How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, however it can also affect adults. Finding a doctor and treating ADHD can improve the quality of life of a person.
An assessment for ADHD could involve a conversation with the person and family members. The doctor may also look over old school records in order to determine whether symptoms began as a child.
Symptoms
Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organized from time to time, but for someone who has ADHD this can cause problems with school, work and family life. A person must show major symptoms in two of these areas, and they must be able to significantly impact the way they function in their daily lives to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must also have been present for at least six months.
A doctor will inquire of the patient about their symptoms, as well as about any medical concerns and family history. They may also employ rating systems to gauge symptoms in children or adults. These questionnaires are based off of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include questions regarding symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Adults may be asked to speak with their significant other or someone who knows them well. This isn't meant to challenge honesty, but to gain insight into the behavior of a person that cannot be obtained from the answers to a questionnaire. They may ask about childhood behavior and refer to old school records to determine if the symptoms started before the age of 12.
Before determining a diagnosis the doctor will conduct an examination and tests on the lab to rule out any other health conditions, such as head injuries or thyroid issues which can trigger similar symptoms. The doctor will also go over the patient's medications. Doctors will consider the interaction between stimulants and certain medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other conditions. This is the reason it's crucial for adults to talk to their primary care providers in the event that they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in more than one setting (like school, home and work) and have a significant impact on functioning. They must also have started before the age of 12, and the impairment can't be due to another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A mental health professional will use different tools to assess the patient, including ADHD symptoms lists, standardized behaviour rating scales, and a detailed medical history. They can also speak with family members or friends to find out how the symptoms have affected them. They will also ask if there are any other psychiatric disorders or physical conditions that have similar symptoms.
The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are serious or mild. They will also look into the person's medical and family history in order to determine if there is any root causes behind their condition, such as thyroid problems or head injuries.
In certain instances an evaluator might decide to perform cognitive testing or request an imaging test to rule out other causes for their symptoms, including learning disabilities, mood disorders personality disorders, and alcohol abuse. People who suffer from these issues tend to show different symptoms than those who don't have them. For instance, boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity symptoms, whereas girls show inattention symptoms.
how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult with ADHD might be interested in participating in studies to test out new treatments. This is a great opportunity to further research. However, participants must be aware that the main purpose of these studies is scientific knowledge and not necessarily a guarantee of treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information about clinical trials.
Treatment
If you suspect they may have ADHD, it's important to find an expert trained in diagnosing the disorder. Contact your health insurance provider to determine whether ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek recommendations from family doctors or other health professionals. Word-of-mouth recommendations are also a good option.
A doctor will inquire with the patient or their parents in the case of children - about their symptoms. They may use standard questionnaires or ADHD symptom checklists, or ask for details from other people in the person's life, such as spouses and family members. Personal insight will reveal more than can be learned from questionnaires.
Experts will also look over old school records particularly old reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is often determined by the past of a person. To be considered diagnosed the symptoms must be present since childhood (technically, before the age 12).
A physical exam is also conducted. It's also a way to check for any other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms, such seizures or thyroid problems. A neurological exam is typically carried out by an expert to test the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests that test the ability to think and be smart could also be used. A person could be required to perform simple computer tasks to test attention and memory. This could help an expert determine whether the person is hyperactive or inattentive. The expert will choose the treatment plan and provide a diagnosis. Treatment plans usually consist of therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can teach adults and children healthy coping strategies and alter unhelpful thinking patterns. This therapy can be provided by a primary doctor or a mental healthcare professional who is a specialist in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD are helped by medication, though it's not the only way to treat the condition. Adults, teenagers and children are also able to benefit from a psychotherapy session, behavioral therapy or a combination of both. These therapies aid them in coping and cope with their ADHD symptoms. They may also include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and ways to manage it. They can also involve teachers, family members, and other professionals.
It is essential to find a mental health professional or health care provider who is experienced in treating ADHD. You can ask others with ADHD for suggestions or a mental health practitioner you trust. You can also conduct an online search. It is important to find a doctor who is familiar with your insurance.
To determine if your child has ADHD, the health care provider will ask about your your child's symptoms as well as the problems caused by the condition. They will conduct a physical exam and check for other health problems that may cause similar symptoms. They will go over the medical and family history of your child or you, as well as school records and other documents.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V) (DSM-V) which is designed to diagnose children, has a more difficult diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Your health care provider might interview you or your children about the symptoms and have others who spend a lot of time with them 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 like methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and atomox and nonstimulants like atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants. They work by boosting levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. The treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills like time and task management, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Therapists can also help patients manage their symptoms by altering their lifestyle. For example exercising regularly can reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is crucial as well. People with ADHD tend eat more fat and sugar and less fruits and vegetables. Making social and family relationships a top priority can help decrease stress and make individuals feel more in control of their lives.
Another major benefit of having an ADHD diagnosis is that it provides adults and children an understanding comprehension of their issues. For instance, a child suffering from ADHD may have trouble communicating their demands to peers and teachers, but when a teacher realizes that it's not due to personal issues or to inattention accommodations can be made.
A professional who conducts an ADHD evaluation will ask questions geared toward the age of the person, talk to family members and teachers as well as review medical records and check for comorbid conditions. If ADHD symptoms first started before age school records could be helpful for adults.
A physical exam is usually included, and the expert will likely look for hearing and vision problems. They may also do tests on the blood to look for certain hormones and other health issues that could cause ADHD-like symptoms.