Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
For adults there is no medical test to determine if you have ADHD. However, it can be diagnosed accurately by a qualified mental health doctor or a medical professional who collects details about the person's symptoms from a variety of sources.
The specialist will also interview people who know the person. They may also interview people who are familiar with the person. For instance siblings or spouses for an adult; and teachers, coaches and nannies who work with children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of deadlines, stay focused at school or at work and stick to a routine schedule. A diagnosis can help you manage these symptoms when you or someone you know has these symptoms. It can also offer the feeling of relief as you will understand it was not laziness or lack of intelligence that slowed the path of success, but an underlying condition that can be treated with medication and other methods.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) provides guidelines for medical professionals to determine ADHD. A healthcare professional will first examine your symptoms to determine if there is an ADHD diagnosis. They will look at how long the symptoms have lasted and whether they manifest in more than one setting and how much they interfere with your daily functioning.
Your provider will interview you and, if possible family members or caregivers. The doctor will require a complete medical and social history, including details about your birth, development, family environment and education. Your doctor might order blood testing to identify any medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD tend to be more active and hyperactive and. They may fidget or be incapable of sitting still. They may interrupt others, fidget and have trouble waiting their turn. They may not complete tasks or engage in games. They may have difficulty keeping their house in order or keeping their personal items.
Adults with ADHD frequently have issues working and have a low self-esteem due to a history of unfinished projects or failure to meet expectations. They also struggle with managing their finances due to poor time management, forgetfulness and impulse purchases. Behavioral problems that are a result of ADHD can also contribute to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders and result in addiction to drugs.
If you're a member of an insurance plan that covers expenses of mental health services, ask your provider for recommendations for someone competent to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (or CHADD) for a list of specialists in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD are part of support groups and can offer helpful suggestions.
Evaluation
People of all ages with ADHD are diagnosed after an in-depth examination by a qualified health professional. The symptoms should be present in a variety of settings, such as school and at home, and should last at least 6 months. They also have to be severe enough to interfere negatively with the daily routine whether at home in the workplace, at home or at school. The symptoms must have appeared prior to the age of 12 and can't be caused by another disorder, like depression or anxiety.
Doctors begin by conducting an overall health check which includes a vision and hearing check, to make sure that other factors aren't contributing to the symptoms. They then interview you and your child about what is happening in your life. They will ask about your family background and your lifestyle, as well as when the symptoms started and what you do when you feel anxious or stressed. They'll also request sample homework reports, report cards and other documents to help them assess the performance of your child or yourself at school and work.
Some experts use ratings scales to help them evaluate the symptoms of your child or you. Some experts interview your teachers, family members and friends as well as conduct interviews with other caregivers. They may also speak with your child's religious coach or leader, if appropriate. Selecting the right expert is essential. Request recommendations from those whom you trust and ask about their experience. You should also find out whether the specialist is certified and what qualifications they hold.
The evaluation process can take weeks or even months and it's crucial to be honest with the doctor you select. Symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe, and many people diagnosed with the condition struggle to fit in at work or school. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulty paying attention or accomplishing tasks. But it can be an uplifting feeling to know that your problems aren't just due to laziness or poor parenting. It's also reassuring to be aware that there are options to manage your symptoms, including medications. It's important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis should not be a stigma, and shouldn't hinder you from working towards your goals.
Diagnosis
For adults and teens who have been struggling with symptoms for a long period of time the diagnosis can stir up a variety of emotions. It may be a feeling of relief to finally have a concrete explanation for their issues but it can also be followed by feelings of sadness over the loss of opportunities and resentment over the years when their ADHD went untreated.
A mental health professional will evaluate the person for ADHD by examining several factors. This includes an in-depth conversation and the administration psychological tests to determine how well the person is able to perform tasks such as paying attention and retaining information. The evaluator will also review school records and questionnaires completed by caretakers, teachers, and family members.
It is important that you are open and honest when talking to the person who will conduct your evaluation. The results of the assessment will determine the way in which your child or you receive treatment. It is also crucial to let the evaluator know about any major issues that your child or you are experiencing in school, at home or at work. This information will enable the evaluator to determine what steps to take next in the diagnostic process.
During the interview, the evaluator will likely ask you about issues with organizing, learning the tasks, planning and completing them. They will also inquire about your family and social history to determine if there are any trends in your behavior. If your child is constantly losing books and getting in trouble at school, they may want to interview their school counselor or teacher to gain more insight.
iampsychiatry.com may also inquire if you have any family history of ADHD since it's 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 note that to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with their daily functioning and cause distress. The evaluator should also look for other conditions with similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the ADHD symptoms of an individual are extreme, a doctor may recommend medication as well as behavioral treatment. The type of medication and the dosages are based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on daily activities. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. Because they can decrease appetite, these medications should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Stimulants may also cause side effects, such as difficulty sleeping, drowsiness or dry mouth, headaches, dizziness stomachaches, and changes in appetite.
Psychiatrists who treat adult with ADHD generally recommend that they seek counseling or self-help groups to enhance their coping and management skills. They may also recommend a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program, which provides patients and their families with a range of strategies to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches skills like time management, organizing strategies, impulse control, and emotional self regulation.
Adults with ADHD might experience lots of anger and shame about the way their attention hyperactivity, hyperactivity, and impulsivity issues have impacted their lives. They may regret missed chances in school, failures at school, and conflicts in relationships caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD could give them the perspective they need to begin reclaiming their life.
A therapy therapist can assist a person with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms by teaching them strategies to cope to lessen their impact on daily functioning. They can assist patients to create plans and utilize tools to organize their lives like calendars and planners. They can help individuals overcome mental distortions, such as the tendency to make negative conclusions or only see negative aspects of situations and develop an accurate self-image.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD may discover that their teachers and school staff can be helpful in providing information regarding the disorder and in recommending appropriate educational interventions. However, the school staff cannot diagnose a child or make a decision about treatment and cannot force students to take prescription medications. Teachers and other school staff can help their students to manage their symptoms by providing support in the classroom or making accommodations that may be needed to allow the student to perform at a high level.