Getting a ADHD Diagnosis
Get a thorough evaluation by a trained professional. They will ask you questions regarding your family history and personal background. They may also use rating scales.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present in two settings (home school, at home, work) and be so severe that they interfere with the daily activities. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other condition.
Symptoms
Many people struggle to stay focused or keeping organized from time to time However, those who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience symptoms that are more severe than those of a similar age or developmental level. They struggle to stay focused to their instructions, keep track of their time and manage their lives, leading to problems at home, at school or at work. Stress, a family emergency or a medical issue may trigger their problems.
Being diagnosed is a great relief since it means that the issues you or your child is experiencing aren't due to inactivity or a lack of intelligence, but instead a neurological condition. It can also trigger complex emotions, especially in adults who have been suffering from symptoms for a while. Matlen felt a mixture of regrets and relief after discovering that her ADHD symptoms were holding her back. She hadn't finished college, or struggled to find a job.
When evaluating someone for ADHD, medical professionals or a mental health professional will take into account a variety of factors. These include the individual's education and work history, a psychological history as well as an extensive physical examination. They might also request permission to interview the spouse, partner, or close friends of the person as they are able to give a full picture of their struggles. They might employ standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists. They can also administer psychological tests to test working memory, executive function (abilities associated with planning and making decisions), visual and spatial reasoning. They could also conduct an extensive history of drug and/or alcohol use as well as a psychological exam.
Diagnosis
A medical professional will determine ADHD by examining the patient's symptoms and history as well as conducting a physical examination and identifying any medical conditions that could be causing symptoms. The provider will ask the patient being evaluated about their experiences at school, work and at home. They may also ask other people, like family members, friends, and teachers to help them build more information about the behavior of a person.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions. Some people are happy to finally understand what was stopping their success. Others may be upset at feeling that they were a lazy failure for all these years. It is essential to discuss these emotions with a mental health professional who can provide assistance and guidance.
To be considered to have ADHD, adults or children must exhibit symptomatic behavior in two or more settings and they must be severe enough to affect daily functioning. These symptoms must have manifested in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12). It's not uncommon for doctors to ask parents about their child's behavior and if there's a family history of ADHD because it's very heritable.
It is essential to choose the right specialist if you or your child have been diagnosed with ADHD. Ask your therapist or doctor for recommendations and look online for specialists who specialize in treating ADHD. Verify the credentials of any professional you are considering, and confirm that they accept your insurance. It is possible to speak to a few specialists before you find the one that is a good fit. It's also recommended to seek recommendations from other patients or families of those who have been successfully treated.
Treatment
Treatment and medication can help manage ADHD symptoms. Everyone from all kinds of backgrounds will benefit from the appropriate treatment. You can start with a mental health provider, who will evaluate your symptoms and decide what is best for you. They will also ensure that your symptoms are not caused by medical conditions.
Your evaluation will likely include a physical exam and interview with your family members, teachers or co-workers. They'll ask questions about your past behaviors and symptoms, as well as any issues. They'll also give you questionnaires and checklists to fill out. They'll want to know whether your inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are severe or mild. They'll also want to know if you've had your symptoms for at minimum six months. They'll review your family history and school records, and they'll do a psychiatric and neurological evaluation. They might also refer you to a doctor for a medical exam to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Both cognitive and behavioral treatments are utilized to treat ADHD. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms and change your negative thinking patterns. They can be done in person or through online therapy platforms. You'll require regular appointments often monthly, until your symptoms and functioning improve.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge, and it can cause a lot of stress. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your quality of life. It is important to have a strong support system. Being aware of your symptoms, requesting assistance with tasks, and allowing others to be aware of your condition could help. It is also advisable to talk with your doctor about a strategy to manage your ADHD with a focus on your goals and the things you require to achieve them.
Medication
The medication is typically the first step in treating ADHD. There are two major types of medications for ADHD, stimulants and non-stimulants. Your doctor will choose the medication that is best for you. Your doctor will also discuss the side effects of each drug. Finding the right medication for your child or you may take some time. Many people must try various medications before they discover one that works for them.
Children and teenagers who have difficulties focusing in school or at home could be diagnosed with ADHD. To be diagnosed it is necessary to consistently exhibit at least six signs in different environments. The symptoms have to be sufficient to cause issues at home, at work, or in school. They must last for at minimum six months. Teens and children might need to undergo additional tests in order to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like a learning disability or depression.
People who are diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD may fidget and seem restless, have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly and be prone to interrupting others often. They might lose things frequently and may have trouble waiting to be the first in games or conversations.
The inattentive form of ADHD is less prevalent and is characterized by being easily distracted, forgetful, or impulsive. People who have this type of ADHD tend to lose track of things and make impulsive decisions without considering them. Boys and children who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) are more often diagnosed with ADHD than children with AFAB or girls. This is changing, as more doctors are becoming aware that children and girls AFAB may have ADHD just as much as boys and children amAB.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. These disorders can manifest symptoms similar to ADHD which makes the diagnosis more difficult. A thorough evaluation by a health care professional or a mental health professional is essential to make the diagnosis and to determine the most effective treatment.
During an examination an health professional will ask questions about the individual's childhood and present life. The health care professional will also talk to the person's significant other parents, teachers or parents and other people who know the individual well. These interviews can be useful in determining whether the person's behavior is typical for ADHD or whether the person's issues are caused by other conditions.
adult adhd diagnosis will use one or more standardized behavior rating scales that measure the behavior of people with ADHD to the behavior of those without ADHD. The evaluator may request the person who is undergoing the test to fill out the scales prior to their appointment or to fill them in during the appointment. The evaluator may also ask those who know the person well to fill out the exact rating scales.
The evaluator also looks at the person's life and work, and examines how they behave in different settings. For example the evaluator can examine how a person behaves at work and in other settings, such as school or church. The evaluator will evaluate the extent to which the person's ADHD symptoms affect daily activities. This is referred to as impairment and is vital in determining the diagnosis of ADHD. It could result in losing your job due to ADHD-related performance issues, frequent disagreements with spouses or parents, or difficulties paying your the cost of credit card payments.