10 Quick Tips About ADHD Diagnose How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD

Many people think ADHD is a condition that affects children but it can affect adults. Being diagnosed and treated for ADHD can help improve the quality of life of a person.

Interviewing the individual and their family members can be part of an evaluation for ADHD. The doctor may also review old school records in order to determine whether symptoms began as when a child.

Symptoms


ADHD is a condition that affects work, school and family life. Everyone experiences difficulty in concentrating and staying organized from time to time. To be considered to have the disorder, someone must have major symptoms in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly hinder everyday functioning. The symptoms must also have been present for at least six months.

To make a diagnosis, a doctor will interview the patient about their symptoms and inquire about family history and medical problems. They may also use rating scales that measure a adult's or child's symptoms. These questionnaires are usually based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They include questions about symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

For adults, doctors might ask to speak with an intimate partner or others who know the patient well. This isn't to doubt the authenticity of the person, but rather to gain more insight into the behavior of a person that cannot be obtained from a questionnaire. They may also ask about childhood behavior and use old school records to determine whether the symptoms began before the age of 12.

Before making a diagnosis the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run tests in the lab to rule out other ailments, such as thyroid problems or head injuries that could cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also review the patient's list of medications. Doctors will consider the interaction between stimulants and certain medications prescribed for depression, high blood pressure, and other ailments. It is essential that adults talk with their primary healthcare provider when they suspect they have ADHD.

Diagnosis

For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in two or more settings (like home, school and work) and seriously hinder functioning. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and can't be caused by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

A mental health professional will use various tools to evaluate the patient, such as ADHD symptoms lists and standardized scales for assessing behaviour as well as a thorough medical history. They might also talk to family members and friends to determine how the individual's symptoms have affected them. They'll inquire whether the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other mental health conditions or physical conditions.

The evaluators will consider whether the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They will also look into the patient's medical and familial history in order to determine if there are root causes behind their condition, such as thyroid problems or head injuries.

In some cases 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, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, personality disorders and substance abuse. People suffering from these disorders tend to show different symptoms than those who do not suffer from them. Boys tend to show hyperactive symptoms, while girls show inattentive ones.

Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to try out new treatments. This is an excellent opportunity to further research. However, participants must be aware that the main goal of these studies is to gain scientific knowledge and is not an assurance of treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information on clinical trials.

Treatment

For a person who suspects they may have ADHD it is important to find a specialist trained in diagnosing the disorder. Make sure to check with your health insurance provider to determine whether ADHD specialists are covered. You can also seek referrals from family doctors or other health care providers. Also, word-of-mouth referrals are a good option.

A doctor will speak with the patient -- or their parents, in children's cases -- 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 experience often reveals more than can be gleaned from questionnaires.

A specialist will also need to look over any documents the person might have, particularly old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is usually dependent on the past of an individual. To be diagnosed the symptoms must be present since childhood (technically prior to the age of 12).

A physical exam is also usually done. It checks for other medical conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms, for example, seizure disorders or thyroid problems. A neurological examination is often conducted by the expert to assess motor control and coordination. Psychological tests, designed to assess intelligence and ability, might be used as well. Additionally the person could be asked to complete simple computer tasks to test attention and memory. This will help the professional determine if someone is hyperactive, inattentive, or hyperactive or impulsive. The expert will decide on a treatment plan and make a diagnosis. Treatment plans usually include medication and therapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may aid children and adults in learning healthy coping strategies and alter negative thinking patterns. This therapy can be done by an primary care physician or a mental health professional who has a specialization in adult ADHD.

Medication

Many people with ADHD are helped by medication, but it's not the only way to treat the condition. Adults, teenagers and children can also benefit from a psychotherapy session, behavioral therapy or a combination of both. These therapies aid them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and learn to live with these symptoms. They may include psychoeducation, which is a form of education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They can also involve teachers, family members, and other professionals.

It's crucial to find an expert in mental health or health care provider who has experience in treating ADHD. You can ask your friends with ADHD for recommendations or a mental healthcare provider you've met. You can also do an internet search. It is best to locate an expert who is familiar with your insurance plan.

The health care provider will ask you or your child about the signs and problems caused by ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body and look for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will go over the medical and family history of you or your child and also school records and other reports.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be trickier because the symptoms Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are primarily designed to diagnose children. Your health care provider might interview you or your children about the symptoms and have other people who spend lots of time with them to fill out questionnaires and checklists. 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, as well nonstimulants such atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants. They work by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. For this reason, treatment should include therapy that targets these issues. Some patients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches abilities such as time and task control, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.

Therapists can help patients to manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. For instance an exercise routine that is regularly practiced can reduce hyperactivity and increase concentration. A healthier diet is also important; people with ADHD tend to consume more sugar and fat and consume less vegetables and fruits than other people. Making adhd diagnosed and family relationships priority can help reduce stress and help people feel more in control of their lives.

Another benefit of an ADHD diagnosis is that it provides adults and children an understanding awareness of their difficulties. For instance, a child suffering from ADHD might have difficulty communicating their needs to teachers and peers However, once a teacher understands that it's not personal or due to a lack of motivation, accommodations can be provided.

A professional who conducts an ADHD evaluation will ask questions specific to the person's age, interview teachers and family members as well as review medical records and look for comorbidities. For adults, records from schools could help determine if the ADHD symptoms began before adulthood.

The specialist will also check for any vision or hearing problems. They may also do an analysis of blood to check for certain hormones and other health issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.