Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is the first step toward getting control of the symptoms that hinder everyday life. Some may see the diagnosis as an excuse to label themselves. Others will find it a relief to finally have a reason why they are unable to keep up with the demands of family, work, and home-related obligations.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD symptoms differ from one person to another however, some of the most common symptoms include difficulty staying focused and organized and a problem with time management, impulsivity, and impulse control issues. These symptoms can affect relationships, cause social problems and negatively impact the quality of life for people who live with them.
To determine if someone has ADHD, doctors will conduct a clinical interview. In this interview, the doctor will ask about the person's past. Typically the doctor will inquire about family history and medical history, as well as about how the patient has been affected by their symptoms over time.
A physical exam is performed to rule out any other health issues that may be causing symptoms, such sleep disorders thyroid issues, thyroid disorders or hormonal changes. The healthcare professional will likely give the person a series of questionnaires or scales to complete and ask them to write about their behaviors. The healthcare professional may also ask others in the patient's family about their experiences with them like a spouse or sibling or a coach, teacher, or nanny.
Many people with untreated ADHD will struggle to achieve their own or others' expectations and might feel like a failure because of it. They may experience low self-esteem and a sense of hopelessness that they will never be in a position to get their lives in order and realize their full potential. These feelings can lead to anxiety and depression over time.
Diagnoses can bring relief and hope to those with ADHD. It can help people with ADHD recognize the reasons they are having trouble at work, in their home, or in their relationships. It may also help them to see that their issues aren't their fault and are not caused by an insufficiency of character or lack of effort.
People with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who do not have the condition. Diagnoses can help people take actions to deal with these problems. They can also learn strategies to aid in their success.
What is the diagnosis for ADHD?
To diagnose ADHD, medical professionals must take a comprehensive history of the patient's symptoms. They will look at how long they have been present and what problems the symptoms cause in different settings, such as at school or at work. They can also administer various tests, like symptom checklists or attention-span test. They can also inquire with relatives about the person's symptoms or behavior.
A health care provider must also assess a patient's symptoms to determine if they suffer from any co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can negatively impact ADHD symptoms, making them more difficult to manage. Health professionals will take a look at the person's overall health and functioning by assessing their academic performance, job performance and family relations.
When an individual goes to a doctor to be assessed for ADHD They should inquire with the health professional how many years of experience they have treating patients suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to find an therapist who has been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD. They must be able and willing to discuss with the patient their knowledge and experience. If they refuse or are hesitant to provide the information requested the patient should find another therapist.
An ADHD diagnosis can be a relief for those who have struggled with the symptoms of the disorder. It can aid people in understanding why they are having difficulties at work or with their relationships and give them hope that they can improve their lives. The diagnosis can assist in obtaining accommodations at work or school. For example the employee who suffers from ADHD and has difficulty staying on task they may request that their supervisor or professor grant them extra time to finish exams or write papers.
A person suffering from ADHD is treated using the combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants, antidepressants and non-stimulant medications. It is crucial to discuss with your physician the potential risks and benefits of using medications for those suffering from ADHD.
How do I get a diagnosis of ADHD?
If you or your child displays signs of ADHD You may need to seek an assessment for the condition. Adults may discover they have ADHD when their symptoms cause major problems in their life. Others might learn that they suffer from ADHD because a loved one has pointed it out to them. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can allow you to request accommodations in school and the workplace and alleviate feelings of anger, guilt, shame, and embarrassment.
A specialist will interview you in depth and take notes carefully. The expert will go over the symptoms of ADHD and determine which of them are applicable to the person in question and also consider their past history from childhood. The assessment may also include a physical examination and tests for vision, hearing or balance.
During the interview, you will need to be honest with the specialist and discuss the ways in which ADHD effects your life. The specialist might require you to bring reports or other documents from childhood so he or they can determine the way your ADHD symptoms developed over time. These records can often show typical ADHD behaviors. In addition, it's beneficial for experts to determine how the symptoms of ADHD have affected your relationships. It is not unusual for evaluators contact loved ones and request them to answer questions about your ADHD symptoms.
There are a myriad of professionals who can conduct ADHD tests and offer a diagnosis, including psychiatrists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychotherapists, and physicians. If you aren't sure who to choose, get recommendations from your family physician or therapist and try out different specialists before making a decision. Before booking an appointment, you can examine the academic and professional credentials of the specialists or ask former clients or patients for references.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is more difficult than diagnosing it in a child because the majority of the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) are designed to detect the symptoms of children. However, a careful interview with a clinician can often yield the right answer, especially for adults who have had clear symptoms of ADHD in their childhood.
How can I get treatment for ADHD?
If you suspect you or your child has ADHD or have been told by someone else that they do, obtaining a diagnosis is the first step towards controlling the symptoms and eventually getting control. Many people are relieved to discover that it wasn't just lazy or a lack in intelligence hindering their progress but a condition that can be treated and controlled.
You should see a mental health professional or your primary care provider, for a psychiatric assessment to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. A typical assessment could last an hour or longer and include a medical history review, a family history review as well as the filling out of ADHD questionnaires and rating scales, by you and your family members, as well as looking into any medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The evaluator must be certified to recognize ADHD and, should they not be certified to do this they must have the recommendation of the therapist or doctor who is. It is essential to choose the right expert. Get recommendations from other therapists, doctors and trusted acquaintances and then do your own research. Ask about their professional certifications and academic degrees. Also, ask them about their experience diagnosing ADHD.
For children, to meet requirements for diagnosing ADHD, their symptoms must be present in two or more settings (home school, at home, and/or social situations) and substantially interfere with their functioning and their quality of life. Their symptoms must be evidently distinct from those of children of similar age and at the same developmental stage. The child's symptoms must cause significant pain for the family, for example, difficulty keeping up in school or work and/or frequent disagreements with parents.
To identify ADHD in adults the evaluator will talk to your spouse, friends and/or colleagues about how you function both at home and at work. They may also ask that you fill out an assessment form and sign a consent form to them to contact coaches, teachers and daycare providers. In certain instances the evaluator might suggest a physical examination to determine if there are any medical conditions that could trigger diagnosis of adhd in adulthood your or your child's symptoms like a thyroid issue or seizures.