Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
There is no medical test available for adults with ADHD. However it can be diagnosed accurately by an experienced mental health specialist or doctor who collects details about the individual's symptoms from a variety of sources.
The specialist may ask questions about the individual's history. He or she will also interview people who are familiar with the person. You could ask your spouse or sibling for the child, or if you are an adult, your coach, teacher or coach.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of deadlines, stay focused at work or school and stick to a routine schedule. A diagnosis can help you better manage these symptoms in the event that you or someone you love suffers from them. It may also provide the feeling of relief as you'll see that it wasn't laziness or inexperience that was the obstacle of success, but 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) provides forth guidelines professionals use to determine ADHD. A healthcare professional will first examine your symptoms to determine if ADHD is present. The doctor will take into consideration how long the symptoms have existed, whether they occur in more than one location and how much they affect your daily functioning.
Your provider will interview you, and, if it is possible family members or caregivers. He or she will also request a full medical and social history, which includes information about birth, development, family life and education. Your doctor may order tests for blood to rule out any medical issues which could be causing your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD tend to be more hyperactive and indecisive. They may fidget or be in a position to not be able to remain still. They may be disruptive, fidget, or struggle to wait for their turn. They may not finish tasks or engage in games. They might have difficulty keeping their house in order or storing their personal items.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty in their work and have low self-esteem due to a past of unfinished projects or failing to meet expectations. They also struggle with managing their finances due to inadequate time management, apathy and purchase decisions made on impulse. Behavioral problems that are a result of ADHD can contribute to depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, and can result in substance abuse.
If you're a member of an insurance plan that covers expenses of mental health services and treatment, ask your insurance provider for recommendations for a doctor who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (or CHADD) for a list of professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD attend support groups and can provide useful recommendations via word of mouth.
Evaluation
People of all ages with ADHD are diagnosed following a thorough examination by a qualified health professional. The symptoms have to be evident in a variety of situations, including school as well as at home, and they must last for at least 6 months. They also have to be severe enough to affect negatively with everyday life whether at home, at work or at school. The symptoms must also have started before a person is 12 years old, and cannot be caused by other disorders like anxiety or depression.
Doctors begin by performing an overall physical exam, which includes a hearing and vision check to make sure there are no other factors that are causing symptoms. They'll then speak with you and your children about what's happening in your lives. They'll ask about your family history and lifestyle, how the symptoms began and what you do when you're stressed or anxious. They will also ask for report cards, homework samples and other documents to help them determine the development of your child, or yourself at school and at work.
Some experts employ ratings scales to help them determine your or your child's symptoms. Others conduct interviews with family teachers, friends, teachers and other caregivers. They may also interview your child's religious coach or leader when appropriate. It is essential to select the right specialist. Get recommendations from people who you trust, and inquire about their experiences. You should also inquire whether the professional is licensed and what certifications they have.
The process of evaluating can take weeks or even months and it's essential to be honest with the professional you choose. Symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe, and many sufferers diagnosed with the condition find it difficult to fit in at school or at work. It's difficult to admit that you have difficulty paying attention or accomplishing tasks. It can be a relief to know that your problems aren't simply due to a lack of focus or a lack of parenting. It's reassuring that there are a variety of ways to manage symptoms, including medication. It's important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be a stigma, and shouldn't stop you from pursuing your goals.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can trigger a variety of emotions for adults and teenagers who have been struggling with symptoms for a while. They may feel relieved to finally have a concrete reason for their problems, but that can also be followed by feelings of sorrow over the loss of opportunities and resentment in the past when their ADHD went untreated.
When you are evaluating someone for ADHD, a mental health professional will examine a variety of aspects to determine if they are suffering from the disorder. These include a thorough interview and the administration of psychological tests to see how the person performs in tasks such as paying attention or remembering information. The evaluator also reviews the school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers, teachers and family members.
It is crucial to be honest and open with the specialist conducting your evaluation, as the results will influence the way you or your child receive treatment. It is also important to let the evaluator know of any issues you or your child may have at school, home or at work. This information will help the evaluator determine what additional steps to follow in the diagnostic process.
During the interview the assessor will ask you about issues in learning, organizing, planning and finishing tasks. They will also inquire about your family's history and your social background to see if any patterns of website behavior occur. If your child keeps losing books and getting in trouble at school, they might be interested in speaking with their teacher or school counsellor to gain more insight.
The evaluator will also want to know if there is a history of ADHD in your family, since 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 note that in order for a person to be identified as having ADHD the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with their everyday functioning and cause distress. Additionally, the person evaluating must rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the person's ADHD symptoms are severe, a health care specialist might recommend treatment with medication along with behavioral therapies. The kind of medication and dosages are based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Stimulants and other stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. These medications should only ever be used with a doctor's approval since they can cause a decrease in appetite. The stimulants can also trigger side effects, including insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, stomachaches and changes in appetite, or sex drive.
Psychologists who treat adults with ADHD typically suggest that patients take part in a self-help group or therapy to improve their coping skills and management. They may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches families and patients a variety of strategies to manage symptoms. CBT helps with skills such as time management, organizational strategies, impulse control and emotional self regulation.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often experience a great amount of guilt and anger over the ways that their issues with hyperactivity, attention and impulsivity have affected their lives. They might regret missed opportunities or school failures, as well as relationship conflicts caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD could provide them with the insight they require to reclaim their lives.
A therapist can teach a person with ADHD how to manage their symptoms and reduce the impact they have on their daily life by teaching them techniques for coping. They can help patients make plans and use tools for organization like planners and calendars. They can help individuals to overcome thinking distortions, like the tendency to leap to conclusions or focus on the negative aspects of situations and assist them in developing a more realistic self-image.
Parents of children with ADHD may find that teachers and school staff can be helpful in providing information regarding the disorder and in recommending appropriate educational interventions. The school staff can't diagnose a child or make treatment decisions and they aren't able to require students to take medication. Teachers and other staff members are able to assist students in coping with symptoms by providing assistance in the classroom or by making the accommodations necessary to ensure that the student is performing at a satisfactory level.