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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis Finding a diagnosis for ADHD is often the first step toward managing symptoms that affect everyday life. Many people are hesitant about seeking an assessment. However, it can be an uplifting experience. A clinical interview is typically the first step in an ADHD assessment. Experts can also conduct screening tests to detect co-existing conditions like learning disabilities or mood disorders. Symptoms The disorder was first documented in medical science in 1902, and has been referred to by several names, most recently attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with or without hyperactivity (DSM-5). ADHD can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty organizing tasks, paying attention in the workplace or at school, and retaining important information. They are prone impulsive behavior like cutting in line, interrupting others, or disregarding rules. They might also have difficulty completing projects, keeping appointments or paying their bills. It is crucial to find a doctor who has been certified in ADHD when looking for a diagnosis. Look for local chapters of mental health organizations, a local support group or ask for the recommendation of a reliable source. You can also contact your insurance company to see whether they have any providers who specialize in ADHD. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation will include a thorough explanation of symptoms of the patient, an examination of personal and family history including any medical, psychiatric and academic problems, taking neuropsychological or psychoeducational tests, and a physical examination. The clinician will also speak with others who are close to the patient, like their spouses or partners, to determine the extent to which ADHD symptoms impact their lives. It is crucial to inquire with parents or other relatives about the signs of ADHD in adults. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not remember their childhood. Adults suffering from ADHD can have a hard to admit their problems result from their attention deficit disorder. They may be frustrated and embarrassed about their inability to stay organized and focused at home as well as at the office. They may also believe that their problems are their own shortcomings or imperfections in their character. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and optimism for the future and help them understand that their issues are not their fault. Diagnosis There is no one medical test or physical test to determine ADHD (previously called ADD). However an experienced mental health specialist will collect information from many sources regarding your child's and adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptom lists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a thorough history of the person's previous and present functioning. A thorough evaluation may also include a psychological exam, such as a personality inventory or neuropsychological testing. A healthcare professional will also evaluate the medical history of the patient, including any current or past injuries, illnesses, and medications, like the mood-stabilizing drug steroids. Other conditions and disorders may be a source of ADHD symptoms. This includes learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and other medical problems like sleep apnea, thyroid conditions and head injuries. A thorough assessment of psychiatric disorders will help identify the root of the problem and determine the most effective treatment. The symptoms of an individual must be causing significant impairment in two or more major situations, including at home or at school, to be considered for ADHD diagnosis. This is particularly true for young people and children. These individuals may struggle to get through school, have difficulty maintaining jobs, and have trouble maintaining relationships and friendships without being treated with respect. It is crucial to get an evaluation from a health care provider who is familiar with working with children and adolescents. You can find many primary care doctors or mental health professionals who can diagnose ADHD. However, you should seek out a specialist that will do an exhaustive evaluation. In the course of the interview, the doctor will inquire about your child's and your personal family and personal history, as well as review the criteria for diagnosing ADHD established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Treatment There are many psychiatric conditions that may mimic ADHD for adults as well as children. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is necessary to rule out any other illnesses. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders and learning disabilities, head injuries thyroid disorders, and drug use. These other explanations can have a significant impact on quality of life. A complete mental health assessment consists of an interview with the person being assessed and questionnaires and checklists filled out by other people in their lives. This can include spouses and parents for children, and siblings, friends, and coworkers for adults. Personal insight often uncovers information that can't be culled from a checklist or a set of questions and also helps the doctor understand the ways in which a person's ADHD symptoms may have impacted their relationships with other people. The psychiatrist or psychologist will examine the patient's medical records in addition to their symptoms. A physical examination, which includes vision and audio tests, is also carried out. An electroencephalograph or EEG scan, which measures brain waves and can help identify the presence of ADHD, is available in some offices. Some patients choose to participate in a clinical trial to determine whether a new medication will improve their symptoms. However, participants should know that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new knowledge in science and not to treat a condition. Based on the results, the doctor could prescribe psychotherapy, medication, or other interventions. In some cases a combination treatment is the most effective. The use of medication can ease some of the symptoms and is generally safe for children and adults. Other interventions can be effective such as behavior therapy and lifestyle modifications. Medication Certain people can enhance their performance by taking medication to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. It can be difficult to find the right dosage and type of medication that works most effectively, and it can require time to adjust to any adverse effects. Certain medications can cause a person to feel tired or sleepy It is therefore important to discuss this with a doctor. Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants, which increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medication, which can increase impulsivity and attention, however they are not as effective as stimulants. They can prescribe mood stabilisers or antidepressants to people suffering from depression, as well as other disorders that might be present in conjunction with ADHD. Other treatments that can help people suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy and training or educational programs for children and adults. These treatments can help people learn skills and strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home and in school. In some instances an expert medical or mental health professional can detect ADHD in a child by reviewing school records and discussing the child's behavior with caretakers and teachers. They may interview the child, conduct psychological testing and test for learning disabilities and other disorders that have similar symptoms. To be able for a child to be identified with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six of the nine symptoms described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and these symptoms must significantly impair adaptive functioning at home and in the classroom. In addition, they should not be explained better by a different condition. Counseling If you require treatment or medication treatment for ADHD it is crucial to find a specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care physician can make a recommendation or direct you to specialists in your region. Some professionals who specialize in ADHD offer telemedicine online to make appointments easier and more convenient. Many insurance companies allow you make appointments using their system. For children doctors and specialists who specialize in ADHD can diagnose the disorder based on discussing symptoms with parents and teachers and observing the child or an adolescent in various situations including interviewing family members, and conducting an evaluation for learning disabilities. They also review the school records and complete questionnaires by caregivers and teachers. The adolescent or adult needs to show at least five of the following symptoms to be diagnosed: A complete medical history is essential in order to diagnose ADHD. Since adults typically have weak or hazy memories of childhood, doctors might seek information from independent sources, such as spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes of ADHD-like symptoms, such as neurological disorders, brain injuries or other health issues. In the initial consultation, the doctor should determine the way in which the person deals with the symptoms of ADHD and assess the impact of these symptoms on their daily lives. They should also discuss the history of any prior ADHD evaluations and treatment. It is also beneficial to determine other conditions that share similar symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders. In addition to the evaluation of an individual and their mental health condition, a professional must also be able to listen to the person in a respectful manner and without judgment. This is especially important if the person has a history of depression or substance abuse.