How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, but it can affect adults as well. Being diagnosed and treated for ADHD can help improve the quality of life of a person.
An assessment for ADHD may involve interviewing the person and family members. The specialist may look over old school records to see whether the symptoms started in childhood.
Symptoms
Everyone has trouble concentrating and staying organized from time-to-time, but for someone who suffers from ADHD the issues can be a hindrance with school, work and family life. The person must display significant symptoms in two of these areas, and have a significant impact on everyday functioning to be deemed to have ADHD. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
To make a diagnosis, a doctor will interview the patient about their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical problems. They can also use rating scales that measure a adult's or child's symptoms. These types of questionnaires are typically based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include questions about the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
In adults, doctors may request a conversation with an intimate partner or others who know the patient. This is not a way to doubt the patient's honesty, but rather to gain more insight about their behavior that can't be gained from the answers to a questionnaire. You can also inquire about their childhood behavior and consult the old school records to determine whether the signs started prior to the age of 12.
Before making a diagnosis the doctor will perform an extensive physical examination and run tests in the lab to rule out other conditions out for thyroid issues or head injuries, which could cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also go over the patient's medications. Doctors will look at the interactions between stimulants and certain medications prescribed for depression, high blood pressure, and other issues. It's important that adults talk to their primary health care providers in the event that they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must manifest in at least two different settings (such as school, home and at work) and interfere with functioning. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and cannot be caused by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional uses different tools to assess the patient, including ADHD symptoms lists, standardized behaviour rating scales as well as a thorough medical history. They may also interview family members and friends to determine how the individual's symptoms have affected them. They may also inquire whether there are other psychiatric disorders or physical conditions that have similar symptoms.
The evaluators will consider whether symptoms are mild or severe. They will also review the person's medical history and family history to determine if there is no underlying cause for their issues, such as thyroid disorders and head injuries, as well as medication.
In some cases an evaluator might decide to perform cognitive testing or request an imaging test to rule out any other possible causes for their symptoms, including mood disorders, learning disabilities, personality disorders and alcohol abuse. People who suffer from these issues often present very differently from those who do not suffer from them. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls display inattentional symptoms.
Many people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to try out new treatments. While this is a fantastic method to aid in further research, it's important for participants to understand that the primary purpose of these studies is to increase scientific knowledge and do not necessarily guarantee that they will receive treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information on clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect you have ADHD, find a professional who is qualified to diagnose the disorder. Contact your health insurance provider to see whether ADHD specialists are covered, and seek out referrals from your family doctor or other health care providers. Word-of mouth recommendations are also a good option.
A doctor will speak with the patient -or their parents in children's cases -- about the symptoms. She may use standardized checklists or ADHD symptoms, and may also ask other people in the patient's life for information, such as their spouses and families. Personal insights can reveal more than what can be learned from questionnaires.
An expert will also want to review any records that the person may have, especially old school reports. Often, the diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the history of a person and, to be able to identify the condition, symptoms must be present from childhood (technically prior to age 12).
A physical exam is also often performed. It will look for any other medical issues that could be responsible for symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A neurological exam is typically performed by a specialist to assess the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that measure the ability to think and be smart could also be used. Additionally, a person might be asked to perform simple computer tasks to test memory and attention. This could help the expert determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive, or an impulsive. The specialist will then determine the diagnosis and suggest treatment. Treatment plans usually comprise therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can teach adults as well as children healthy coping skills and alter unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy is offered by a primary physician or a mental healthcare professional who is a specialist in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD improve by taking medication. However this isn't the only method of treating the condition. Adults, teenagers and children can also benefit from psychotherapy, behavioral therapy or the combination of both. These therapies assist them to cope and learn to live with their ADHD symptoms. Psychoeducation, which is a form of education on ADHD and ways to manage it, may be incorporated. They could include teachers, family members and professionals.
It is essential to locate a health care provider or mental health professional who has experience treating ADHD. You can ask your friends who suffer from ADHD for recommendations or a mental healthcare provider you've met. You can also conduct an internet search. It's best to find an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.
To determine if your child has ADHD to determine the cause, a health care professional will inquire about your your child's symptoms and problems caused by the condition. They will perform an examination of the body and look for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. They will review your or your child's medical and family information, school records and other reports.
Finding out if you have 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 health care provider may interview you or your children about their symptoms and have other people who spend lots 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. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, or other antidepressants. They function by increasing and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also have co-occurring disorders, including anxiety or depression. The treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches skills like time and task management and emotional self-regulation.
Therapists can also help patients learn to manage their symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. Regular exercise can help decrease hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is crucial as well. People with ADHD tend eat more fat and sugar, and less fruit and vegetables. Making family and social relationships priority can help reduce anxiety and make people feel more in control of their lives.
how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult of an ADHD diagnosis is that it gives children and adults a clearer understanding of their challenges. A child diagnosed with ADHD might have difficulty communicating their requirements to teachers or their other peers. Once a teacher understands that this is not a personal issue or because of their inability to communicate, they can provide adjustments.
A professional evaluating ADHD will ask questions geared towards the person's specific age, interview family and teachers, review medical records, and check for any comorbid conditions. If ADHD symptoms began before the age of adulthood, school records can be useful for adults.
A physical exam is often included, and the specialist will likely check for hearing and vision problems. They may also do tests on the blood to determine the presence of specific hormones and other health conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.