Getting a ADHD Diagnosis
Have a thorough assessment by a certified professional. They will ask you questions regarding your family history and personal background. They can also employ rating scales.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be evident in two different settings (home, school, work) and be severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning. The symptoms must also not be more easily explained by another disorder.
Symptoms
Many people struggle to stay organized or focused at times, but those who suffer from ADHD have symptoms that are more severe than other people their age or development level. They are unable to pay attention, following directions, and managing their lives. This can cause difficulties at school, at home, or at the workplace. Stress, a family emergency or a medical issue can trigger their issues.
A diagnosis can be a great relief because it means that the problems you or your child is experiencing are not caused by inactivity or a lack of intelligence, but rather a neurological issue. However, how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult could also cause a variety of emotions, especially in adults who have been living with symptoms for a long period of time. Matlen felt a mixture of sadness and regret when she realized that her ADHD symptoms were holding her back. She was not able to complete college or had difficulty finding a career.
If evaluating someone for ADHD, the health care provider or a mental health professional will consider several aspects. This includes the person's school and work history, as well as a psychosocial history and a thorough physical exam. They might also request permission to interview the spouse, partner or close acquaintances of the person, because they can provide a complete description of their challenges. They may employ standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also conduct psychological tests that focus on working memory as well as executive functioning (abilities that are related to planning and decision-making), and visual and spatial thinking. They could also conduct thorough histories of alcohol and drug use and also a mental health exam.
Diagnosis
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in the patient's history and symptoms along with a physical exam and any medical issues which could be causing symptoms. The doctor will ask the patient to describe their experiences at school, at work and at home. They can also talk to other people, like family members, friends, and teachers to help them build an accurate picture of the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions. Some people are relieved to realize what was preventing their success. Others may be angry at feeling that they were a lazy failed person for all those years. It is crucial to discuss these feelings with a professional in mental health who can provide assistance and guidance.
To be considered to have ADHD adults or children must exhibit symptomatic behavior in two or more situations and they are debilitating enough to affect daily functioning. These symptoms must have started in the earliest years of childhood (technically, before age 12). It's not uncommon for doctors to speak with parents about their child's symptoms and if there's an ancestral history of ADHD because it's very heritable.
It is crucial to select the right doctor or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD. Ask for recommendations from your therapist or doctor and look online for specialists who specialize in treating ADHD. Verify the credentials of any specialists you are considering, and verify that they are able to accept your insurance. You may need to speak to several specialists before finding the one that is the right fit for you. It's also an excellent idea to obtain referrals from other patients or relatives of those who have been successfully treated.
Treatment
Treatment and medication can ease ADHD symptoms. The right treatment can benefit people from all walks. Start with a mental health provider, who will evaluate your symptoms and determine what is best for you. They will also make sure that your symptoms are not caused by medical issues.
Your evaluation will likely include an examination and interview with your family members, teachers, or coworkers. They'll ask you about your previous behavior, symptoms and problems. You'll be provided with questionnaires and checklists. They'll want to know whether your inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are severe or mild. They'll want to know whether you've been experiencing your symptoms for a period of six months or more. They'll examine your family history and school records and conduct an assessment of your psychiatric and neurological condition. They'll also refer you to a medical exam to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Both cognitive and behavioral treatments are used to treat ADHD. These therapies help you learn to manage your symptoms and alter your negative thinking patterns. They can be performed in person or via online therapy platforms. You'll need to make regular appointments, which are usually every month, until you feel better.
ADHD can be a difficult condition and cause a great deal of stress. Finding the right diagnosis and starting treatment early can greatly enhance your quality of life. A support system is crucial. You can make life easier by keeping the track of your symptoms, asking for assistance and making them aware about your health condition. Talk with your doctor about your goals in managing ADHD and what you'll need to do to succeed.
Medication
The first step of treatment for ADHD is usually medication. There are two main kinds of medications for ADHD including stimulants and non-stimulants. Your doctor will choose the one that is most suitable for you. Your doctor will also explain the adverse effects of each medication. Finding the right medication for your child or yourself can take time. Many people must test a variety of medications before settling on one that works well for them.
Teenagers and children who have trouble concentrating in school or at home could be diagnosed with ADHD. For a diagnosis to be given, the child must show at least six symptoms across different environments. These symptoms must be severe and cause trouble at school, work or home. These symptoms must also last for at least six months. Teens and children may need to undergo additional tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as a learning disability or depression.
People who are diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD may fidget and seem restless, have trouble playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly and be prone to interrupting others often. They might lose their belongings often and may have difficulty waiting to be the first to play games or during conversations.
The inattention-deficit form of ADHD is less common and is characterized as being easily distracted, forgetful, or careless. This type of ADHD is more likely to cause people to lose things or make impulsive and unplanned decisions. ADHD is more prevalent in boys and children born male (AMAB) than children AFAB or girls. However, this is changing as more health professionals become aware that girls and children AFAB are susceptible to ADHD equally as boys and children AMAB.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have mental health problems like depression, anxiety or substance abuse. These disorders may share similar symptoms to those of ADHD and may make it more difficult to diagnose. A comprehensive evaluation by a health care professional or a mental health professional is necessary to determine the cause and to determine the most effective treatment.
During an evaluation, the health care professional will inquire about the person's childhood and their current situation. He or she will also talk to the person's significant others, parents or teachers and other people who know the person well. These interviews can be helpful in determining if the individual's behavior is typical of ADHD or whether the person's problems are due to other issues.
The evaluator uses one or more standardized behavior rating scales that measure behaviors common for people with ADHD to the behavior of those without ADHD. The evaluator may request the person who is undergoing the evaluation to fill out the scales prior to the appointment or to fill them out during the appointment. In addition the evaluator may ask other people who know the person to fill in the same scales for rating.
The evaluator also looks at the lifestyle and work habits of the individual and analyzes how they behave in different environments. For example the evaluator can look at how an individual behaves at work and in other settings, such as school or church. The evaluator will assess the extent to which a person's ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. This is known as impairment and it is central to the diagnosis of ADHD. It could result in losing your job due to ADHD-related performance problems, frequent arguments with spouses or difficulty paying credit card bills.