Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
For adults there isn't a medical test for ADHD. It can be accurately diagnosed by a trained medical professional or psychiatrist who collects information from multiple sources about the person's symptomatology.
The specialist may ask questions about the individual's background. They might also talk to people who know the individual. For example an adult sibling or spouse for an adult; as well as coaches, teachers and nannies for children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of deadlines, stay focused at school or at work and stick to a routine schedule. A diagnosis can help you manage these symptoms when you or someone you care about suffers from them. It may also provide a sense of relief, as you'll see it was not laziness or lack of intelligence that slowed the path of success, but rather an underlying condition that can be treated with medication and other methods.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) sets forth guidelines professionals use to determine ADHD. The first step in getting a diagnosis is for a healthcare provider to evaluate your symptoms. The doctor will take into consideration how long the symptoms have lasted and whether they manifest in more than one setting and how much they interfere with your daily functioning.
Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and, if appropriate, any caregivers or family members. He or she may also inquire about your medical history and social background. This may include information on your birth, development, family background and education. Your doctor may also order tests to determine if there are any medical issues that might cause your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD tend to be more active and impulsive. They might fidget, cannot remain still, interrupt others and be unable to wait their turn. They might not be able to finish their tasks or play games. They may have a difficult organizing their lives or keeping personal possessions in place.
Adults suffering from ADHD might face difficulties in their careers and suffer from low self-esteem as a result of history of incomplete projects or failure to meet expectations. They also have difficulty managing their finances due to ineffective time management, forgetfulness and excessive spending. The behavioral issues caused by ADHD can contribute to depression, anxiety and sleep disorders and lead to substance abuse.
Ask your insurance company for a recommendation of a professional who is competent to conduct an ADHD assessment on adults if you are a member of an insurance plan which covers mental health care costs. You can also contact a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of specialists in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD attend support groups and provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations.
Evaluation
All people of all ages suffering from ADHD are diagnosed following an in-depth assessment by a trained health professional. The symptoms must appear in a variety of situations, including school as well as at home, and they must last for at least six months. They must also be severe enough to interfere negatively with the daily routine whether at home in the workplace, at home or at school. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and cannot be caused by another disorder, like depression or anxiety.
Doctors begin by performing an overall physical exam that includes hearing and vision check to ensure there are no other factors that could be causing the symptoms. They'll then speak with you and your children about what's going on in your life. They'll inquire about your family's background and lifestyle, when the symptoms started and what you do when you're feeling anxious or stressed. They'll also request report cards, homework samples and other documents to help them determine the performance of your child or yourself at school and at work.
Some experts utilize ratings scales to help them assess your or your child's symptoms. Some experts interview your teachers, family members and friends, while others conduct interviews with other caregivers. They may also speak with your child's religious leader or coach as needed. It is important to choose the right person. It is recommended to seek out recommendations from those who you trust and ask how long they've been practicing. You should also inquire if the expert is certified and what qualifications they hold.
The process of evaluating can take several weeks or even months and it's crucial to be honest with the specialist you select. Symptoms of ADHD can be mild to severe, and a lot of people who are diagnosed with the condition struggle to fit in at work or school. It's difficult to admit that you struggle with attention or completing tasks. It can be a relief to know that your difficulties are not solely due to lack of motivation or poor parenting. It's also reassuring to know that there are ways to manage your symptoms, including medications. It's important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be a stigma and shouldn't stop you from pursuing your dreams.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can trigger a range of emotions for adults and teens who've been suffering from symptoms for a long time. They may feel relieved to finally have an reason for their problems, but that can be followed by feelings of grief over the loss of opportunities and resentment throughout the years that their ADHD was not treated.
A mental health professional will assess a person's symptoms of ADHD by looking at a variety of aspects. This includes an in-depth interview and administering psychological tests to see how the person performs in tasks like paying attention and remembering information. The evaluator also looks over school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers, teachers and family members.
It is important to be honest and open with the specialist conducting your evaluation, as the results will impact the way you or your child will receive treatment. It is also important to inform the evaluator of any significant difficulties that you or your child may have at home, at school or at work. This information will allow the evaluator determine what additional steps to follow in the diagnostic process.
During the interview the examiner will ask about problems in learning, organizing the tasks, planning and completing them. They may also inquire about your family history and social background to determine whether there are any changes in behavior. If your child is always losing books and is in trouble at school, they might need to speak with their teacher or school counsellor to get more information.
The evaluator might also get more info inquire if you have any family history of ADHD because it is 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 important to note that to be identified as having ADHD, their symptoms must be severe enough to hinder their daily functioning and cause distress. The examiner should also look for other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the person's ADHD symptoms are severe, a medical professional may recommend treatment with medications in addition to behavioral treatments. The dosage and type of medication used depends on the severity of the symptoms and the impact they have on a person's daily life. Stimulants and other stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Because they can decrease appetite, these medications should only be used with the permission of a doctor. They can also trigger side effects, such as difficulties sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, drymouth, headaches, stomachaches, and changes in appetite.
Psychologists who treat adults with ADHD typically recommend that they take part in a self-help group or counseling program to enhance their management and coping skills. They might also suggest the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program that provides patients and their families with a range of strategies to control their symptoms. CBT is a method of teaching skills like time management, organizing strategies, impulse control and emotional self regulation.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel a significant deal of frustration and shame about the ways in which their problems with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have affected their lives. They may regret missed chances, school failures, and relationships that are impacted by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide the perspective they need to reclaim their lives.
A therapy therapist can assist a person with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms by teaching them strategies for coping to minimize their impact on daily functioning. They can assist patients to create plans and utilize tools to organize their lives, such as planners and calendars. They can assist patients in overcoming thinking distortions such as the tendency to jump to negative conclusions or to only see negative aspects of a situation and create a realistic self-image.
Teachers and school staff might be in a position to provide suggestions and information for parents of children suffering from ADHD. The school staff can't diagnose a child or make treatment decisions, nor can they require students to take medication. Teachers and other school personnel can help their students to cope with their symptoms by offering support in the classroom or by making accommodations needed to allow the student to perform at a high level.