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 care professional or physician who gathers information about the person's symptoms from several sources.
The specialist can ask questions about the person's past. They may also interview people who know the person well. For instance, a spouse or sibling for an adult; as well as coaches, teachers and nannies who work with children.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of deadlines, remain focused at school or work, and follow a regular schedule. A diagnosis can help you better manage these symptoms when you or someone you care about has these symptoms. It can also offer an uplifting feeling of relief, as you will understand that it wasn't insanity or lack of motivation that was the obstacle of success, but an underlying condition that could be treated with medication and other interventions.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) sets forth guidelines professionals use to diagnose ADHD. The first step in obtaining diagnosed is for a health care provider to evaluate your symptoms. They will examine the length of time that symptoms have been present, whether they appear in multiple settings, and how much they affect your daily functioning.
Your provider will interview both you as well as, if necessary, any family members or caregivers. The doctor will require a complete medical and social history, including information about birth, development, family environment and education. Your doctor may also order blood tests to rule out medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Children who suffer from ADHD generally exhibit more obvious hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may be distracted, unable to remain still or interrupt others, and are unable to wait their turn. They might not complete tasks or engage in games. They may have a hard managing their time or keeping personal possessions in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD might face difficulties in their career and low self-esteem due to a history of incomplete projects or failure to meet expectations. They also struggle with managing their finances due to ineffective time management, apathy and the tendency to spend impulsively. The behavioral issues associated with ADHD can also lead to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, and can lead to addiction to drugs.
Ask your insurance provider for a recommendation of a professional who is competent to conduct an ADHD assessment on adults if you are a participant in an insurance plan that covers mental health care costs. You can also contact the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of specialists in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD are members of support groups, and they can provide valuable advice.
Evaluation
People of all ages with ADHD are diagnosed after an extensive assessment by a trained health professional. The symptoms should be present in multiple environments, such as school as well as at home, and must persist for at least six months. They must also be severe enough to interfere negatively with daily life whether at home in the workplace, at home or at school. The symptoms must be present before a person is 12 years old and can't be caused by other disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors start by doing an overall health examination which includes hearing and vision checks, to make sure that other issues aren't causing symptoms. They will then interview you and your children about what's happening in your lives. They'll inquire about your family's background and lifestyle, when the symptoms started and what you do when you're feeling stressed or anxious. They'll also ask to see reports, sample of homework, and other documents which can help them evaluate your or your child's progress in school and at work.
Some experts use an assessment scale to evaluate your symptoms or those of your child. Certain experts conduct interviews with your teachers, family members and friends as well as conduct interviews with other caregivers. They may also interview your child's religious leader or coach, if appropriate. It is crucial to select the right specialist. Request recommendations from those who you trust, and inquire about their experiences. It is also important to find out whether the specialist is licensed and what certifications they have.
The evaluation process could take weeks or even months, and it's crucial to be honest with the doctor you select. The symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to fit in at work or in school. It's difficult to admit that you struggle with attention or accomplishing tasks. But it can be a relief to know that your difficulties aren't due to lazyness or bad parenting. It's reassuring that there are a variety of ways to manage your symptoms, including medications. It's important to remember that an ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be a stigma and shouldn't hinder you from pursuing your goals.
Diagnosis
For teens and adults who have been struggling with symptoms for a long time an diagnosis can stir up a variety of emotions. They may feel relieved having a clear explanation for their issues but it can also be followed by feelings of sadness for the missed opportunities and anger in the past when their ADHD was untreated.
A mental health professional will test the person for ADHD by examining several factors. This may include a thorough discussion and the administration psychological tests to determine how well the person does tasks like paying attention and recalling things. The evaluator also reviews the school records and questionnaires filled out by caretakers, teachers and family members.
It is essential to be open and honest with the professional who will be conducting your assessment, as the results will impact how you or your child will receive treatment. It is also important to let the evaluator know of any major issues you or your child might be experiencing at home, school or at work. This information will allow the evaluator determine what additional steps to follow in the evaluation process.
During the interview the assessor will inquire about your difficulties with organizing, learning the tasks, planning and completing them. They will also ask about your family and more info social history to determine whether there are any changes in behavior. For instance, if you noticed that your child is always losing their books and getting into trouble in kindergarten, they'll likely want to talk with the teacher or school counselor to gain a better understanding of the situation.
The evaluator might also inquire if you have an ancestral 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 the symptoms of a person to be severe enough to cause distress and hinder their daily functioning, they must be severe. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the person's ADHD symptoms are extreme, a health care professional may recommend treatment with medication in addition to behavioral treatments. The type of medication and the doses used are based on the severity of the symptoms and their effects on their daily functioning. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. Because they can reduce appetite, these drugs should only be used with the approval of a medical professional. The stimulants can also trigger side effects, such as insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, stomachaches, headaches, and changes in appetite or sex drive.
Psychiatrists who treat adults with ADHD usually suggest that they attend counseling or self-help groups to improve their coping skills and management. They might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches families and patients different strategies to manage symptoms. CBT teaches skills such as time management, organizing strategies, impulse control and emotional self-regulation.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel a significant amount of guilt and anger over the ways that their issues with hyperactivity, attention and impulsivity have impacted their lives. They might be unhappy about the missed opportunities, school failures and relationships that were caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD could provide them with the insight they require to reclaim their life.
Therapists can teach those suffering from ADHD how to manage their symptoms and reduce their impact on their daily life by teaching them strategies for coping. They can teach patients to create plans and utilize tools for organizing, such as planners and calendars. They can help patients to overcome their thinking distortions, for example a tendency to jump to conclusions or focus on the negative aspects of situations and help them develop a more realistic self-image.
Teachers and school staff may be in a position to provide advice and information to parents of children with ADHD. The school staff can't diagnose a child, or make treatment decisions or require students to take medication. Teachers and other school staff can assist their students to overcome their ailments by providing support in the classroom or making adjustments that are required for the student to perform at a high level.