Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
For adults, there is no medical test for ADHD. It is diagnosed by a trained psychiatrist or mental health professional, who gathers information from multiple sources about the person's symptomatology.
The specialist may ask questions about the individual's past. The specialist may also interview people who know the individual. For example, a spouse or sibling for an adult; or coaches, teachers and nannies who work with children.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to stick to a schedule, focus at school or at work and also keep track of deadlines. A diagnosis can help you manage these symptoms when you or someone you care about suffers from them. It can also offer a sense of relief, as you will understand it wasn't just insanity or lack of motivation that stood in the way of success, but rather an underlying condition that could be treated by medication and other treatments.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) provides guidelines for professionals to diagnose ADHD. The first step to get an assessment is for a health care doctor to assess your symptoms. They will look at how long the symptoms have been present and whether they are present in more than one location and how much they affect your daily activities.
Your provider will interview both you and, if appropriate, any caregivers or family members. The doctor may also inquire about your medical history and social background. This includes information on your birth, development, family background, and educational background. Your doctor may also order tests to rule out any medical issues that might be causing your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD generally exhibit more obvious hyperactivity and impulsivity. They might fidget, cannot sit still, interrupt others and be in no position to wait for their turn. They may not be able to complete their tasks or engage in games. They might have difficulty organizing their lives or organizing their personal items.
Adults with ADHD might face difficulties in their careers and suffer from low self-esteem because of a history of incomplete projects or failing to meet expectations. They also have difficulty managing their finances due to ineffective time management, forgetfulness, and impulsive purchases. The behavioral issues associated with ADHD can result in anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and substance abuse.
Request your insurance provider for a recommendation of a professional who is competent to conduct an ADHD evaluation on adults if you are a part of an insurance plan which covers mental health costs. You can contact a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for an inventory of professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD attend support groups and offer valuable word-of-mouth recommendations.
Evaluation
A qualified health professional will examine people of all ages to determine if they suffer from ADHD. The symptoms should be present in multiple settings, such as school and at home, and must persist for at least six months. They must also 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 begun before the age of 12 years old and can't be caused by any other disorder like depression or anxiety.
Doctors begin by performing an overall health examination, including a vision and hearing check to make sure other things aren't causing the symptoms. Then they interview you and your child about what is going on in your life. They'll inquire about your family history and lifestyle, the time when symptoms began and what you do when you feel anxious or stressed. They'll also want to see report cards, samples of homework and other papers which can help them evaluate your child's or your own progress in school and at work.
Some experts use ratings scales to help them evaluate the symptoms of your child or you. Some experts will interview your family, friends and teachers and others conduct interviews with other caregivers. They may also speak with your child's religious leader or coach, if appropriate. Choosing the right specialist is crucial. You should seek suggestions from people you trust, and inquire how long they've been practicing. You should also inquire whether the professional is certified and what qualifications they have.
The process of evaluating can take weeks or even months, and it's crucial to be honest with the doctor you choose. The symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe, and a lot of people who are diagnosed with the condition struggle to be accepted at school or at work. 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 issues aren't due to inattention or poor parenting. It's reassuring that there are many ways to treat your symptoms that include medications. It's important to remember that an ADHD diagnosis should not be a stigma, and shouldn't stop you from pursuing your goals.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can trigger a variety of emotions for adults and teens who've been suffering from symptoms for a long time. It may be a feeling of relief having a clear explanation for their struggles but it can be followed by feelings of grief over lost opportunities and resentment in the past when their ADHD went untreated.
A mental health professional will evaluate a person for ADHD by looking at a variety of factors. This may include a thorough discussion and the administration psychological tests to assess 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 essential to be honest and transparent with the specialist conducting your evaluation, since the results will impact the way you or your child will receive treatment. It is also crucial to inform the evaluator about any major issues that your child or you are experiencing at home, in school or at work. This information will allow the evaluator decide what other steps to take during the evaluation process.
During the interview the examiner will inquire about your difficulties in learning, organizing, planning and finishing tasks. They may also inquire about your family history and social background to see whether there are any patterns in your behavior. For example, if your child is always losing their books and getting into trouble in kindergarten, they will likely want to talk with the teacher or school counselor to get more insight into the situation.
The evaluator may also ask whether you have any family history of ADHD, as it's 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 remember that for a person's symptoms to be severe enough to cause distress and hinder their daily functioning, they must be severe. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the person's ADHD symptoms are extreme, a health care professional may recommend treatment with medications along with behavioral therapies. The type of medication and the doses used are based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on daily here functioning. Stimulants and other stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. Because they can decrease appetite, these medications should only be used under the supervision of a physician. They can also cause adverse effects, such as trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, stomachaches, headaches, and changes in appetite, or sexual drive.
Psychiatrists treating adults with ADHD typically recommend that patients join a self-help group or therapy to improve their coping skills and management. They may also recommend a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program that teaches patients and their families a variety of strategies to control their symptoms. CBT helps to teach skills like time management as well as organizational strategies as well as emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Adults with ADHD might feel an overwhelming sense of anger and guilt over the way that their attention hyperactivity, hyperactivity, and impulsivity issues have impacted their lives. They might regret missed opportunities, school failures, and relationship conflicts caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD can give them the clarity they require to begin reclaiming their lives.
Therapists can teach the person suffering from ADHD how to manage their symptoms and reduce their impact on their daily activities by teaching them strategies for coping. They can assist patients in learning to plan and use tools such as planners and calendars for organization. They can help patients to overcome their thinking distortions, for example the tendency to leap to conclusions or only see the negative aspects of situations and help them build an authentic self-image.
Parents of children who suffer from ADHD may find that their teachers and school staff can help in providing information regarding the disorder and in recommending appropriate educational interventions. However school staff can't diagnose a student or make decisions about treatment, and they cannot require students to take medication. Teachers and other staff members can help students overcome their ailments by offering support in the classroom or by making adjustments that are needed to allow the student to perform at a satisfactory level.