Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
For adults there isn't a medical test for ADHD. However, it can be diagnosed by a qualified mental health care specialist or doctor who collects information about the person's symptoms from a variety of sources.
The specialist can ask questions about the individual's past. The specialist may also interview people who know the person. For instance siblings or spouses for an adult; and teachers, coaches and nannies who work with children.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it hard to keep track of deadlines, stay focused at work or school, and follow a regular schedule. A diagnosis can help you manage these symptoms when you or someone you love has these symptoms. A diagnosis can provide an uplifting feeling when you realize that it wasn't just laziness or a lack of intelligence that was holding you back, but an underlying condition that can be treated with medications and other treatments.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides out guidelines that professionals follow to diagnose ADHD. The first step in getting an assessment is for a health care doctor to assess your symptoms. The doctor will determine how long symptoms have been present, if they are present in multiple situations, and how they affect your daily functioning.
Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and, if applicable any caregivers or family members. They will require a complete medical and social history, which includes information on your birth and development, family life and education. Your doctor may order tests for blood to rule out any medical issues that may be causing your symptoms.
Children with ADHD tend to show more obvious hyperactivity and impulsivity. They might fidget or be in a position to not be able to remain still. They might interrupt others, fidget and have trouble waiting their turn. They may not be able to complete their tasks or play games. They might have difficulty staying organized or keeping their personal items.
Adults suffering from ADHD might face difficulties in their careers and suffer from low self-esteem as a result of history of incomplete projects or failing to meet expectations. They also struggle with managing their finances due to inadequate time management, apathy, and impulsive purchases. The behavioral issues that are a result of ADHD can also lead to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, and can cause the use of drugs.
If you are a part of an insurance plan that covers the expenses of mental health services, ask your provider for recommendations for a doctor qualified to perform 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 region. Many people with ADHD attend support groups and provide helpful recommendations from their friends and family.
Evaluation
People of all ages with ADHD are diagnosed after an extensive evaluation by a certified health professional. The symptoms should be present in multiple situations, including school and at home, and must persist for at least six months. They must also be severe enough to affect negatively with the daily routine whether at home, at work or at school. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and must not be caused by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors start by doing a general health exam, including hearing and vision checks to make sure other issues aren't causing symptoms. They'll then talk to you and your children about what's happening in your lives. They'll inquire about your family's background and your lifestyle, as well as when the symptoms started and what you do when you are anxious or stressed. They'll also ask for sample homework reports, report cards and other documents that will help them evaluate the performance of your child or yourself in school and work.
Some experts employ an assessment scale to evaluate the symptoms of you or your child. Some experts interview your family, friends and teachers as well as conduct interviews with other caregivers. They may also interview your child's religious coach or leader when appropriate. The choice of the right professional is important. You should seek recommendations from those who you trust and ask how long they've been working. You should also inquire whether the specialist has been certified and what credentials they hold.
The evaluation process can take several weeks or even months and it's crucial to be honest with the professional you select. The symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Many people with ADHD struggle to be accepted, whether at school or work. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulty paying attention or accomplishing tasks. But it can be comforting to know that your difficulties aren't just a result of inattention or poor parenting. It's also comforting to know that there are solutions to manage your symptoms, which includes medications. It's also important to remember that an ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be a stigma and shouldn't prevent you from working towards your goals.
Diagnosis
For teens and adults who have struggled with symptoms for a long period of time an diagnosis can stir up a variety of emotions. They may feel relieved to finally have an reason for their problems, but that can be followed by feelings of sadness for the missed opportunities and anger throughout the years that their ADHD went untreated.
A mental health professional will assess the person for ADHD by analyzing a variety of aspects. This includes an in-depth conversation and the administration psychological tests to assess how well the person performs tasks such as paying attention and recalling things. The evaluator also looks over school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers, teachers and family members.
It is important to be open and honest with the professional conducting your evaluation, since the results will affect how you or your child receive treatment. It is also essential to let the evaluator know about any issues you or your child is experiencing at home, in school or at work. This information will assist the evaluator to determine the next steps to follow in the diagnostic process.
During the interview, the evaluator will likely ask about problems with organizing, learning and planning tasks, and completing them. They will also inquire about your family history and social life to see whether there are any changes in your behavior. If your child is always losing books or getting into trouble at school, they might be interested in speaking with their school counselor or teacher to gain more insight.
The examiner may also inquire whether you have an ancestral history of ADHD, as it's highly hereditary. 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 for a person's symptoms to be severe enough to cause distress and interfere with their daily activities the symptoms must be severe. The person evaluating the patient must also look for other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the ADHD symptoms of a person are severe, a healthcare professional might recommend medication in addition to behavioral therapy. The dosage and type of medication as well as the dosages are based on the severity of the individual's symptoms and their impact on daily activities. Stimulants and other stimulants are frequently prescribed for ADHD. These medications should only ever be used with a website doctor's approval because they can reduce appetite. They can also trigger side effects such as sleepiness, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness stomachaches and changes in appetite.
Psychiatrists who treat adult with ADHD usually recommend that they seek self-help groups or counseling to improve their coping and management abilities. They may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches patients and families various strategies to manage symptoms. CBT provides skills such as time management as well as organizing strategies as well as impulse control and emotional self-regulation.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may feel lots of anger and guilt over how their attention to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention problems have affected their lives. They may be disappointed by the missed opportunities, school failures and relationships that have been caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD could provide the insight they require to begin reclaiming their lives.
A therapist can teach those suffering from ADHD how to manage their symptoms and lessen their impact on their daily activities by teaching them strategies for coping. They can assist patients in learning to plan and utilize tools like calendars and planners to organize their lives. They can help patients overcome mental distortions, such as the tendency to jump to negative conclusions or to only see negative aspects of situations and develop an authentic self-image.
Parents of children with ADHD might discover that teachers and school staff can be helpful in providing information about the disorder and in recommending appropriate educational interventions. However school staff can't identify a student's condition or make decisions about treatment and cannot force students to take medication. Teachers and other school personnel can help students manage their symptoms by providing support in the classroom or making accommodations needed to allow the student to function at a satisfactory level.