How to Diagnose ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD involves gathering a variety of information. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and history and will use standard ADHD rating scales. They'll also be sure to make sure something else isn't causing your child or adult's problems for example, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, depression, or substance abuse.
ADHD symptoms must be a significant problem in the family and at school, and persist for a minimum of six months before being diagnosed.
Symptoms
A health care provider needs to carefully evaluate a person before diagnosing ADHD. He or she will ask about the symptoms, review family, social and medical history, review the past and present medical and mental health problems and conduct a physical examination. The doctor may also recommend tests to rule out depression, anxiety or other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A person with ADHD is more likely to struggle with concentrating for long periods of time, which can hinder school work as well as other important tasks. They are more likely to be distracted by other things, people or activities around them. They have trouble following instructions or recollecting details and keeping deadlines. They are often easily annoyed by criticism or set unrealistic expectations for themselves, which can cause disappointment and failure.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person and may be mild or moderate, or even severe. Mild symptoms do not hinder a person's day-today activities or relationships, but severe symptoms can cause serious difficulties at work and at home. People who suffer from ADHD generally experience symptoms throughout their lives. It is more prevalent among children, but some adults aren't diagnosed because they are able to cope with the symptoms.
For children who suffer from ADHD, the doctor will conduct a thorough exam including hearing and vision tests. The doctor may also interview the child, their parents, and their teachers about their habits and behavior. They may also order an examination of the brain to rule out other possible causes, such as MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric evaluation is typically carried out by a psychologist clinical social worker or nurse practitioner. The evaluator asks about the person's symptoms and how they affect their work and life. They also consider the family background and educational background. The evaluator will also look into the person's mental health and medical history and talk with other family members and friends to get a more 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
Helping your child is a great idea if your child is always occupied with daydreams or is having trouble staying focused on schoolwork, other activities at home, or seems easily distracted by friends. ADHD is a brain disorder that is a problem for children who have trouble staying focused, controlling their behavior or staying organized. It can affect a child in many ways and create problems at school, at home and in their relationships with family members and their peers.
Before taking your child to see a doctor, start by taking notes and watching how they behave. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will analyze various signs and symptoms in order to determine if your child is suffering from ADD/ADHD. They will also consider your child's age and development level. A child who is diagnosed with ADD must show 6 or more symptoms (or five in the case of teenagers older than) of inattention for at least six months, and these signs are a hindrance to daily functioning. Symptoms of ADHD include fumbling, talking, tapping or any other constant movement and failing to follow instructions, chores, or classroom or work-related tasks.
A professional will ask about the consequences of these behaviors for your child's everyday life. They will ask whether your child is struggling with schoolwork or other activities. If they are having difficulty maintaining friendships or relationships or are frequently late for appointments, they want to be aware of. They will also examine your child's medical history as well as current medications, as some medications can trigger symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult because the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is designed to diagnose children. The most reliable way to identify ADHD for adults is by an interview with a specialist who has experience with the disorder. They will not hurry through the process and take their time. Often, they will also employ brain scans and computer programs to examine the structure of your child's brain.
Recognizing your triggers is one of the most important steps you can take to manage your ADHD. Once you know what causes your symptoms to flare up, you can take steps to prevent them, such as restricting the time you spend on screens and eating a balanced diet and scheduling regular sleeping times.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, the first step is to seek a diagnosis from a professional. Many medical professionals are specially trained to look for ADHD in adults. Ask about the professional's education and experience in adult ADHD.
Your doctor will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, to make diagnosis. They will want to determine if you are suffering from multiple symptoms that are present over a period of time and 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 assessment will also consider other conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. These include mood disorders, learning disorders such as anxiety or depression thyroid disorders or head injuries, among other medical conditions. Your doctor may want to examine your family background to determine if you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child.
Because people with ADHD frequently have difficulty forming close relationships, it is important that your evaluation includes information from family members. Other people who spend lots of time with you, like teachers, religious and scout coaches, leaders, and co-workers, can also offer valuable information. They can inform your doctor about how you interact with them and if there are any specific challenges that you have in these relationships.
An assessment for ADHD typically involves an appointment with your doctor and questionnaires that you fill out. Computer programs, like continuous tests of performance or brain scans with SPECT, can be utilized to assess impulsivity and attention.
Your doctor and you will discuss your lifestyle in order to determine if there are any major issues at work or in your relationships. If you have a partner or spouse, you may consider starting therapy for couples as well. Together, you and your doctor must determine the most effective treatment strategy for you. This could include changes in your lifestyle, counseling, and medications.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can aid your child or help you manage symptoms and enjoy a more fulfilling life. There are several treatments, including medication and therapy.
It is crucial to work with an expert in mental health who is specialized in ADHD. They can give you an accurate diagnosis, create an appropriate treatment plan, and guide you on how to manage your symptoms. They can also work with your child's teacher to help with their behavior and learning needs at the school.
Most kids and teens with ADHD can be treated using a an ad-hoc combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Read Home and kind of medication can differ from one individual to another. It can take some time to determine the dosage and drug that is right for you or your children. Ask your doctor for samples and talk about different options for medications. This allows you to test out the drugs to see which ones are most effective and have the smallest side negative effects.
Adults who have untreated ADHD may have trouble at work or in their relationships. They may have difficulty keeping a job, getting along with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They may also be suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders. A health care provider will examine the patient's mental and emotional history as well as moods. The doctor may suggest an evaluation for a mood disorder or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the consultation for diagnosis the doctor will pay attention to your or your child's story. They might inquire about family and social life, how the symptoms affect your or their daily functioning and how they have changed over time. They could request information from teachers and relatives to obtain a complete picture. The doctor is likely to suggest a full physical examination which includes blood and urine tests. The doctor might also suggest brain imaging.
Consult your primary physician if you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They may refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. Make sure to check with your health insurance to find out if the professionals you are considering employing are covered by your insurance. If not, think about a mental health insurance plan such as BetterHelp.