers about their behavior and habits. They can also request a brain-imaging study to rule out any other possible causes, like MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric assessment is usually conducted by a psychiatrist nurse practitioner, clinical social worker or psychologist. The evaluator asks about the person's symptoms and how they affect their life and work. They also take into consideration the family history and educational background. The evaluator will also examine the person's medical and mental health background and talk to other family members and friends to obtain more of 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
If you have your child who is always in a state of mind, struggling to focus on schoolwork or other tasks at home, and seems easily distracted by their peers, it may be the time to seek help. ADHD is a brain-based disorder and children who suffer from it struggle with paying attention, controlling their behavior, and being organized. It can affect children in a variety of ways and can create problems at home, school and in their relationships with family and their peers.
Before taking your child to see a doctor, begin by taking notes and observing how they behave. A good psychologist or psychiatrist will look for a combination of signs and symptoms to determine whether your child is suffering from ADD or ADHD. They will also consider the developmental stage of your child and age. A diagnosis of ADD is made if a child under age 16 has 6 or more symptoms of inattention (or 5 for older teens) for at least 6 months, and these symptoms hinder daily functioning. The signs of ADHD include fumbling and talking, tapping, or other constant movement, and a failure to follow through with instructions chores, classroom or workplace tasks.
A professional will also ask how these behaviors have affected your child's life in general. They will inquire whether your child is struggling with schoolwork or other activities. If they have trouble maintaining friendships or relationships or are often late for appointments, they'll need 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 because the criteria used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is designed to diagnose children. The most reliable method of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a clinical interview with a specialist who specializes in the field, who will take their time during the evaluation and not rush the process. They will often use computer programs and scans of the brain to assess the structure of your child's brain.
Identifying your triggers is among the most important actions you can take to manage your ADHD. Once you identify what triggers your symptoms, you can take steps to avoid them. For instance you can reduce screen time, eat a healthy diet, and schedule regular sleep times.
Diagnosis
The first thing you need to do if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD is to seek a professional diagnosis. Many medical professionals have special training for assessing ADHD in adults. When choosing a medical professional inquire about his or her education and experience with adult ADHD.
Your doctor will use Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, in order to make a diagnosis. They will want to know if you are suffering from multiple symptoms that manifest over a period of time and interfere with your life at home, 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 evaluation will also examine other conditions that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. These include mood disorders, learning disorders such as depression or anxiety, thyroid conditions as well as head injuries and other medical conditions. Your doctor may want to examine your family background to determine if you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid.
It is important to include information from family members in your assessment because people with ADHD aren't able to establish close bonds. Other people who spend lots of time with you, like teachers or scout and religious leaders, coaches, and co-workers, can also give valuable information. They can provide important information to your doctor, including how you interact with them, or whether you have any issues in these relationships.
A doctor will typically request you to complete questionnaires and conduct an interview. Computer programs, like continuous test of performance or brain scans using SPECT, can be used to determine impulsivity and attention.
You and your doctor will discuss your personal life to determine if there are any major issues at work or in your relationships. If you have a partner or spouse you could consider pursuing couples therapy too. Your doctor and you will have to collaborate to determine an approach that is suitable for you. This could include lifestyle changes, counseling, and medication.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help your child or you manage the symptoms and enjoy a more fulfilling life. There are a variety of options for treatment that include therapy and medication.
It's important to work with a mental health professional who is specialized in ADHD. They can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, design a treatment plan, and help you cope with your symptoms. They can also support your child's academic and behavioral needs at school by working closely with their teachers.
Most kids and teens with ADHD can be treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. The dosage and type of medication can differ from one individual to another. It may take a while to determine the dosage and medication that is suitable for you or your children. Ask diagnosing adhd for samples and discuss different options for medications. This means you can test out the drugs to see which ones are most effective and have the least adverse effects.
Adults with untreated ADHD might experience difficulties at work or in their relationships. They may have difficulty keeping their job, interacting with co-workers, or meeting financial obligations. They may also be suffering from anxiety and depression as well. A health professional will examine the patient's emotional and mental history, including moods. The provider might suggest an assessment for a mood disorder or other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the consultation, the therapist will listen attentively to the story of your child or you. They may ask questions about your family life and social interactions and how the symptoms impact the way they function in their lives and how they have changed over time. They might request information from teachers and relatives to gain a full picture. The doctor may suggest a full physical examination that includes blood and urine tests. The doctor might also suggest brain imaging.
Consult your primary physician If you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or any other mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. You should also check with your health insurance company to make sure the professionals you're thinking about hiring are covered. If not, think about a mental health insurance plan such as BetterHelp.