A Vibrant Rant About ADHD Diagnose
How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe ADHD is a condition that affects children but it can affect adults. Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD can improve a person's life.
Interviewing the individual and their family members could be a part of a diagnostic for ADHD. The doctor may also examine the school records of the past to determine whether symptoms began as an infant.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organized from time-to-time, but for someone who suffers from ADHD the issues can be a hindrance with work, school and home life. A person must exhibit major symptoms in two of these areas, and have a significant impact on everyday functioning to be deemed to have ADHD. The symptoms must have also been present for a minimum of six months.
To establish a diagnosis doctors will talk to the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about family medical history and any medical issues. They can also use rating scales to measure adult's or child's symptoms. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They ask about the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
In adult patients, doctors may require a discussion with an intimate partner or others who are familiar with the patient. This isn't meant to challenge the honesty of the patient, but to gain a better understanding of the person's behavior that cannot be obtained from the answers to a questionnaire. They might inquire about their childhood behaviors and consult old school records to determine if symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining the cause, the doctor will perform an extensive physical examination and run tests in order to rule other conditions, such as thyroid problems or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also go over the medication list of a patient. Certain medications for depression or high blood pressure, as well as other ailments may interact with stimulants, so the doctor will consider these when recommending treatment options. This is why it's important for adults to speak to their primary care providers when they suspect they have ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD symptoms must manifest in at least two settings (such as school, home, and work) and interfere with functioning. They also must have begun before age 12, and the impairment can't be caused by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression.
A mental health professional or doctor will employ a variety tools during an evaluation that include ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales and a detailed medical history. They might also talk to family members or friends to find out how the symptoms have affected them. They'll ask if the symptoms are similar to those of other psychiatric disorders or physical conditions.
The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They will also examine the person's medical and family background to determine if there are underlying causes for their issue for example, thyroid issues or head injuries.
In some instances an examiner may decide to perform cognitive testing or have the person undergo an imaging test to rule out any other possible causes for their symptoms, including mood disorders, learning disabilities, personality disorders or addiction to drugs. People with these problems tend to show different symptoms than those who do not suffer from them. For instance, boys are more likely to show hyperactive symptoms and girls show inattention symptoms.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in studies to test out new treatments. While this is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to further research, it is important for participants to know that the main purpose of these studies is to acquire knowledge in the field of science and cannot necessarily guarantee that they will receive treatment. For more information on clinical trials, check out NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
If you suspect they have ADHD it is important to find a specialist trained in diagnosing the disorder. Ask your health insurance provider whether ADHD specialists will be covered. You could also ask your family physician or other healthcare professionals for recommendations. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a good alternative.
A doctor will interview the patient -- or their parents, in the case of children -- about their symptoms. They can use standardized questionnaires or ADHD symptoms checklists, and ask for information from other people in the person's life, including spouses and family members. Personal insight will reveal more than can be learned from questionnaires.
A professional will also want to look over any documents the person might have, including old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is usually dependent on the past of a person. To be considered diagnosed, symptoms must have existed from the time of childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).
A physical exam is also conducted. It is also checked for any other medical conditions which could be causing symptoms, such seizures or thyroid issues. A neurological examination is often performed by a specialist to test motor control and coordination. Psychological tests that measure the level of intelligence and ability can be used. In addition one could be asked to perform simple computer tasks to test attention and memory. This could assist an expert determine if someone is hyperactive or not. The expert will then decide on a diagnosis and recommend treatment. Treatment plans typically include medication and therapy. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can teach adults and children healthy coping techniques and alter unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy is usually performed by an primary care physician or a mental health professional who is specialized in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD improve their condition by taking medication, but it's not the only option to treat the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or a combination of the two can be beneficial to children, teens, and adults. These therapies aid them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and help them learn to manage these symptoms. Psychoeducation, or education about ADHD and how to manage it, could be included. They can involve family members, teachers and other professionals.
It is important to locate a health care provider or mental health professional with expertise in treating ADHD. You can seek suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health professional you already know, or conduct an online search. It is best to locate a specialist who is familiar with your insurance plan.
To diagnose ADHD or other disorders, your health care professional will inquire about your or your child's symptoms and problems caused by the condition. They will perform physical examinations and check for any other health conditions that may trigger similar symptoms. They will go over your or your child's medical and family history, school records and other reports.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be a bit more difficult due to the fact that the symptoms Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily geared towards diagnosing children. Your doctor may interview you or your children about their symptoms and request that others who spend a lot of time with them to fill out checklists and questionnaires. They will use these to help them decide whether you or your child has inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, combined ADHD or unspecified ADHD. ADHD medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine as well as non-stimulants like atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants. They work by boosting levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD also have co-occurring disorders, including anxiety or depression. For this reason, treatment should be based on therapy that targets these issues. Some patients can benefit from cognitive behavioral treatment, which teaches skills like time and task management as well as emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can also help patients to manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. For instance an exercise routine that is regularly practiced can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is crucial as well. People with ADHD tend eat more sugar and fat, and less fruits and vegetables. Also making relationships with family and friends a priority can lower stress levels and make people feel more in control of their lives.
adhd diagnosis adults of having an ADHD diagnosis is that it gives children and adults a clearer comprehension of their issues. A child with ADHD may have trouble communicating their needs to teachers or peers. Once a teacher understands that this is not an issue that is solely because of a lack of time, they can offer adjustments.
A professional evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are targeted towards the person's specific age, talk to family members and teachers, review medical records, and check for any comorbid conditions. For adults, records from schools could help determine if the ADHD symptoms started before the age of adulthood.
The expert will also check for any hearing or vision issues with hearing or vision. He or she may also perform an examination of the blood to test for certain hormones, and other health conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.