What is a Diagnosis of ADHD?

For many children, the diagnosis of ADHD is the first time they've received a clear explanation for their hyperactivity and inattention. Adults are diagnosed when their symptoms become severe enough to affect their work and personal lives.

Find a medical professional who has experience treating ADHD to make an accurate diagnosis. Get referrals from therapists or trusted acquaintances, or request suggestions from your health insurance plan.

Signs and symptoms

You may have tried to address the symptoms of ADHD through exercise, diet or other methods but you failed. A diagnosis from a specialist will provide the help you require. Having an official diagnosis can be a source of relief and comfort to know that it isn't low intelligence or laziness standing in your way of reaching your goals. Your doctor can also give you a treatment plan to improve your performance.

Your GP can help determine whether you or your child has ADHD symptoms and refer you to an expert who will conduct a formal assessment. Before scheduling an appointment with a health professional, be sure to take any ADHD questions or quizzes that are on the internet. These are excellent self-screening tools that will help you feel confident to seek a professional evaluation. Bring a copy of all relevant documents with you to your appointment. The provider will review your medical history and family history, and will interview those who are familiar with your personality and behavior. This could include a teacher, coach 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) provides clinical guidelines that providers use to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must have been present prior to turning 12 and be severe enough to hinder performance at the workplace, school or at home life. They should also have lasted for a period of more than six months.

Inattention ADHD affects children who are unable to pay attention or remain still. They often daydream or lose focus when they are talking. Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is more noticeable in younger children. They fidget and can't wait to be asked. They also have excessive energy. They disrupt others or behave without considering the consequences. Combined ADHD is less common and combines aspects of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.

If your symptoms are not severe, you can get the help you require by managing the 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 strategies to improve organization, increase structure and develop good sleeping and eating habits. The most important thing is getting help when you begin to begin to notice signs of ADHD.

Evaluation

A thorough examination is necessary for people who experience symptoms of ADHD to determine the reason. In an assessment, a qualified mental healthcare specialist will assess a range of aspects such as the patient's mood and medical history, as well as any issues that may be causing the disorder or masking its symptoms. A broad spectrum scale measuring social, emotional and mental issues can be administered. Additionally tests to assess motor skills and ability to process information will be conducted.

A doctor who is specialized in attention disorders, either a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, can usually provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The specialist will ask the patient and his or her family members to describe their symptoms, take an psychiatric history, look over medical records, and employ adult rating scales and questionnaires.

The doctor will also look at the symptoms to determine if they affect a person's daily functioning. He or she will note whether the symptoms manifest in school, at work, during relationships, and at home. They will also note how long the symptoms have been evident for. It is essential to keep in mind that ADHD is not a condition that can be diagnosed as an adult for the first time, since current guidelines for diagnosis only recognize it when the disorder was present in childhood.

In children, the process of diagnosing involves gathering information from several sources such as the caregivers and teachers of the child. The specialist will evaluate the child's behavior with that of other children his or their age, and may also use standard rating scales. The specialist will also look over the medical records of the child and conduct an examination of the body.

Adults may have a more difficult in identifying ADHD, since the DSM-5 is not designed specifically for adults. However, the specialist must still collect specific information from the patient's partner or spouse and other close friends as well as the person's parents. The doctor will likely use adult checklists and rating scales. Behavioral therapy and medication can aid in managing ADHD in adults. Many people feel relieved to receive a diagnosis of ADHD since they now know that their issues aren't due to laziness and poor intelligence.

Medication

Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain called noradrenaline that transmits messages between nerve cells and helps control impulses. Stimulants can help children and adults focus, pay attention and complete tasks. The use of medication is usually in combination with behavior therapy and adjustments at school. Adults who suffer from ADHD experience less impulsivity and hyperactivity as they age, however they still have problems with inattention, disorganization, and difficulty completing tasks. Many people who suffer from untreated ADHD have issues with their relationships and are at greater risk of developing certain medical conditions, like bipolar, depression or anxiety disorder, as well as substance abuse.

Since it's difficult to recognize ADHD as an adult, many adults never receive treatment for their symptoms. Women are more prone to inattention rather than hyperactivity, so their symptoms might be unnoticed. They might also be hesitant to seek treatment because they were told as kids that their problems with attention and concentration were normal.

A specialist in health care who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD analyzes the symptoms of a person and family history. They also conducts a physical exam. The health professional will employ standardized ratings scales to assess the behavior of the person against that of others within the same age range. Bring any medical, psychological or other documentation from school/work, etc. to your appointment. You may also ask your physician if you are eligible for any clinical trials that are being conducted to find new methods to prevent, detect or treat website disorders and diseases, including ADHD.

The use of behavioral therapy is typically advised for children in preschool who suffer from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can be combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy or a non-stimulant medicine, such as atomoxetine. These medications are not associated with the same issues with sleep or agitation as stimulants do and have a lower risk of addiction and abuse. However, these are not a substitute for an extensive physical and mental health evaluation and treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. It is essential to check with your insurance provider regarding coverage prior to visiting an expert in mental health, and ensure you have a referral from your primary health care provider.

Treatment options

Some people with ADHD have trouble with basic life skills such as paying attention, listening attentively and organising. These are things that others find easy. If these symptoms cause problems at work, school and home life, they might seek a diagnosis and treatment. A diagnosis can provide relief since it clarifies the reasons that some people are more annoyed. It also helps to dispel common myths that people with ADHD is lazy, or not smart enough or does not desire to try.

A health professional with special training in ADHD evaluation and treatment will most likely be able to identify a person. This could be a psychiatrist or a pediatrician. It is essential to select a doctor who will take the time to examine each patient individually and collect an extensive history. Recommendations can be given by family doctors, therapists, and trusted family members. Requesting qualifications, such as the doctor's professional and academic degrees is also a great idea.

The first step in assessing for ADHD is to take a thorough history to determine whether other factors may be causing the symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, low birthweight, and seizure disorders, can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms. Symptoms can be influenced by the person's mood, their level of stress, and previous drug or alcohol use.

Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD are often more noticeable than those with the inattentive type. They are active, fidgety and always on the move. They have trouble sitting still or waiting their turn in school, and they may lose their focus when studying or taking tests. Children who suffer from this type of disorder are more likely to be expelled from class for behavioral problems.

When diagnosing adults it is vital that the person's history includes an explanation of how the symptoms interfere with daily functioning. In adults, the level of hyperactivity usually decreases however, the inattention and impulsivity can become more problematic.

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD. The stimulants target a neurotransmitter known as dopamine, which controls emotions and movement, and plays a role in motivation. Non-stimulant drugs like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which targets dopamine and norepinephrine are also available.