What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?
For many children, the diagnosis of ADHD is the first time they've had an explanation for their inattention and hyperactivity. For adults diagnosed with ADHD, it's usually due to symptoms becoming serious enough to impact their work and personal life.
To make an accurate diagnosis, consult a health care professional who is skilled in treating ADHD. Find referrals from therapists and trusted acquaintances, or request recommendations from your health plan.
Symptoms
You might have tried to address the symptoms of ADHD through diet, exercise or other methods but you were unsuccessful. A diagnosis from a specialist will provide the assistance you require. Having an official diagnosis can be a relief and assurance that there isn't low intelligence or laziness that is hindering you from achieving your goals. Your doctor will also be able to offer you an treatment plan to improve your performance.
Your GP can help determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms and refer you to an expert who will carry out an official assessment. Before you schedule an appointment with a health professional, be sure to take any ADHD quizzes or questionnaires that are on the internet. They're an excellent self-screening tool that will give you confidence to seek a professional evaluation. When you go for the assessment, be sure to bring copies of all relevant records to the appointment. The doctor will review your medical and family history, and interview people who are familiar with you and your behaviour. This could include a coach, teacher 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) offers guidelines for clinicians to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must be present prior to the patient turning 12 and were severe enough to hinder their ability to function at work, school, or home. They must also be present for a period of more than six months.
Inattention ADHD is the most common manifestation that affects children who struggle to pay attention or sit still. They often lose focus when they are talking. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They fidget, can't wait their turn, and possess a lot of excess energy. They frequently interrupt others or act without thinking about the consequences. Combined ADHD is less common and combines aspects of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.
If your symptoms are mild You are able to get the help you need by managing the symptoms with therapy or medication. Medication can improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness, helping you to achieve your goals in the workplace, at school or at home. There are also strategies to improve the organization of your life, improve the structure of your life and establish good eating and sleeping habits. The most important thing is to seek assistance immediately if you start to notice the signs of ADHD.
Evaluation
A thorough evaluation is required for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of ADHD to determine the reason. When evaluating a patient, a qualified mental health professional will examine several factors, like the patient's mood medical history and any other issues that may be contributing to or masking the symptoms of the disorder. A broad-spectrum scale which measures social, emotional and psychiatric problems may also be administered. In addition tests to assess motor skills and ability to process information will be administered.
A specialist in attention disorders, such as a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, is typically able to give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The specialist will interview the patient and his or her family members to explain their symptoms, complete a psychiatric history, review medical records, and utilize adult rating scales and questionnaires.
The specialist will also take a look at symptoms and observe how they impact a person's everyday life. The doctor will determine the time when symptoms are present at work, school or in relationships, as well as at home. He or she will determine the duration for which symptoms have been present for. It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD is not a condition that can be diagnosed for the first time in adults, as current diagnostic guidelines only recognize the disorder if it was evident during childhood.
The process of diagnosing children involves gathering data from various sources including caregivers and teachers. The specialist will evaluate a child's behavior with those of children similar to their age and may employ standardized ratings scales. Additionally, the specialist will examine the child's medical history and conduct a physical exam.
For adults, the diagnosis of ADHD is usually more difficult, as the DSM-5 symptom guide is not specifically designed to identify adults. However, the specialist will still require details from the patient's partner or spouse and other close acquaintances and the patient's parents. In addition, the specialist will likely employ adult rating scales and checklists. Behavioral therapy and medication can be helpful in tackling ADHD in adults. Many people find it liberating to be diagnosed with ADHD since they can now see that their difficulties aren't due solely to lazyness or poor intelligence.
Medication
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It works by increasing the levels of noradrenaline within the brain, which aids to regulate impulses and send messages between nerve cells. The stimulants can help children and adults focus and pay attention, as well as complete tasks. The use of medication is usually in combination with behavior therapy and adjustments in schools. For adults, the signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity decrease as they get older, but they are still struggling with disorganization, inattention and completing work-related tasks. Many people with untreated ADHD struggle with their relationships and are at a higher risk for certain medical conditions, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorder, as well as substance abuse.
Some adults don't receive treatment for ADHD because it is difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Women are more susceptible to inattention rather than hyperactivity and, therefore, their symptoms may go undetected. They may also be reluctant to seek a diagnosis because as young children, they were told that their issues with concentration and attention are normal.
A health care professional who is skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD will examine a person's symptoms and family history, and conduct physical examination. The doctor will use standardized ratings scales to assess the behavior of the person with other adults and children in the same age group. Bring any psychological, medical or other documentation from school/work, etc. to your appointment. You can also ask your doctor whether you're eligible to participate in any clinical trials being conducted to find new methods to prevent, detect or treat disorders and diseases, such as ADHD.
The use of behavioral therapy is typically recommended for children of preschool age with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can be incorporated with cognitive-behavioral treatment, or a non-stimulant drug like atomoxetine. These medications are not associated with the same sleep problems or agitation that stimulants cause and have a lower incidence of abuse and addiction. These drugs are not an alternative to a thorough examination and treatment of your physical and mental health by a trained healthcare professional. It is crucial to inquire with your insurance provider about coverage prior to visiting a mental health professional, and ensure you have a referral from a primary medical doctor.
Treatment options
Some people suffering from ADHD struggle in basic life skills, like paying attention, listening attentively and organizing. These are things others find easy. When these issues affect work, school and home life, they may seek an assessment and treatment. A diagnosis could be a relief since it can explain why certain people are more frustrated than others. It also helps to dispel the myths that say a person who has ADHD is lazy, or not smart enough or does not want to take on.
A person will most likely be diagnosed by a medical professional, such as psychiatrist, pediatrician psychologist or clinical social worker who has specialized training in ADHD assessment and treatment. It here is crucial to find a doctor who will evaluate each patient and take an extensive history. Recommendations are offered by family doctors, therapists and trusted friends. It is recommended to inquire about qualifications like the specialist's professional certification and academic degrees.
The first step in assessing for ADHD is a comprehensive history to determine whether other factors may be causing the symptoms. Some medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, low birth weight, and seizure disorders, can trigger ADHD-like symptoms and signs. A person's mood, stress levels as well as previous alcohol and drug use can also contribute to symptoms.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They are full of energy, fidget and are constantly moving around. They have difficulty sitting still or waiting for their turn at school, and may lose focus when studying or taking tests. This kind of disorder is more likely to result in a child being suspended from school due to behavioral issues.
When diagnosing adult patients it is essential that the patient's history contains a description of how the symptoms interfere with daily functioning. In adults, the level of hyperactivity tends to decrease, but the inattention and impulsivity can become more challenging.
There are many drugs that can be used to treat adult ADHD. The stimulants target a neurotransmitter known as dopamine that regulates emotions and movement, and plays a role in motivation. There are also non-stimulant medications like bupropion, which targets norepinephrine and dopamine.