-
cropturret84 zveřejnil aktualizaci před 4 měsíce, 2 týdny
How to Diagnose ADHD
The process of determining ADHD requires a lot of information. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and history, and use standard ADHD rating scales. They will also assess for other problems that may be causing the symptoms of your adult or child, such as sleep disorders, thyroid problems and depression, as well as alcohol abuse.
ADHD symptoms must be a significant problem in the family and at school and last for at least six months before they can be identified.
Signs and symptoms
A medical professional needs to carefully evaluate a person before diagnosing ADHD. They will ask about symptoms, check medical, social and family history, review current and past medical and mental health issues and conduct a physical examination. The provider may also order tests to confirm the absence of anxiety, depression, or other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD is more likely than other people to be unable to concentrate for prolonged durations of time. This can affect the schoolwork or other tasks. They are more likely to be distracted by the people, objects or activities around them. They are often unable to follow instructions or remembering details, and also meeting deadlines. They can be easily annoyed by criticism or have unrealistic expectations, which can lead to failure and disappointment.
The symptoms of ADHD are different from individual to individual and can be mild or moderate, or even severe. Mild symptoms don’t hinder everyday activities or relationships. In the case of severe symptoms, they can cause serious issues at home and at work. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from symptoms throughout their lives. It is more prevalent in childhood, but some adults are not diagnosed because they are able to manage their symptoms.
The doctor will perform an exhaustive examination of children who suffer from ADHD. This includes hearing and vision tests. The doctor may also interview the child, their parents, and their teachers about their behavior and habits. They can also request an imaging study of the brain to rule out other possible causes, for example MRI or CT scan.
A psychiatric assessment is usually performed by a psychologist, clinical social worker or nurse practitioner. The examiner will inquire about the person’s symptoms and how they impact their life and work, and will take into consideration the family’s background and education. The evaluator will also review the person’s mental and medical background, and talk to others in the family and with friends to create a full picture.
The evaluator will decide if the person has the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD, the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type or both. The inattentive presentation is more common among girls and affects all ages, while the hyperactive-impulsive type is more common in boys and younger children.
Triggers
If you have your child who is always in a state of mind, struggling to focus on schoolwork or other tasks at home, and is frequently distracted by their friends then it’s time to ask for help. ADHD is a brain-based condition that causes children to struggle with paying attention and controlling their behavior and being organized. It can affect a child in a variety of ways, and cause issues at school, at home as well as in their relationships with family and classmates.
Note down your observations and note your child’s behavior before you go to the doctor. A good psychologist or psychiatrist will look for a combination of symptoms and signs to determine if your child is suffering from ADD or ADHD. They will also consider your child’s age and developmental level. A child who is diagnosed with ADD has to show more than 6 signs (or 5 in older teens) of inattention for a minimum of six months, and these signs must affect their everyday functioning. The symptoms of ADHD include fumbling or talking, tapping or any other continuous movement and failing to follow through with instructions chores, school or workplace tasks.
A professional will also ask how these behaviors have affected your child’s life in general. They will ask whether your child has difficulties with schoolwork or other activities. If they have difficulty maintaining friendships or relationships, or are often late for appointments, they’ll need to know. They will also take a look at the medical history of your child and any medications they are currently taking because certain medications can cause symptoms of ADHD.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier due to the fact that the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is specifically designed to identify children. The most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD in adults is to conduct an interview with a specialist who has experience with the disorder. They will not rush through the process and will take their time. They will often use computers and scans of the brain to examine your child’s structure.
Recognizing your triggers is among the most important things you can do to manage your ADHD. Once adhd diagnosed know the triggers that cause your symptoms, you can take actions that will help you avoid them. For example you can reduce screen time, eat a healthy diet, and schedule regular sleeping times.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, the first step is to obtain a diagnosis from a professional. Many medical professionals are specially trained to assess ADHD in adults. Ask about the professional’s education and experience in adult ADHD.
Your doctor will refer you to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) to help you make a diagnosis. He or she wants to know if you’ve multiple symptoms that have been present for at least six months. They may interfere with your daily life, whether it is at home, at work or socially. These include: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, difficulty sitting still or waiting your turn, trouble organizing activities, making careless mistakes, problems with schoolwork or work, and difficulties forming close relationships.
The test will also look for other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders, mood disorders such as depression or anxiety thyroid issues, head injuries and other medical issues. Your doctor may also want to evaluate your family history to determine if you had ADHD as a child.
Because people with ADHD frequently have difficulty forming close relationships, it’s crucial that your evaluation includes information from family members. Other people who spend lots of time with you, like teachers or scout and religious coaches, leaders, and co-workers, can also offer important information. They can provide valuable information to your doctor, for example, how you interact with them or whether you have any issues in these relationships.
An evaluation for ADHD typically involves an appointment with your doctor, and questionnaires that you complete. Sometimes computer programs, such as continuous tests of performance or SPECT brain scans, are used to measure attention and impulse control.
Because ADHD can be caused by stress, you and your doctor will talk about your life to determine if there are any significant problems in your relationships or work. If you have a partner or spouse, you may consider starting therapy for couples as well. Your doctor and you must work together to find an approach that works best for you. This may include lifestyle changes, counseling, or medication.
Treatment
The good news is that treating ADHD can help you or your child manage symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. There are many treatments available that include therapy and medication.
It is essential to work with an expert in mental health who is specialized in ADHD. They will provide you with an accurate diagnosis, create an appropriate treatment plan, and teach you coping skills to manage your symptoms. They also can work with your child’s teachers to support their behavior and learning needs at school.
The majority of children and teenagers with ADHD can be successfully treated through combining treatment for ADHD with behavioral therapy. The kind and dosage of medication can vary from person to person. It may take a while to determine the dosage and medication that is appropriate for you or your children. Ask your doctor for samples and discuss different medication options. You can then test out the different drugs to determine which are the most effective and have fewer adverse effects.
Adults with untreated ADHD may have issues at work or with relationships. They may have difficulty keeping a job, getting along with co-workers or meeting financial obligations. They also struggle with depression and anxiety. A health care provider will examine the patient’s mental and emotional history as well as moods. The provider might suggest an assessment for mood disorders or other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the consultation, the therapist will listen closely to the account of your child or yourself. They might ask questions about your family and social life. They might also inquire about how the symptoms impact the way you or your child is functioning. They could ask teachers and relatives for more details to obtain an accurate picture. The doctor is likely to recommend a thorough physical exam, including blood and urine tests. The doctor could also recommend brain imaging.
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD Begin talking to your primary physician. They can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or another mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. You should also make sure to check with your health insurance company to ensure that the professionals you’re thinking of hiring are covered. If not, consider a mental health coverage program like BetterHelp.