Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
For adults there is no medical test for ADHD. However it can be diagnosed by a qualified mental health specialist or doctor who collects information about the person's symptoms from several sources.
The specialist can ask questions about the individual's background. He or she may also interview people who are familiar with the individual. For example an adult sibling or spouse for an adult; and coaches, teachers, and nannies for children.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to adhere to the schedule, concentrate at work or in school and to manage deadlines. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, a diagnosis may aid in managing the symptoms more efficiently. It may also provide the feeling of relief as you will understand it wasn't just insanity or lack of motivation that was the obstacle 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 healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD. The first step in getting an assessment is for a healthcare professional to examine your symptoms. He or she will examine the length of time that symptoms have been present, whether they are present in multiple settings, and how much they impact your daily activities.
The doctor will interview you and, if possible family members or caregivers. The doctor may also ask about your medical history and social background. This includes information about your birth and development, family background and educational background. Your doctor may also order tests to identify any medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD tend to show more obvious impulsivity and hyperactivity. They may be fidgety or in a position to not be able to remain still. They might interrupt others, fidget and have trouble waiting their turn. They might not finish their tasks or play games. They may have a hard managing their time or keeping personal possessions in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues in their careers and have low self-esteem because of the past of incomplete projects or failing to meet expectations. They also have difficulty managing their finances due to poor time management, forgetfulness, and purchase decisions made on impulse. The behavioral issues associated with ADHD can contribute to depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. They can also result in substance abuse.
Ask your insurance provider to recommend someone who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation on adults if you are a part of an insurance plan that covers mental health costs. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (or CHADD) for a list of professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD attend support groups and provide helpful recommendations from their friends and family.
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A trained health professional will assess people of all ages in order to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms have to be evident in multiple situations, including school and at home, and they should last at least 6 months. They must also be severe enough to interfere negatively with everyday life whether at home, at work or at school. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and can't be caused by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD Diagnosis begin by performing a general health exam which includes a vision and hearing check, to make sure that other issues aren't causing symptoms. Then, they talk to you and your child about what's happening in your life. They'll ask about your family's background and lifestyle, the time when symptoms began and what you do when you are anxious or stressed. They'll also want to see reports, sample of homework, and other documents which can help them evaluate the progress of your child or you in school and at work.
Some experts employ a scale to assess your symptoms or those of your child. Certain experts conduct interviews with your family, friends and teachers, while others conduct interviews with other caregivers. If appropriate, they may also interview the coach or religious leader of your child. It is important to choose the right expert. Ask for recommendations from people who you trust, and inquire about their experiences. Find out if they're certified and what their credentials are.
The process of evaluating can be a lengthy process that can take weeks or months. It is crucial to be honest when choosing a specialist. The symptoms of ADHD can be mild to severe, and a lot of sufferers diagnosed with the condition find it difficult to be accepted at school or at work. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention or completing tasks. It can be a relief to know that your problems aren't solely due to lack of motivation or poor parenting. It's comforting to know that there are a variety of ways to manage symptoms and even medications. It's important to remember that an ADHD diagnosis should not be a stigma, and shouldn't hinder you from pursuing your goals.
Diagnosis
For teens and adults who have struggled with symptoms for a long time, a diagnosis can bring an array of emotions. They may feel relieved to finally have an explanation for their struggles but it can also be followed by feelings of sadness over lost opportunities and resentment throughout the years that their ADHD was untreated.
A mental health professional will test a person for ADHD by examining several aspects. This will include a detailed conversation and the administration psychological tests to assess how well the person does tasks like paying attention and remembering things. The evaluator will also look over the school records and questionnaires filled out by caretakers, teachers and family members.
It is important to be open and honest when speaking with the specialist who will conduct your evaluation. The results of the evaluation will determine how your child or you receives treatment. It is also important to let the evaluator know of any significant difficulties that you or your child might be experiencing at home, school or at work. This information will allow the evaluator decide on which steps to take in the diagnostic process.
During the interview the evaluator is likely to ask about learning difficulties, planning, organizing and finishing tasks. They will also ask about your family and social history to see whether there are any changes in your behavior. For example, if your child is always losing their books or getting into trouble in kindergarten, they will likely want to speak with the school counselor or teacher to gain a better understanding of the situation.
The evaluator may also ask whether you have a family history of ADHD since it's 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 note that in order to be identified as having ADHD their symptoms must be sufficient to affect their daily functioning and create distress. In addition, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that share similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the ADHD symptoms of someone are extreme, a doctor may recommend medication in addition to behavioral treatment. The dosage and the type of medication recommended will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the impact they have on a person's daily functioning. Stimulants and other stimulants are frequently prescribed for ADHD. They should only be used with a doctor's approval as they can decrease appetite. Stimulants may also cause side effects, such as sleepiness, insomnia, dizziness, drymouth, headaches stomachaches and changes in appetite.
Psychiatrists who treat adults with ADHD typically recommend that they seek counseling or self-help groups to enhance their coping and management abilities. They might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches patients and families different strategies to manage symptoms. CBT helps to teach skills like time management, management strategies as well as emotional self-regulation and impulse control.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD typically experience a large amount of guilt and anger over the ways that their issues with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have impacted their lives. They may be disappointed by missed opportunities in school, failures at school, and relationship conflicts caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD might give them the clarity they require to begin reclaiming their lives.
Therapists can teach a person with ADHD how to manage their symptoms and reduce the impact they have on their daily functioning by teaching them strategies for coping. They can help patients learn to plan and use tools like planners and calendars for organization. They can help individuals overcome mental distortions like the tendency to make negative conclusions or only see negative aspects of situations. They can also help develop a realistic self-image.
Teachers and school staff are able to provide suggestions and information for parents of children suffering from ADHD. The school staff can't determine a child's condition or make treatment decisions, nor can they make students take medication. Teachers and other school personnel can help their students to overcome their ailments by providing assistance in the classroom or by making adjustments that are needed to allow the student to function at a satisfactory level.