How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
To make an ADHD diagnosis your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and will use an assessment scale. The ratings are based upon a set guidelines for diagnosing ADHD among teenagers, children and adults.
The rating scale will ask you questions like whether you fumble and how often you are distracted by thoughts that are not related to your current situation. The doctor will also review old school records and family history.
Self-assessment
Although many people with ADHD have a productive life, untreated symptoms can lead to problems in relationships, school and at work. It isn't easy to recognize the condition, especially for adults. Adults may develop coping strategies as they age, making their symptoms less apparent. Furthermore, it is difficult for doctors to distinguish between adult and childhood ADHD symptoms. As a result, those suffering from the disorder are often not diagnosed.
Self-assessment tests can be a great way to determine whether your symptoms are consistent or not with ADHD. The test consists of answering a set of questions and you'll receive an assessment. It is easy to use and can be used to determine if you should seek medical attention. Self-assessments allow you to track your symptoms over time.
Be sure to use an authentic resource when you take an online ADHD test. Choose a tool developed by mental health experts and developed by a healthcare organization or GP. Answering the questions with honesty is essential. The more honest you are the more accurate your results will be.
There are many other methods to identify ADHD among adults besides self-assessments. Health professionals can conduct physical examinations or interviews-based assessments and review your medical records. adhd testing adults can also perform the brain scan, which examines the electrical activity of your brain. In certain instances doctors may even suggest medication.
The Symptom Checklist for Adults is one tool that helps determine the indicators of ADHD among adults. This tool has high criterion valid, which means that it is highly predicative of an ADHD diagnosis. The SCAS is widely used and recommended by both the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as well as the World Health Organization.
Another tool is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). This scale asks questions about hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. It is simple to use and takes just a few moments to complete. The ASRS is based on the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5, the official manual that psychiatrists use to diagnose mental disorders. It is available on the Web however it's not free.
Diagnosis
You should consult an expert in medical care in the event that you suspect your child or adult is suffering from ADHD. You should look for someone who is specialized in ADHD and it might be helpful to begin by calling your health plan's customer service department. You can request the names of specialists covered by your insurance plan, or professional organizations that can refer you to a specialist. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or look online for lists.
To determine ADHD, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They typically use a specific version of a popular symptom-rating scale. Some are specifically designed for children, while others are geared towards adults. The doctor may also ask people who know you or your children well including parents, spouses siblings, teachers, and parents for kids. This could give them more insight into your or your child's behavior that you may not be able to articulate on your own.
Your doctor could also ask you about your medical history and perform a physical examination. This can aid in determining other conditions that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD for example, a thyroid problem or seizure disorder. They can also conduct mental health screenings, like for anxiety and mood disorders, or learning disabilities.
The most important aspect in obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is a thorough appointment with a specialist. The doctor must determine that your child or you meet the criteria as laid out by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Your child or you must manifest symptomatic behaviors in at least two different settings such as school, home or at work. The behavior should be so severe that it hinders daily functioning. The symptomatic behavior must have started before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment
A mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. This is vital because symptoms of ADHD are often mirrored by other conditions such as depression or anxiety. Consulting a doctor will ensure that you are diagnosed correctly and treated appropriately.
The health care professional will look at the medical history of the patient as well as their family history to make an appropriate diagnosis. They will also look at the person's behavior and their school experiences. This may include questionnaires or interviews with the person's teachers, parents, or babysitters. These questionnaires are based on research that compares behaviors of people with ADHD to those of those who do not have it. These are sometimes called rating scales. Scores are determined by the frequency with which a person displays each of the symptoms: impulsiveness and inattention as well as hyperactivity. The number of questions and the way that the scores are calculated differs between different tests.
Other tests, including educational and cognitive assessments are administered to assess how the person thinks and learns. The use of broad-spectrum scales can be used to detect psychological, emotional, and social issues. These are particularly useful for children since it is easy to diagnose people with ADHD even though they have another condition, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Interviewing the child's teacher is a part of a thorough assessment. Talking with the child's pediatrician or other trusted adults is a great idea. Additionally, a sleep diary can be extremely helpful in determining ADHD. ADHD symptoms are often exacerbated due to poor sleep. It can be helpful to be able to have a regular bedtime.
Treatment for adults with ADHD is similar as treatment for children. In the majority of cases it's a mix of therapy and medication. Therapy can teach life skills, improve family communication, and help people learn better strategies for coping. It can also help with issues that arise when a family member has ADHD. These include financial problems as well as the tendency to forget to fulfill chores at home or at work, and conflicts over impulsive decisions.
Medication
The aim of the medication is to help people with ADHD remain focused and perform better. Some people find that stimulants -- like Ritalin, Adderall or Strattera are the most effective for them. Some people find that nonstimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine or Clonidine (Dexedrine) aid.
Before you give your child or you any medication, your healthcare professional will want to know about your symptoms, and about your family history and personal medical history. He or she may also suggest a physical exam, to look for any underlying health issues.
You can assist by creating a list of your or your child's symptoms. Bring it to your appointment along with any medical records or psychiatric files you may have.
A psychiatric specialist will employ rating scales to assess the behavior of your child or yourself. These rating scales are based on research that compares behaviors of people with ADHD to those of those who are not. Your doctor could ask you how often you notice your child or yourself showing certain signs daily. Your doctor will convert your scores into percentiles, and then examine the effects of the symptoms on your daily life.
If you're an adult, your doctor will likely look at your professional and personal background and inquire about any drug or alcohol usage you may have had or experienced, and any issues at home or in the workplace. Adults must meet the threshold of symptoms lower than children -- 5 out of 9 in the past six months -to qualify for the diagnosis to be made.
The examiner may also interview other people who are familiar with you, like your parents, spouse, or other relatives and teachers or co-workers. They will ask you about the severity and frequency of the symptoms that you or your children are experiencing, and how they affect their performance at school or at work.
You or your child may be given a specific dosage of medication. The dosage will be adjusted if needed. When you are taking stimulant medications be sure to review the label carefully and take only as directed. It is important to strictly follow your doctor's instructions when taking stimulants.