Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
There isn't a medical test available for adults suffering from ADHD. It is diagnosed by a qualified medical professional or psychiatrist who collects information from multiple sources about the person's symptomatology.
The expert may ask questions about the individual's past. The specialist may also interview those who are familiar with the person. For example siblings or spouses for an adult; or teachers, coaches, and nannies for children.
Symptoms
The signs 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 if you or someone you know suffers from them. It can also give you an uplifting feeling of relief, because you'll realize it was not laziness or inexperience that stood in the way of success, but rather an underlying condition that could be treated by medication 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. A doctor will first evaluate your symptoms to determine if ADHD is present. They will look at the length of time since symptoms have been present, whether they are present in multiple situations, and how they affect your daily functioning.
The doctor will interview you and, if possible, family members or caregivers. The doctor may also inquire about your medical history and social background. This may include information on your birth, development, family background and educational background. Your doctor may order blood testing to identify any medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive. They may be distracted, unable to stand still, interrupt others and be in no position to wait for their turn. They may not complete tasks or play games. They may have a hard time staying organized or keeping personal belongings in place.
Adults suffering from ADHD might face difficulties in their careers and suffer from low self-esteem due to a history of incomplete projects or failing to meet expectations. They also have difficulty managing their finances because of ineffective time management, forgetfulness and excessive spending. ADHD-related behavioral problems can also cause anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and drug abuse.
If you're a member of an insurance plan that covers the costs of mental health care, ask your provider for recommendations for a doctor who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for an inventory of professionals in your region. Many people with ADHD attend support groups and provide useful recommendations via word of mouth.
Evaluation
All people of all ages suffering from ADHD are diagnosed following an in-depth assessment by a trained health professional. They must meet several requirements to be diagnosed symptoms manifest in more than one place like school and home they last for at least six months; and the issues are severe enough to interfere with life at home, at work or at school. The symptoms must first be noticed prior to the age of 12 and cannot be caused by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors begin by performing a general health exam, including hearing and vision checks to ensure that other things aren't causing the symptoms. They will then interview you and your children about the current events in your life. They'll ask about your family history and lifestyle, when the symptoms began and what you do when you are anxious or stressed. They'll also request reports, examples of homework and other documents which can help them evaluate your child's or your own progress in school and at work.
Some experts employ ratings scales to help them evaluate the symptoms of your child or you. Some experts will interview your family, friends and teachers as well as conduct interviews with other caregivers. If necessary, they might also interview the religious leader or coach of your child. It is crucial to select the right person. You should ask for recommendations from those who you trust and ask what time they've been in practice. Find out if they're certified and what their qualifications are.
The process of evaluating can take several weeks or even months and it's crucial to be honest with the doctor you select. The symptoms of ADHD can vary from mild to severe. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to integrate, whether at school or at work. It's difficult to admit that you're having trouble paying attention or completing tasks. It is a relief to know that your problems aren't solely due to lack of motivation or poor parenting. It's also reassuring to be aware that there are options to manage your symptoms, which includes medications. It's important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis should not be a stigma, and shouldn't hinder you from following your dreams.
Diagnosis
For adults and teens who have struggled with symptoms for a long period of time, a diagnosis can bring an array of emotions. The diagnosis can trigger mixed emotions for adults and teens who have struggled with symptoms for a long period of time.
When evaluating someone for ADHD, an expert in mental health will examine a variety of aspects to determine if they suffer from the disorder. This will include a detailed conversation and a psychological test administered by the administration to assess how well the individual does tasks like paying attention and remembering things. The evaluator will also review the school's records and questionnaires that are completed by caregivers, teachers, and family members.
It is essential to be open and honest with the specialist conducting your evaluation, as the results will influence the way you or your child will receive treatment. It is also important to let the evaluator know of any issues you or your child may have at home, at school or at work. This information will assist the evaluator to determine what additional steps to follow in the diagnostic process.
During the interview the evaluator will likely ask questions about your learning difficulties how to plan, organize, and finishing tasks. They may also inquire about your family's history and social background to see whether any patterns of conduct exist. For instance, if you noticed that your child was always losing their books and was in trouble in kindergarten, they'll likely want to speak with the teacher or school counselor to get more insight into the situation.
The evaluator might also inquire if you have a family history of ADHD because it is highly heritable. 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 the symptoms of a person to be severe enough to cause distress and hinder their daily activities they must be severe. The examiner should also look for other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the ADHD symptoms of a person are severe, a medical professional might recommend medication in addition to behavioral therapy. The dose and kind of medication prescribed will depend on the severity of symptoms and the impact they have on a person's daily life. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. Because they can reduce appetite, these medications should only be used with the permission of a physician. Stimulants can also cause side effects, including sleepiness, drowsiness dry mouth, dizziness, stomachaches, headaches, and changes in appetite sex drive.
Psychiatrists who treat adults suffering from ADHD typically suggest that patients join a self-help group or counseling program to enhance their management and coping skills. They may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches patients and families a variety of strategies to control symptoms. CBT helps to teach skills like time management as well as management strategies, impulse control and emotional self-regulation.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD typically experience a large amount of shame and frustration over the ways their problems with hyperactivity, attention and impulsivity have impacted their lives. They might be unhappy about missing opportunities, school failings and relationship conflicts that were caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide the perspective they need to start reclaiming their lives.
Therapists can teach a person with ADHD how to manage their symptoms and minimize their impact on their daily activities by teaching them coping techniques. They can assist patients in learning to plan and utilize tools like planners and calendars for organization. They can help patients overcome mental distortions, such as the tendency to make negative conclusions or only see negative aspects of situations and develop an authentic self-image.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD may discover that their school staff and teachers can assist in providing information about the disorder and in recommending appropriate educational interventions. The school staff can't diagnose a child, or make treatment decisions, nor can they force students to take medication. Teachers and other school staff can help here their students to manage their symptoms by providing assistance in the classroom, or by making accommodations that may be needed to allow the student to perform at a satisfactory level.