Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
There is no medical test available for adults with ADHD. However it can be identified accurately by an experienced mental health doctor or a medical professional who collects information about the person's symptoms from a variety of sources.
The specialist may ask questions about the individual's background. He or she will also interview people who are familiar with the person. For example siblings or spouses for an adult; and coaches, teachers, and nannies for children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep track of deadlines, stay focused at school or at work and stick to a routine schedule. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, a diagnosis could aid in managing the symptoms more efficiently. It can also give you a sense of relief, as you'll see it wasn't just laziness or inexperience that was the obstacle of success, but an underlying issue that can be treated with medication and other interventions.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) offers guidelines for professionals to diagnose ADHD. The first step to get an assessment is for a health care provider to evaluate your symptoms. They will look at how long the symptoms have been present and whether they are present in more than one place, and how much they impact your daily activities.
The doctor will interview you and, if appropriate, family members or caregivers. He or she will also require a complete medical and social history, which includes details about your birth and development, family life and education. Your doctor might order tests to rule out any medical issues that might cause your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD tend to show more obvious signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may fidget or be in a position to not be able to remain still. They may interrupt others, fidget and struggle to wait for their turn. They may not be able to complete their tasks or play games. They may have difficulty keeping their house in order or storing their personal possessions.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty in their careers and have a low self-esteem due to an unfinished project history or failing to meet expectations. They also struggle with managing their finances due to inadequate time management, apathy and purchase decisions made on impulse. The behavioral issues that are a result of ADHD can contribute to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, and can lead to addiction to drugs.
If you are a part of an insurance plan that covers costs of mental health care, ask your doctor for recommendations of a person qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can also contact the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of specialists in your area. Many people with ADHD are members of support groups, and they can provide valuable advice.
Evaluation
All people of all ages suffering from ADHD are diagnosed after a thorough assessment by a trained health professional. The symptoms must appear in multiple situations, including school and at home, and they must persist for at least six months. They must also be severe enough to interfere negatively with daily life, whether at home, at work or at school. The symptoms must first be noticed prior to the age of 12 and can't be caused by another disorder, like depression or anxiety.
Doctors begin by performing an overall health check, including a vision and hearing check to ensure that other factors aren't contributing to the symptoms. They'll then talk to you and your children about what's going on in your lives. They'll inquire about your family's background and lifestyle, when the symptoms started and what you do when you feel anxious or stressed. They'll also ask for report cards, homework samples and other documents that will help them assess the development of your child, or yourself at the classroom and at work.
Some experts use an assessment scale to evaluate the symptoms of you or your child. Others conduct interviews with your family teachers, friends, teachers and other caregivers. If necessary, they might also interview the religious leader or coach of your child. It is essential to select the right person. Get recommendations from people whom you trust and ask about their experience. You should also inquire whether the professional is licensed and what certifications they have.
The process of evaluating can be a lengthy process that can take weeks or months. It is crucial to be honest when selecting a specialist. The symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe, and many people who are diagnosed with the condition have a difficult time to make it school or at work. It's difficult to admit you have difficulty paying attention or accomplishing tasks. It can be comforting to know that your problems aren't just a result of laziness or poor parenting. It's also reassuring to know that there are ways to manage your symptoms, which includes medications. It's also important to remember that an ADHD diagnosis should not be a stigma, and shouldn't hinder you from pursuing your goals.
Diagnosis
For teenagers and adults who have struggled with symptoms for a long time the diagnosis can stir up a variety of emotions. The diagnosis can bring mixed emotions for adults and teens who have struggled with symptoms for a long period of time.
When evaluating someone for ADHD, the mental health professional will look at several factors to determine whether they have the disorder. This includes an in-depth interview as well as the administration of psychological tests to see how the individual performs on tasks such as paying attention and recalling information. The evaluator will also review the school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers, caregivers and family members.
It is important to be honest and open with the person conducting your evaluation, since the results will affect the way you or your child will receive treatment. It is also important to let the evaluator be aware of any major issues you or your child may have at school, home or at work. This will help the evaluator to determine what steps to take next to determine the cause of the problem.
In the course of the interview, the assessor will likely ask questions about learning difficulties, planning, organizing and working on tasks. They will also inquire about your family history and social background to see whether any patterns of conduct exist. For instance, if you noticed that your child is always losing their books and getting into trouble in kindergarten, they will likely want to talk with the teacher or school counselor to get more insight into the situation.
The evaluator also needs to determine if there's any history of ADHD in your family, as it is highly heritable. 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 keep in mind that in order for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must be sufficient to affect their daily functioning and create distress. The evaluator should also determine if there are any other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the person's ADHD symptoms are severe, a medical specialist might recommend treatment with medication along with behavioral therapies. The type of medication and the doses used are based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on daily activities. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications should only be taken with a physician's approval because they can reduce appetite. Stimulants can also cause side effects, such as sleepiness, drowsiness dry mouth, dizziness headache, stomachaches and changes in appetite or sex drive.
Psychiatrists who treat adult with ADHD generally recommend that they seek self-help groups or counseling to enhance their coping skills and management. They may also recommend the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program that helps patients and their families learn a variety of strategies to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches skills such as time management and organizational strategies, emotional self-regulation, and impulse control.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often experience a great amount of guilt and anger about the ways in which their problems with hyperactivity, attention, and impulsivity have impacted their lives. They may be disappointed by missed opportunities, school failures, and conflicts in relationships caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD may provide them with the insight they require to begin reclaiming their life.
adhd diagnosis uk adults can help a person who suffers from ADHD learn to manage their symptoms by teaching them coping strategies to lessen their impact on daily functioning. They can assist patients in learning to plan their lives and use tools like planners and calendars for organization. They can help patients to overcome their thinking distortions, like the tendency to leap to conclusions or focus on the negative aspects of situations, and help them build an authentic self-image.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD may discover that their school staff and teachers can assist in providing information on the disorder and suggesting appropriate educational interventions. However, the school staff cannot identify a student's condition or make decisions about treatment, and they cannot require students to take prescription medications. Teachers and other staff members are able to help students cope with symptoms by offering support in the classroom or making any accommodations necessary to ensure that the student is performing at a satisfactory level.