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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD is usually the first thing that can be taken to manage symptoms that can interfere with everyday life. Many people are reluctant to seek out a diagnosis, however, it can be a relief. An ADHD evaluation typically starts with a medical interview. Experts may also use checklists with standardized criteria, and may administer screening tests for coexisting conditions such as learning disabilities or mood disorders. Symptoms The disorder was first documented in medical science in 1902, and has been referred to by several names, most recently attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with or without hyperactivity (DSM-5). ADHD could be caused by an imbalance in chemicals in the brain. Adults with ADHD are unable to organize tasks, paying attention at work or school and retaining important dates. They are more prone to impulsive behavior, such as cutting lines and interrupting others, or not following rules. They may also have difficulty finishing projects, completing their appointments or paying their bills. When seeking a diagnosis, it is crucial to find a clinician trained in ADHD. Look for local chapters of mental health organizations, local support group or seek the recommendation of a reliable source. You may also check with your insurance provider to see if they have any providers who specialize in ADHD. A thorough psychiatric evaluation will include a thorough patient description of their symptoms, a review of the family and personal history, including past mental health, medical and educational issues and the taking psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests as well as a physical examination. The clinician will also interview people who are close to the patient, for example their spouses and partners, to find out how ADHD symptoms affect their lives. It is essential to ask parents or other relatives about the signs of ADHD in adults. Many adults with ADHD do not have a memory of their childhood. Adults suffering from ADHD might be hesitant to admit that their issues stem from their attention deficit disorder. They may feel frustrated, embarrassed and ashamed about their inability to stay focused and organized at home as well as at the office. They may also believe that their problems stem from their own faults or flaws in their character. Finding a diagnosis of ADHD can give relief and hope for the future and help them understand that their issues are not their fault. Diagnosis There is no one medical test or physical test to determine ADHD (previously called ADD). However an experienced mental health specialist will collect information from many sources regarding your child's and adult's symptoms. These include ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior and a detailed account of the person's past and present behavior and information from people who know the person. A thorough evaluation may also include a psychological exam like a personality inventory or neuropsychological test. A medical professional will also evaluate the medical background of the patient, including past or current injuries, illnesses, as well as medications, such as the mood-stabilizing drug steroids. It's important to note that other disorders and conditions may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. This includes learning disabilities, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and other medical issues such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues and head injuries. A thorough assessment of psychiatric disorders will help determine the cause and provide effective treatment options. The symptoms of an individual must be causing significant impairment in two or more significant situations, including at home or at school, in order to qualify for ADHD diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for young children and adolescents. If they are not treated, these people are likely to struggle to get ahead at school, and struggle to keep their jobs, and may have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships. It is crucial to get an assessment from an expert in health care who has worked with children and adolescents. You can find many primary care doctors or mental health specialists who can diagnose ADHD. However it is recommended to find a specialist that will do a thorough evaluation. During the clinical interview the doctor will inquire about your child's as well as your own family and personal history, as well as review the criteria for diagnosing ADHD set by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. Treatment There are many psychiatric conditions that can mimic ADHD in adults as well as children. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine if there are any other illnesses. These include anxiety disorders and mood disorders. They also include learning disabilities as well as head trauma, thyroid conditions, and drug use. It is important to think about the various explanations for symptoms, because they can impact the quality of life. A comprehensive mental health evaluation includes an interview with the person being assessed, as well as checklists and questionnaires completed by people who are in their lives. This can include parents, spouses and siblings, as well as teachers for children, co-workers, friends and therapists for adults. Personal insights often reveal information that can't be culled from a checklist or a set of questions as well as helps the clinician understand how an individual's ADHD symptoms could have impacted their relationships with other people. The psychiatrist or psychologist will review the medical records of the patient in addition to their symptoms. A physical exam is typically conducted as well, which may include hearing and vision tests. An electroencephalograph or EEG scan, which measures brain waves and can help identify the presence of ADHD, is available in some offices. Some patients choose to participate in a clinical trial to determine if a new medication they are taking can help their symptoms. Participants should be aware that the main purpose of a clinical trial is to increase knowledge and not to treat a specific condition. Based on the results of the evaluation, the doctor may recommend treatment options that may include medications, psychotherapy or other treatments. In some cases it is recommended to combine treatments. is most effective. Medication is generally safe for both children and adults and can help alleviate certain symptoms. Other methods can be successful, including behavior therapy and lifestyle modifications. Medication For certain people medications can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and improve their ability to perform. It can be difficult to find the best dosage and medication and it may take a while to adjust to the side effects. Some medication can cause people to feel sleepy or drowsy, so it is important to discuss this with a doctor. Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants to reduce symptoms of ADHD. These medications boost the levels in the brain of specific neurotransmitters. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medications that improve focus, attention, and impulsivity but aren't as efficient as stimulants. They may also prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers for those suffering from depression and other disorders that may be present with ADHD. Other therapies that can benefit those suffering from ADHD include psychotherapy, family therapy, and educational or training programs for adults and children. These programs can help individuals learn skills and strategies to cope with their symptoms and improve their functioning at home and in school. A mental or medical professional may be able determine ADHD in a young child by looking over the school records of the child and discussing the child's behavior with teachers and caregivers. They'll likely interview the child, conduct psychological tests, and test to determine if there is any learning disabilities or other conditions that have similar symptoms. To be able for a child to be identified with ADHD it is necessary to show at least six of the nine symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and the symptoms must be significantly affecting adaptive functioning at home and in the classroom. In addition, they must not be better explained by another condition. Counseling If you need medication management or therapy for ADHD seek out a licensed specialist who has experience treating the disorder. Your primary care doctor can give you the recommendation or refer you to specialists in the area. I Am Psychiatry who specialize in ADHD offer telemedicine online to make appointments easier and more convenient. Many insurance companies allow you make these appointments using their system. In children, doctors and specialists in ADHD can diagnose the condition based on discussions of the symptoms in depth with parents and teachers, observing the child or adolescent in several settings, interviewing family members and conducting an evaluation for learning disabilities. They also look over school documents and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers. Adults or adolescents need to demonstrate at least five of these symptoms to be diagnosed: A thorough medical history is also crucial for diagnosing ADHD. Because adults have often poor or spotty memories of childhood, therapists may ask for information from other sources such as spouses or other family members. They should also look for other possible causes of symptoms resembling ADHD, like neurological disorders, brain injuries or other health issues. In the initial consultation, the expert will assess how the patient is coping with ADHD symptoms and the impact these symptoms affect their daily lives. They must also discuss the history of any previous ADHD evaluations and treatments. It's also helpful to identify other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. When evaluating an person as a mental health professional, they should also be listening to the person in a respectful manner and without judgment. This is especially important if there is a history of depression, or drug abuse.