Getting a Diagnosis For ADHD
The first step to get a diagnosis for ADHD is a clinical interview by a psychiatrist or any other medical professional. They could use one of several standardized checklists. They will also screen for mood disorders, learning disabilities, and autism.
They often ask family or friends, as well as coworkersincluding coaches and teachers to fill out questionnaires. This will provide valuable insight that can't be culled from the answers of a patient's.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychiatric examination is a first step towards getting the proper treatment for a person who suffers from ADHD. The patient will be asked a lot of questions and given an exam. This is a great opportunity to rule out physical ailments like thyroid issues which could cause symptoms resembling ADHD.
During a psychiatric evaluation, the psychiatrist will review the patient's medical, mental and family history. They will also discuss the symptoms and how they affect the person's life. It is essential that the person be honest and not hide information due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The psychiatrist will also talk about any past traumatic experiences the person has had. It is possible that a traumatizing incident may have led to an emotion response that can cause symptoms of ADHD. The doctor will also ask about the person's relationships, work and stress-related issues in their life.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) offers guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD. In an examination the doctor will decide whether the symptoms of the patient match DSM criteria.
To meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must have persisted since childhood and interfere with a person's daily functioning in a variety of environments. ADHD Diagnosis means a person has to experience problems in multiple areas of their life. For instance at work, school and at home.
Psychological tests can help in determining if a person is suffering from ADHD or not, however they are not always accurate. These tests measure the level of impulsivity, inattention, and other aspects of an individual's behavior. They are unable to determine if a person suffers from a learning disorder, or another condition that causes symptoms of ADHD.
If the results of a psychological evaluation show that the patient has ADHD, the next step is to see a psychiatrist or therapist. A therapist can assist patients with their emotional issues and offer counseling. A psychiatrist is a doctor and can prescribe medications.
Medical Evaluation
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is the first step to solving the issues that can cause havoc on your life both personally and professionally. Your personal physician can perform an evaluation and may recommend you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health professional with expertise in ADHD to conduct an in-depth and accurate assessment. Some insurance companies have lists of specialists according to their specialization that can assist in finding someone experienced with the disorder. You can also seek suggestions from friends, family members and co-workers. Another option is to join an adult support group with ADHD and ask for suggestions for professionals in your region.
The evaluator will interview you in order to get information about your ADHD history and how it has affected your work, family and relationships. During this period it is essential that you are completely honest and open with your symptoms and the impact they have had on your life. Many adults who seek diagnosis feel embarrassed about their symptoms and may withhold information for fear of criticism or embarrassment. This can affect the outcome of your assessment.
You'll most likely undergo an exam to determine if there are any medical reasons for your symptoms, for example thyroid disorders or seizure problems. You could also be tested for depression or other mood disorders since they can cause symptoms similar to those caused by ADHD. You might also be required to take cognitive tests, which are designed to measure the speed at which you think and process information.
If the evaluator believes you may benefit from medication, he'll suggest a treatment plan. The most popular ADHD drugs are stimulants. They enhance and balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants are also available and perform more slowly than stimulants. Your evaluator can help you select the best medication for you, and discuss any side effects.
You may be able to take part in a clinical trial which is a study which aims to discover new ways to prevent or treat conditions and diseases. Consult your physician about the risks and benefits associated with participating in a trial.
Behavioral Evaluation
The cornerstone for diagnosing ADHD is a behavioral assessment. The evaluations include a detailed interview with the patient and for children, their caregivers and teachers. They also involve rating scales and questionnaires. The healthcare professional can also conduct standardized tests of cognitive abilities (such as short-term memory, auditory attention visual ability, verbal skills and problem-solving abilities) to determine if there are coexisting disorders like learning disorders or mood problems. In addition, the healthcare practitioner typically will review the family history and conduct a physical exam.
In a typical assessment, the healthcare practitioner will ask about how often a patient or child fidgets, is antsy or fidgety, has difficulty waiting their turn, gets frustrated easily, forgets easily or interrupts others. The healthcare practitioner will also consider any issues that the patient is having with their schoolwork, relationships or work, and determine whether it's impacting their lives negatively.
The most important factor in making a diagnosis of ADHD is whether or not the symptoms are "clinically significant" -- in other words the symptoms cause "a significant impairment" in the patient's academic, social, and occupational functioning. The diagnosis of an adult is more difficult due to the fact that the DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward children, but despite this limitation, a qualified clinician can usually make an accurate diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical interview, the healthcare practitioner will typically also interview the patient's parents and other people who know them well. This allows them to gather additional information that may not be obvious to the healthcare professional, and to verify the patient's statements. The healthcare practitioner might also wish to talk with the patient's teachers or colleagues at work, and might give the patient surveys to complete and submit prior to their next appointment. This feedback is extremely helpful for both the healthcare practitioner and the patient, as it gives a clear picture of the current level of functioning. It also gives the healthcare practitioner a starting point for making treatment recommendations.
Medication Evaluation
There are a number of online ADHD quizzes and questionnaires that can help you determine whether you should seek a professional evaluation. Although they can't be used to be used to diagnose you, they can be useful tools to show your doctor that you have thought about getting an evaluation for awhile.
It's important to choose the right specialist who has experience treating children and adults with ADHD. It is possible to interview a few professionals before you find the one who feels right and comfortable for you. Ask family and friends for recommendations, or talk to your health insurance company to determine if they would recommend a specific doctor.
The specialist will want to speak with you or your child, and evaluate the symptoms over time. She may also want to see how your symptoms affect your mood, behavior and productivity. She can use checklists of symptoms, and she may interview those who know you well -- such as a spouse or sibling for an adult, a teacher, coach or religious leader for children -- to gather more information that you can't provide through written responses to questionnaires.
Your doctor will consider your gender, age and whether or not symptoms are present at school or work. She will also assess whether other conditions like anxiety or depression may be the cause of your symptoms. She will also rule-out physical issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like a thyroid issue or a seizure condition.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a welcome relief for those who have had to struggle to develop important life skills like listening, following directions and organizing. It can be hard to accept, however, that you're not able to control the things many people do easily. Having a diagnosis can explain these struggles and may lead to treatment that makes your life better.
If your doctor decides that you or your children meet the requirements for ADHD the doctor could refer you to a doctor for treatment. You will then need to schedule an appointment with a psychologist, psychiatrist or any other mental health professional who is licensed to prescribe medications.