Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
There isn't a medical test available for adults suffering from ADHD. It can be accurately diagnosed by a qualified medical professional or psychiatrist, who gathers information from a variety of sources about the person's symptomatology.
The specialist can ask questions about the individual's history. They may also interview those who are familiar with the person. For instance siblings or spouses for an adult; or teachers, coaches and nannies who work with children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of deadlines, stay focused at school or at work, and follow a regular schedule. A diagnosis can help you better manage these symptoms when you or someone you care about has them. It can also give you the feeling of relief as you will understand it wasn't just laziness or inexperience that stood in the way of success, but an underlying condition that could be treated with medication and other interventions.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) offers guidelines for healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD. A healthcare professional will first evaluate your symptoms to determine if ADHD is present. He or she will consider how long the symptoms have lasted and whether they are present in more than one location, and how much they interfere with your daily activities.
Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and, if appropriate family members or caregivers. They will require a complete medical and social history, including information about birth and development, the family life and education. Your doctor might order tests for blood to determine if there are any medical issues that could cause your symptoms.
Children with ADHD tend to be more active and indecisive. They may be distracted, unable to remain still, interrupt others and be in no position to wait for their turn. They may not be able to complete their tasks or play games. They might have a hard time staying organized or keeping personal belongings in order.
Adults with ADHD might have issues in their career and low self-esteem because of a history unfinished projects or failure to meet expectations. They also have trouble managing their finances due to ineffective time management, forgetfulness and impulse purchases. The behavioral issues associated with ADHD can cause anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and drug abuse.
Ask your insurance company for a recommendation of someone who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation on adults if you're part of an insurance plan that covers mental health care costs. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (or CHADD) for a list professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD attend support groups and can provide helpful recommendations from their friends and family.
Evaluation
All people of all ages suffering from ADHD are diagnosed following an extensive evaluation by a certified health professional. The symptoms must appear in multiple environments, such as school as well as at home, and they must last for at least 6 months. They also have to be severe enough to interfere negatively with everyday life whether at home at work, at home or at school. The symptoms must also have begun before a person is 12 years old and can't be caused by other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors begin by conducting an overall health check which includes a vision and hearing check to make sure other factors aren't contributing to the symptoms. They'll then speak with you and your children about what's happening in your life. They'll ask you about your family's history and lifestyle, as well as when the symptoms started and what happens when you're feeling anxious or stressed. sell 'll also request report cards, homework samples and other documents to help them determine the development of your child, or yourself in school and work.
Some experts employ the scale to determine your symptoms or those of your child. Other experts conduct interviews with your family teachers, friends, teachers and other caregivers. They may also interview your child's religious coach or leader, if appropriate. It is crucial to select the right specialist. You should ask for recommendations from people you trust, and ask how long they've been working. Find out if they are certified and what their credentials are.
The process of evaluating can take weeks or even months and it's essential to be honest with the specialist you choose. The symptoms of ADHD can vary from mild to severe. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to fit in, whether at school or at work. It's difficult to admit that you're having difficulty paying attention or accomplishing tasks. It is a relief to know that your issues aren't just due to laziness or poor parenting. It's comforting to know that there are many ways to manage symptoms and even medications. It's important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be a cause for concern, and shouldn't prevent you from pursuing your goals.
Diagnosis
For adults and teens who have struggled with symptoms for a long period of time the diagnosis can stir up a variety of emotions. They may feel relief to finally have a concrete reason for their problems however, it could be followed by feelings of sorrow for the missed opportunities and anger over the years when their ADHD was untreated.
When looking at someone's ADHD, the mental health professional will examine a variety of aspects to determine if they suffer from the disorder. This includes an in-depth conversation and a psychological test administered by the administration to assess how well the person performs tasks such as paying attention and retaining information. The evaluator will also review the school records and questionnaires filled out by caretakers, teachers and family members.
It is crucial to be open and honest when talking to the professional who will conduct your evaluation. The outcomes of the evaluation will determine how your child or you receive treatment. It is also essential to let the evaluator know about any issues you or your child has at home, in school or at work. This information will enable the evaluator decide on which steps to take to determine the cause of the problem.
During the interview, the evaluator will likely ask questions about difficulties with learning how to plan, organize, and working on tasks. They will also ask you about your family's history and social background to see whether any patterns of behavior exist. If your child keeps losing books and getting in trouble at school, they may be interested in speaking with their school counselor or teacher to get more information.
The evaluator may also ask whether you have any family 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 disrupt their daily life the symptoms must be severe. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the ADHD symptoms of someone are extreme, a doctor may suggest medication in addition to behavioral therapy. The dosage and the type of medication recommended will depend on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications should only be taken with a doctor's approval as they can decrease appetite. Stimulants may also cause side effects such as difficulty sleeping, drowsiness or dry mouth, headaches, dizziness stomachaches, and changes in appetite.
Psychiatrists who treat adults with ADHD usually recommend self-help groups or counseling to improve their coping and management abilities. They may also recommend the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program that helps patients and their families learn various strategies to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches skills like time management, organizational strategies, impulse control and emotional self regulation.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD typically experience a large deal of frustration and shame about the ways in which their problems with hyperactivity, attention and impulsivity affect their lives. They may be disappointed by the missed opportunities, school failures and conflicts with their relationships that are the result of their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD might give them the clarity they require to reclaim their lives.
A therapy therapist can assist a person with ADHD to manage their symptoms by teaching them strategies to cope to minimize their impact on daily activities. They can assist patients to create plans and utilize tools for organizing, such as planners and calendars. They can help individuals overcome mental distortions like the tendency to draw negative conclusions or only see negative aspects of a situation and create a realistic self-image.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD may discover that their teachers and school staff can help in providing information regarding the disorder and recommending appropriate educational interventions. However school staff can't identify a student's condition or make a decision about treatment and cannot force students to take medications. Teachers and other staff members are able to assist students in coping with symptoms by offering support in the classroom, or by making any adjustments necessary to ensure the student is performing at a satisfactory level.