What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?
For many children, the diagnosis of ADHD is the first time they've received an explanation for their inattention and hyperactivity. For adults the diagnosis is usually the result of symptoms becoming severe enough to affect their work and personal life.
Find a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD to provide a precise diagnosis. Request referrals from trusted friends or therapists or ask for recommendations from your health insurance.
Symptoms
You may have tried to address the symptoms of ADHD through exercise, diet, or other methods, but you failed. A diagnosis from a professional can provide you with the assistance you need. 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 hindering your progress towards getting to your goals. Your doctor can also offer you a treatment plan that will improve your performance.
Your GP can determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms and refer you to an expert who will conduct an official assessment. You can take any ADHD tests or questionnaires that are available on the internet prior to scheduling an appointment with medical professionals. They're excellent self-screening tools that will give you confidence to request a professional evaluation. Bring a copy of all relevant documents with you to your appointment. The doctor will review your medical and family background, and also interview people who are familiar with you and your behaviour. This could be a coach 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 for healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must be present before a patient turns 12 and be severe enough to hinder performance at the workplace, school or at the home. They should also have lasted for more than six months.
Inattention ADHD is a problem for children who are incapable of paying attention or remain still. They tend to drift off or lose focus during conversations. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They fidget and are eager to be asked. They also have excess energy. They often interrupt others or make a mistake before they consider 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 get the help you need using therapy or medication. The use of medication can help reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, as well as improve concentration which can help you achieve your goals at work, school or home. There are also ways to improve your organization create structure, and create healthy eating and sleep habits. The most important thing is to seek help as soon as you notice the symptoms of ADHD.
Evaluation
A thorough evaluation is required for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of ADHD to determine the cause. In an assessment conducted by a trained mental health professional will examine many factors such as the patient's mood and medical history as well as any other issues that could contribute to the disorder or obscuring the symptoms. A broad-spectrum scale which measures mental, emotional and social issues can be administered. Tests that measure motor skills, and the ability to process information are also being conducted.
A doctor who is specialized in attention disorders, either a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist can usually provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The specialist will ask both the patient and their family members to describe symptoms, fill out a psychiatric questionnaire, review medical records and complete adult rating scales.
The specialist will also examine the symptoms to determine how they impact the person's daily activities. The specialist will also note whether the symptoms occur in school, at work or in relationships and at home. He or she will determine the length of time that symptoms have been present. It is crucial to remember that ADHD cannot be diagnosed until an adult for the first time since the current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD only recognize it if the disorder was present in childhood.
The diagnostic process for children involves gathering data from a variety of sources such as caregivers and teachers. The specialist will evaluate the child's behavior to those of other children his or her age, and may also utilize standardized rating scales. The specialist will also look over the child's medical records and perform an examination of the body.
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is often more difficult due to the fact that the DSM-5 symptoms guide isn't specifically designed to identify adults. The professional here will still have to collect detailed information about the patient's spouse or partner, other close friends and parents. The doctor may also use adult checklists and rating scales. Adults with ADHD can benefit from a treatment program for behavioral disorders and medications. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief for many people, as it could suggest that their issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack of intelligence.
Medication
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It works by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain, which assists to regulate impulses and send messages between nerve cells. Stimulants can help children and adults focus, pay attention and complete tasks. They are often used in conjunction with behavior therapy and adjustments at school. Adults with ADHD have less hyperactivity and impulsivity as they age, however they still have problems with disorganization, inattention, and difficulty completing tasks. If not treated, ADHD can lead to problems in relationships and increase the risk of developing certain medical conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety, and addiction to substances.
Some adults never receive treatment due to it being difficult to identify ADHD as an adult. Women may be more prone to hyperactivity rather than inattention, so their symptoms might be unnoticed. They may also be reluctant to seek a diagnosis because as children, they were taught that their attention and concentration problems are normal.
A medical professional who is skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD will evaluate the symptoms of a person and their family history, and conduct physical examination. The health care professional will employ standardized ratings scales to assess the behavior of the person against that of other adults and children with the same age. It is important to bring any medical, psychological and school/work records to your appointment. You may also ask your physician if you are eligible for any clinical trials currently being conducted to discover new methods to identify, treat or prevent disorders and diseases, such as ADHD.
Children with ADHD who are pre-school age typically receive treatment for their behavior. Behavioral therapy is usually combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy, or non-stimulant medications, like Atomoxetine. These drugs are not associated with the same sleep problems or agitation that stimulants cause and have a lower rate of addiction and abuse. These medications are not a replacement for a thorough examination and treatment of your mental and physical health by a qualified medical professional. Before visiting a mental health professional it is crucial to check your insurance coverage and get an appointment from your primary care physician.
Treatment options
Some people suffering from ADHD struggle with basic life skills like paying attention, listening carefully and organising. These are skills that others find easy. If these symptoms cause problems at school, work or at home, they may require a diagnosis and treatment. A diagnosis can provide relief since it clarifies the reasons why certain people are more frustrated. It also helps to dispel common myths that those who has ADHD is incompetent, or isn't smart enough or does not desire to try.
A health professional who has special training in ADHD evaluation and treatment is likely to diagnose a patient. This could be a pediatrician or psychiatrist. It is important to choose a specialist that is able to evaluate each patient individually and collect a complete medical history. Family doctors, therapists and trusted friends can provide suggestions. It is recommended to inquire about credentials, such as the specialist's professional accreditation and academic degrees.
The first step to evaluate for ADHD is a comprehensive history to determine whether other factors may be causing the symptoms. For instance, medical conditions like low birth weight thyroid disorders, seizures and other disorders can cause ADHD-like symptoms. These symptoms can also be affected by the person's mood, stress level, and past drinking or using drugs.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They have tons of energy, and fidget, and are constantly moving. They have difficulty sitting still or waiting for their turn in school, and they may lose their focus when reading or taking tests. Children who have this form of the disorder are more likely to be suspended from class due to behavioral issues.
When diagnosing adults it is essential that the person's history includes an explanation of how the symptoms interfere with daily functioning. In adults, hyperactivity tends decrease but inattention and impulsivity increase.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants are substances that target the 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 norepinephrine and dopamine, are also available.