Sage Advice About ADHD Diagnose From A Five-Year-Old

How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD

Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, but it can affect adults too. When diagnosed and treated for ADHD, a person can improve their life.

Interviewing the person and their family members may be a part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist may review the school records of the past to determine if symptoms began as when a child.

Symptoms

Everyone has trouble concentrating and staying well-organized from time to time However, for those who has ADHD, these problems interfere with school, work and home life. A person must show major symptoms in two of these areas and have a significant impact on the way they function in their daily lives to be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must be present for at least six months.

To determine a diagnosis, doctors will speak with the patient about their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical problems. They can also use rating systems to measure symptoms in adults or children. These questionnaires are usually built on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They ask about symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.

Adults may be asked to talk with their spouse or someone they know well. This isn't to question honesty, but to gain a better understanding of the person's behavior that cannot be gleaned from a questionnaire. They may also ask about their childhood behavior and consult the old school records to determine whether the symptoms began before the age of 12.

Before determining a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run tests in order to rule other conditions out like thyroid problems or head injuries, which could cause similar symptoms. The provider will also check the patient's medication list. Doctors will look at the interactions between stimulants and certain medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other issues. It is essential that adults talk to their primary health care providers when they suspect they be suffering from ADHD.

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in two or more settings (like school, home, and at work) and significantly interfere with functioning. The symptoms must be evident before the age of 12 and can't be caused by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

A mental health professional uses different tools to assess the patient, such as ADHD symptoms lists, standardized behaviour rating scales and a thorough medical history. They might also talk to family members or friends to determine how the symptoms affect them. They'll inquire if the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other psychiatric disorders or physical ailments.

The evaluators will consider whether symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They will also look into the patient's medical and familial history to determine if there are underlying causes for their issue for example, thyroid problems or head injuries.

In some cases the evaluator may want to conduct cognitive testing or request that the person take an imaging test in order to rule out other causes of their symptoms, such as learning disabilities. People with these problems typically present differently than those who do not have them. For instance, boys are more likely to have hyperactive symptoms while girls inattentive symptoms.

A few people suffering from ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical trial to test new treatments. While this is a great way to help further research, it is important for participants to realize that the main purpose of these studies is to gain knowledge in the field of science and cannot necessarily guarantee they will receive treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information about clinical trials.

Treatment

If you suspect that you might have ADHD seek out a specialist who is certified to diagnose the disorder. Check with your health insurance provider to see if ADHD specialists are covered, and seek out recommendations from family doctors or other health care professionals. Word-of mouth recommendations are also a good option.

A doctor will inquire with the patient - or parents in the case of children - about the symptoms they experience. She may use standardized checklists or ADHD symptoms, and may also ask other people in the patient's life for details including spouses and families. Personal insight often uncovers more than can be gleaned from questionnaires.

A specialist will also need to examine any records that the person may have, including old school reports. 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 the age of a child (technically prior to the age of 12).

A physical exam is also carried out. It checks for other medical issues that could be causing symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. A neurological exam is usually conducted by the expert to check the coordination and motor control. Psychological tests, which are designed to assess intelligence and ability, might be used as well. In addition the person could be asked to complete simple computer tasks that evaluate attention and memory. This can help an expert determine if the person is hyperactive or inattentional. The specialist will then determine the diagnosis and recommend treatment. Treatment plans usually comprise therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can teach adults and children healthy coping skills and alter unhelpful thinking patterns. The therapy can be offered by a primary physician or a mental healthcare professional who is a specialist in adult ADHD.

Medication

Many people suffering from ADHD get better by taking medication. However,  get diagnosed with adhd  is not the only treatment for the condition. Children, teenagers and adults are also able to benefit from behavioral therapy, psychotherapy or the combination of both. These therapies help them cope with their ADHD symptoms and help them learn to live with these symptoms. They may include psychoeducation, which is education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They may involve teachers, parents and other professionals.

It is crucial to locate an expert in mental health or health professional who is experienced in treating ADHD. You can ask for recommendations from people who have ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or conduct an online search. It is best to locate a specialist 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 conduct a physical exam and check for other health problems that may cause similar symptoms. They will look over your or your child's medical and family history, school records, and other reports.

The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V) that is primarily designed to diagnose children is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults. Your doctor may interview you or your children about the symptoms and request that 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. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants like methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine, or other antidepressants. They work by boosting levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid disorders, like anxiety or depression. This is why treatment should be based on therapy that targets these issues. Certain patients could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches abilities like time and task control, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.

In addition, therapists can help patients manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes. For example exercising regularly can reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthier diet is important as well. People with ADHD tend to consume more fat and sugar and less fruit and vegetables. Making family and social relationships a priority can reduce anxiety and make people 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 example, a child who has ADHD might have difficulty communicating his or her needs to peers and teachers However, once a teacher understands that it's not due to personal issues or to a lack of motivation accommodations can be implemented.

A professional evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are geared to the person's age, interview family and teachers, look over medical records, and check for any comorbidities. For adults, records from school could be helpful in determining if the ADHD symptoms began before adulthood.

A physical exam is typically included, and the expert will likely test for vision and hearing problems. He or she will also do an analysis of blood to check for certain hormones as well as other health issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.