Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
There is no medical test available for adults with ADHD. It is diagnosed by a qualified mental healthcare professional or physician, who gathers information from multiple sources about the person's symptoms.
The specialist will also interview people who know the person. They may also interview people who are familiar with the person. For instance an adult sibling or spouse for an adult; as well as teachers, coaches, and nannies for children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep track of deadlines, remain focused at school or at work and adhere to a regular schedule. A diagnosis can help you better manage these symptoms when you or someone you love has these symptoms. It can also give you a sense of relief, as you will understand it was not laziness or lack of intelligence that stood in the way of success, but rather an underlying condition that could be treated by medication and other treatments.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides the guidelines that professionals use to determine ADHD. The first step to get diagnosed is for a health care provider to evaluate your symptoms. The doctor will take into consideration how long the symptoms have been present and whether they manifest in more than one location, and how much they impact your daily functioning.
The doctor will interview you, and, if it is possible, family members or caregivers. They will request a full medical and social history, which includes details about your birth and development, family environment and education. Your doctor might order blood tests to rule out any medical issues that could be causing your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD generally exhibit more obvious hyperactivity and impulsivity. They might fidget, cannot stand still, interrupt others and be in no position to wait for their turn. They might not finish their tasks or play games. They may have a difficult organizing their lives or keeping personal belongings in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD might face difficulties in their careers and suffer from low self-esteem due to a history unfinished projects or not meeting expectations. They also have trouble managing their finances due to poor time management, forgetfulness and impulse purchases. Behavioral problems associated with ADHD can contribute to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders and result in addiction to drugs.
If you're a member of an insurance plan that covers the expenses of mental health services and treatment, ask your insurance provider for recommendations for someone qualified to perform an ADHD assessment for adults. You can contact a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of specialists in your region. Many people with ADHD are members of support groups, and they can offer valuable recommendations.
Evaluation
A certified health professional will examine people of all ages to determine if they suffer from ADHD. The symptoms should be present in multiple environments, such as school as well as at home, and must persist for at least six months. They also have to be severe enough to interfere negatively with the daily routine whether at home in the workplace, at home or at school. The symptoms must also be present before the age of 12 years old, and cannot be caused by any other disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors begin by performing an overall physical exam, which includes a vision and hearing test to make sure there are no other factors that could be causing the symptoms. They'll then speak with you and your children about the current events in your life. They'll ask about your family background and lifestyle, when the symptoms began and what you do when you are anxious or stressed. They'll also request reports, homework samples and other documents that will help them assess the performance of your child or yourself at school and at work.
Some experts employ a scale to assess the symptoms of you or your child. Others conduct interviews with family, friends, teachers and other caregivers. If they are able, they can also interview the religious leader or coach of your child. It is important to choose the right expert. Ask for recommendations from people who you trust, and inquire about their experience. You should also inquire whether the specialist has been certified and what credentials they hold.
The evaluation process can take several weeks or even months and it's essential to be honest with the doctor you select. The symptoms of ADHD can be mild to severe, and a lot of people who are diagnosed with the condition struggle to be accepted at work or school. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or completing tasks. It can be a relief to know that your issues aren't solely due to lack of motivation or a lack of parenting. It's also comforting to know that there are ways to manage your symptoms, including medications. It's important to remember that an ADHD diagnosis should not be a stigma and shouldn't stop you from pursuing your ambitions.
Diagnosis
For teens and adults who have struggled with symptoms for a long time the diagnosis can stir up a mix of get more info emotions. The diagnosis can bring mixed emotions for teens and adults who have been struggling with symptoms for a long period of time.
When evaluating someone for ADHD, an expert in mental health will take a look at a variety of factors to determine whether they suffer from the disorder. This includes an in-depth conversation and the administration psychological tests to determine how well the person is able to perform tasks such as paying attention and recalling things. The evaluator also looks over the school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers, teachers, and family members.
It is important that you are open and honest when talking to the professional who will conduct your evaluation. The outcomes of the evaluation will determine the way in which your child or you receives treatment. You should also inform the evaluator of any major issues you or your child might have at home, at school or at work. This information will enable the evaluator to determine what next steps to take during the diagnostic process.
During the interview the assessor will ask about problems with organizing, learning, planning and finishing tasks. They will also inquire about your family history and social background to determine whether there are any patterns in your behavior. If your child keeps losing books and is in trouble at school, they might want to interview their teacher or school counsellor to gain more insight.
The examiner may also inquire if you have any family history of ADHD, as it's highly hereditary. In addition, they will assess how many of the six criteria for inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD are present to make a diagnosis.
It is crucial to keep in mind that for a person's symptoms to be severe enough to cause distress and interfere with their daily life, they must be severe. Additionally, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the ADHD symptoms of someone are severe, a medical professional may prescribe medication in addition to behavioral therapy. The kind of medication and dosages prescribed are determined by the severity of the symptoms and their effects on their daily functioning. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. These medications should only ever be taken with a physician's approval as they can decrease appetite. The stimulants can also trigger side effects, such as trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness stomachaches, headaches and changes in appetite sex drive.
Psychiatrists who treat adults with ADHD usually recommend that they seek counseling or self-help groups to enhance their coping skills and management. They may also recommend the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program that teaches patients and their families a variety of strategies to control their symptoms. CBT helps to teach skills like time management and management strategies as well as emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may feel an overwhelming sense of anger and guilt about how their attention to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention problems have affected their lives. They may regret the missed opportunities, school failures and conflicts with their relationships that are the result of their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD might give them the perspective they require to reclaim their life.
A Therapist can help someone who suffers from ADHD learn to manage their symptoms by teaching them strategies to cope to minimize the impact of their symptoms on daily functioning. They can help patients learn to plan and utilize tools like calendars and planners to organize their lives. They can assist individuals to overcome thinking distortions, like a tendency to make quick decisions or focus on the negative aspects of situations, and help them develop an image of themselves that is more realistic.
Teachers and school staff may be in a position to provide advice and information to parents of children who suffer from ADHD. School staff cannot diagnose a child or make treatment decisions and they aren't able to make students take medication. Teachers and other school staff can help their students to cope with their symptoms by providing support in the classroom, or by making accommodations that may be required for the student to perform at a high level.