How to Diagnose ADHD
The process of diagnosing ADHD involves gathering a lot of information. Your doctor will review your symptoms and history and will use standardized ADHD rating scales. They will also check for other conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms of your child or adult, such as sleep disorders, thyroid problems or depression. You may also be suffering from substance abuse.
To be considered as diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly affect school and family life and persist for at least six months.
Symptoms
Before diagnosing ADHD, a health care provider must take a careful look at the patient. They will ask about symptoms, check family, social and medical background, examine the past and present medical and mental health issues and conduct a physical exam. The doctor might also suggest tests to confirm the absence of depression, anxiety or other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
Someone with ADHD is more likely to have trouble concentrating for long periods of time, which can hinder school work as well as other important tasks. They are more likely to get distracted by the people, things or activities around them. They often have trouble following instructions or remembering details, and also meeting deadlines. They are often easily annoyed by criticism or have unrealistic expectations which can lead them to disappointment and failure.
Symptoms of ADHD vary by person and can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms don't interfere with daily activities or relationships. In the case of severe symptoms, they can cause serious issues at work and home. People who suffer from ADHD generally have symptoms throughout their lives. It is more common in childhood, but some adults are not diagnosed due to their ability to manage their symptoms.
The doctor will perform an exhaustive examination of children who suffer from ADHD. This includes vision and hearing tests. He or she will talk with the child, the parents and the teachers about their habits and behavior and may also request a brain imaging study to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms for example, an MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric assessment is usually done by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or clinical social worker, or psychologist. The evaluator asks about the person's symptoms and how they impact their work and personal life. They also look at the family background and the person's education. The evaluator will also examine the person's medical and mental health history, and speak with other family members and friends to obtain 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
Asking for help is a good idea when your child is constantly snoozing or has trouble focusing on schoolwork or other tasks at home, or appears easily distracted by friends. ADHD is a brain-based disorder, and children with it struggle with paying attention and controlling their behavior and being organized. how to get diagnosed with adhd can affect children in many ways and cause issues at school, at home as well as in their relationships with family and classmates.
Before taking your child to see a doctor, begin by taking notes and observing how they behave. A good psychiatrist or a psychologist will analyze various indicators and signs to determine if your child is suffering from ADD/ADHD. They will also take into consideration the child's age as well as their developmental 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 a minimum of six months, and these signs are a hindrance to daily functioning. ADHD symptoms include fidgeting and tapping, talking or performing other repetitive movements, as well as failing to finish tasks, follow instructions or perform chores.
A professional will inquire about the effects of these behaviors on your child's daily life. They will be looking to find out if they have trouble with academics or other activities or have trouble maintaining friendships or romantic relationships, and are frequently late for appointments. They will also examine the medical history of your child 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 a clinical interview with a specialist in the disorder, who will take their time with the evaluation and will not rush the process. They often employ scans and computer programs of the brain to examine the structure of your child's brain.
Finding triggers is the first step to managing ADHD. Once you identify the triggers that cause your symptoms, you can take steps to avoid these triggers. For example you can limit screen time, eat a healthy diet and plan regular sleep time.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step is to get an expert diagnosis. Many medical professionals have special training for assessing ADHD in adults. When selecting a doctor be sure to inquire about their education and experience with adult ADHD.
Your doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) to assist in making a diagnosis. The doctor will want to know if you have various symptoms that have been present for at minimum six months and are interfering with your everyday life, whether it is at home, at 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 test will also look for other conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. These include mood disorders, learning disorders such as depression or anxiety thyroid disorders as well as head injuries and other medical conditions. Your doctor may check your family background to determine if you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child.
Since people who suffer from ADHD are often unable to form close relationships, it is important that your evaluation includes information from family members. Teachers as well as religious and Scout leaders as well as coaches, colleagues and others who interact with you can also provide valuable information. These people can provide important information to your doctor, including how you interact with them, or whether you have any issues in these relationships.
A test for ADHD usually involves an interview with your doctor and questionnaires that you fill out. Computer programs, like continuous test of performance or brain scans using SPECT, can be utilized to determine impulsivity and attention.
Your doctor and you will discuss your personal life in order to determine if you have any serious issues at work or in your relationships. You might also want to think about couples therapy when you have a spouse or a partner. You and your physician will have to collaborate to determine an approach that is suitable for you. This could include lifestyle changes, counseling, and medications.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can help your child or you manage symptoms and enjoy a more fulfilling life. There are a variety of treatments available that can be used, including therapy and medication.
It's crucial to consult with a professional who is an ADHD specialist. They can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, create an appropriate treatment plan, and teach you how to cope with your symptoms. They can also support your child's learning and behavior needs at school by working with their teachers.
Most children and teens with ADHD can be treated with an ad-hoc combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The dosage and type of medication can vary from individual to individual. It can take time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that works for your child or yourself. Ask your doctor for samples and talk about various options for medication. You can then try the different drugs to determine which ones are the most effective and have fewer negative side effects.
Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD can have difficulties at work or with relationships. They may struggle to keep an occupation, getting along with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They also suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. A health care provider will examine the patient's mental and emotional history and moods. The doctor may suggest an assessment for mood disorders or other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the consultation, the provider will listen attentively to the story of you or your child. They might inquire about family and social activities and how the symptoms impact your or their daily functioning and how they've changed over time. They can ask their teachers and relatives for more details to obtain an accurate picture. The doctor may suggest a full physical examination which includes blood and urine tests. The doctor might also suggest brain imaging.
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD begin by talking to your primary care doctor. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in treating ADHD. Check with your health insurer to determine if the specialists you're thinking of using are covered. If not, you should consider a mental health insurance plan such as BetterHelp.