What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?

For many children, the diagnosis of ADHD is the first time they've received an explanation for their hyperactivity and inattention. Adults are diagnosed when symptoms get so severe that they interfere with their work and personal lives.

Find a health care provider who has experience treating ADHD to make an accurate diagnosis. Get referrals from therapists or trusted acquaintances, or request recommendations from your health plan.

Signs and symptoms

If you've tried to solve the symptoms of ADHD through diet, exercise or other methods that haven't worked, a diagnosis by a medical professional will provide the assistance you need. A diagnosis from a medical professional will give you the peace and relief of knowing that your lack of motivation or apathy aren't hindering you from achieving your goals. Your doctor can also 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 then refer you to an expert who will conduct a formal assessment. You can take any ADHD questions or quizzes you can find online before you schedule an appointment with an expert in healthcare. These act as a self-screening tool and will give you the confidence to seek an evaluation by a professional. If you are scheduled for an assessment, be sure to bring copies of all relevant documents to the appointment. The doctor will go over your medical history and family history and interview people who know your personality and behavior. This could be a teacher or coach, or even 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 guidelines for providers to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must have been present prior to turning 12 and be severe enough to impair functioning in the workplace, school or at home life. They must also be present for a period of more than six months.

Inattentive ADHD is the most frequent presentation, affecting children who struggle to pay attention or staying still. They daydream or lose focus during conversations. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They are prone to fumbling, can't wait for their turn and have a lot of excess energy. They 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 aren't severe, you can receive the assistance you require by tackling your symptoms with therapy or medication. Treatment can decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity, as well as improve concentration which can help you achieve your goals at work, school or at home. There are also ways to improve your organization and structure, as well as create healthy eating and sleep habits. The most important thing is to get assistance immediately if you start to notice the signs of ADHD.

Evaluation

A thorough examination is necessary for those who exhibit symptoms of ADHD to determine the cause. In an assessment conducted by a trained mental health professional will examine many aspects that affect the patient's mood and medical history as well as any other issues that could be causing the disorder or obscuring the symptoms. A broad-spectrum scale that measures mental, emotional and social problems may be administered. Tests that measure motor skills, as well as the ability to process information, are also being conducted.

A clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert in attention disorders can usually accurately diagnose ADHD. The specialist will ask the patient and his or family members to describe their symptoms, complete an assessment of psychiatric issues, review medical records, and employ adult rating scales and questionnaires.

The specialist will also examine the symptoms and determine how they impact an individual's everyday functioning. He or she will note whether the symptoms occur in school, at work or in relationships, as well as at home. They will also note how long the symptoms have been evident for. It is important to note that ADHD cannot be diagnosed for the first time in adults, since current diagnostic guidelines only recognize the disorder when it was evident during childhood.

In children, the diagnostic process involves gathering information from several sources such as the child's teachers and caregivers. The professional will compare the child's behavior with that of other children her age, and may also employ standard rating scales. Additionally, the specialist will review the child's medical history and conduct a physical exam.

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is often more difficult because the DSM-5 guide to symptom management is not intended to diagnose adults. However, the doctor will still need to collect detailed information from the patient's spouse or partner and other close friends and the patient's parents. The specialist will also likely use adult checklists and rating scales. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medication and behavioral therapy. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be liberating for many people, as it may mean that their difficulties are not due to laziness or insufficient intelligence.

Medication

The most commonly prescribed medication for treating ADHD is methylphenidate (Ritalin). It works by increasing levels of noradrenaline within the brain, which assists to regulate impulses and send messages between nerve cells. Stimulants can help children and adults concentrate, pay attention, and finish tasks. The use of medication is usually in conjunction with behavior therapy and accommodations at school. Adults with ADHD experience less impulsivity and hyperactivity as they age, however they still struggle with inattention, disorganization, and difficulty completing tasks. Many people who suffer from untreated ADHD have trouble with their relationships and have greater risk of developing certain medical conditions, including depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.

Many adults do not receive treatment for ADHD because it is difficult to recognize ADHD as an adult. Women are more prone to hyperactivity and inattention and their symptoms could remain unnoticed. They may also be hesitant to seek a diagnosis because they were taught when they were children that problems with attention and concentration are normal.

A health professional who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD analyzes the symptoms of a person and family history. They also performs a physical examination. The health professional will employ standardized ratings scales to compare the person's behavior against that of others within the same age range. It is essential to bring medical, psychological and school/work records to the appointment. You can also ask your doctor whether you're eligible to participate in any clinical trials that are being conducted to find new ways to prevent, detect or treat disorders and diseases, including ADHD.

Children with ADHD who are in the preschool age group typically receive treatment for their behavior. Behavioral therapy is usually paired with cognitive-behavioral therapies or non-stimulant drugs, such as Atomoxetine. The medications don't cause the same sleep issues or agitation as stimulants, and they have lower rates of dependence and abuse. However, these are not a substitute for an extensive physical and mental health assessment and treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. It is crucial to inquire with your insurance company regarding coverage before you see an expert in mental health, and make sure you have a referral from a primary health care provider.

Treatment options

Some people with ADHD have difficulty with basic life skills like paying attention, listening with care and arranging. These are things others find easy. These symptoms can interfere with their work, school, and home life. They might seek a diagnosis or treatment when they start to show signs of being a problem. A diagnosis can be a great relief because it can help explain why some people are more stressed than others. It also helps dispel the myths that say a person who has ADHD is lazy, or not intelligent enough or doesn't want to try.

A person is likely to be diagnosed by a health care professional like psychiatrist, pediatrician, psychologist or clinical social worker with specialized training in ADHD evaluation and treatment. It is important to locate a specialist who will assess each patient and collect an extensive history. Family doctors, therapists and trusted friends can provide recommendations. It is recommended to inquire about qualifications, such as the specialist's professional certification as well as academic degrees.

The first step in evaluating for ADHD is to take a thorough background to more info determine if other factors may be contributing to the symptoms. For instance, medical conditions like low birth weight or thyroid disorders as well as seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. A person's mood, stress levels as well as previous alcohol and drug use can also cause symptoms.

Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They are impulsive, fidgety and always in motion. They are unable to wait for their turn in class or sitting down. They may lose their focus when studying or taking tests. This kind of disorder is more likely to result in a child's suspension from school for behavioral issues.

In the case of diagnosing adults, it is crucial that the person's history includes a description of how the symptoms affect their daily life. In adults, hyperactivity tends to decrease, but the tendency to be distracted and impulsive increases.

There are a variety of medications available to treat adult ADHD. Stimulants target a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which regulates emotions and movement and plays a part in motivation. Non-stimulant drugs like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which targets dopamine and norepinephrine, are also available.