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How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD
Many people believe that ADHD is a normal condition that affects children however, it can affect adults. Finding a doctor and treating ADHD can improve a person's life.
Interviewing the person and their family members could be part of an evaluation for ADHD. The specialist might review old school records to determine whether symptoms began in childhood.
Symptoms
ADHD is a condition that impacts school, work, and home life. Everyone struggles with concentration and staying organized at times. To be considered to have the disorder, someone must have major symptoms in at least two of these areas and show that the symptoms significantly impair daily functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
To establish a diagnosis doctors will talk to the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical conditions. They can also utilize rating scales that measure a adult's or a child's symptoms. These questionnaires are usually based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They cover symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Adults may be asked to speak with their significant other or someone they know well. This isn't to doubt honesty, but to gain insight into the person's behavior that cannot be gleaned from an interview. They might inquire about their childhood behaviors and consult old school records in order to determine whether symptoms began before the age of 12.
Before determining a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and run lab tests to rule other ailments for thyroid issues or head injuries, which could cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also go over the patient's medications. Certain medications for depression high blood pressure, depression and other ailments may interact with stimulants, and the doctor will take these into consideration when suggesting treatment options. This is the reason it's crucial for adults to consult their primary care physicians if they think they might be suffering from ADHD.
Diagnosis
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in two or more settings (like home, school and work) and significantly interfere with functioning. They also must have begun before the age of 12, and the impairment must not be due to another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
A doctor or mental health professional will employ a variety of tools during the assessment, including ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed history. They might also talk to friends and family members to find out how the patient's symptoms have affected them. They'll ask if the symptoms are similar to other psychiatric disorders or physical ailments.
The evaluators will look at whether the symptoms are mild or severe. They will also examine the person's medical and family background to determine if there are any underlying causes for their issue for example, thyroid disorders or head injuries.
In some cases an examiner may decide to conduct a cognitive test or have the person undergo an imaging test to rule out other reasons for their symptoms, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, personality disorders or substance abuse. People suffering from these disorders tend to show different symptoms than those who do not have them. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls show inattentive ones.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical study to test out new treatments. This is an excellent opportunity to continue research. However, participants must be aware that the main objective of these studies is to gain scientific knowledge and is not a guarantee of treatment. For more information about clinical trials, please visit NIMH's Clinical Trials fact sheet.
Treatment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Find a doctor who is certified to recognize the disorder. Ask your health insurance provider if ADHD specialists are covered. You may also ask your family doctor or other health professionals for referrals. Also, word-of-mouth referrals are a good choice.
A doctor will ask the patient - or their parents in the case of children - about their issues. She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms, and also ask others in the person's life for details, such as their spouses and their families. Personal insights will reveal more than can be learned from questionnaires.
A specialist will also need to examine any records that the person may have, including old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is often determined by the past of an individual. To be diagnosed the symptoms must be present from childhood (technically, before the age 12).
A physical exam is also carried out. It is also checked for other medical conditions that could be causing symptoms, such seizures or thyroid issues. The doctor will usually conduct a neurological exam that checks for coordination and motor control. Psychological tests to measure the level of intelligence and ability can be used. A person could also be asked to perform simple computer tasks to test attention and memory. This will help the professional determine if a person is hyperactive, inattentive or impulsive. The expert will then determine the diagnosis and recommend treatment. Treatment plans typically comprise therapy and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may help children and adults learn healthy ways to cope and change negative thinking patterns. This therapy can be done by an primary care physician or a mental health professional who has a specialization in adult ADHD.
Medication
Many people with ADHD improve by taking medication. However this isn't the only method of treating the condition. Children, teenagers and adults can also benefit from behavioral therapy, psychotherapy or any combination of the two. Suggested Looking at assist them to cope and cope with their ADHD symptoms. how to get diagnosed with adhd can include psychoeducation, which is an education about ADHD and methods to manage it. They may involve teachers, parents and other professionals.
It's important to find a health care provider or mental health professional who has previous experience treating ADHD. You can seek recommendations from people who have ADHD or from a mental health professional you already know, or conduct an online search. It is essential to find a doctor who is familiar with your insurance.
To diagnose ADHD, the health professional will inquire about your or your child's symptoms and issues caused by them. They will do an examination of the body and look for other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will look over your or your child's medical history and family history, school records and other reports.
The American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-V) that is primarily geared towards diagnosing children and adolescents, has a harder time diagnosing ADHD in adults. Your health care provider may interview you or your children about their symptoms and request that other people who spend lots of time with them to fill out checklists and questionnaires. They will use these to help them decide whether you or your child has inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, combined ADHD or unspecified ADHD. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine or certain antidepressants. They function by boosting levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. Treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills like time and task control, emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Additionally, therapists can help patients manage their symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments. Regular exercise can help decrease hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthy diet is crucial too. People who suffer from ADHD tend to consume more fat and sugar, and less fruit and vegetables. Lastly making social and family relationships prioritizing relationships can reduce stress levels and make people feel more in control of their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can aid adults and children to recognize their issues. For instance, a child with ADHD might have difficulty communicating their needs to peers and teachers however, once a teacher is aware that it's not personal or due to inattention, accommodations can be made.
A professional evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are geared towards the person's specific age, talk to family members and teachers, review medical records, and check for any comorbidities. For adults, records from school could be helpful in determining if the ADHD symptoms began before age.
The doctor will also look for any hearing or vision problems. He or she will also perform a blood test to look for certain hormones as well as other health conditions that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.