Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
For adults there is no medical test for ADHD. It is diagnosed by a trained medical professional or psychiatrist who collects data from a variety of sources about the person's symptoms.
The specialist can ask questions about the individual's history. The specialist may also interview people who are familiar with the person. For example, a spouse or sibling for an adult; or coaches, teachers and nannies for children.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to stick to a schedule, focus at school or at work and also keep track of deadlines. If you or someone you know suffers from these symptoms, a diagnosis may help you manage the symptoms more effectively. A diagnosis can provide relief when you realize that it wasn't just laziness or a lack of IQ that was causing your problems, but an underlying condition which can be treated through medication and other methods.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides the guidelines that professionals use to determine ADHD. A health care provider will first evaluate your symptoms to determine if there is an ADHD diagnosis. They will look at how long the symptoms have lasted, whether they occur in more than one place, and how much they impact your daily life.
Your provider will interview you and, if appropriate, family members or caregivers. They will require a complete medical and social history, including details about your birth, development, family environment and education. Your doctor may order tests for blood to identify any medical conditions that might cause your symptoms.
Children with ADHD tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive. They may fidget, can't stand 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 may have difficulty keeping their house in order or organizing their personal belongings.
Adults with ADHD might have issues in their careers and suffer from low self-esteem due to a past of unfinished projects or failing to meet expectations. They also struggle with managing their finances because of ineffective time management, forgetfulness and the tendency to spend impulsively. The behavioral issues associated with ADHD can cause anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and substance abuse.
Request your insurance provider for a recommendation of a professional who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment of adults if you are a member of an insurance plan that covers mental health care costs. You can contact the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for an inventory of professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD attend support groups and offer valuable word-of-mouth recommendations.
Evaluation
A certified health professional will assess people of all ages to determine if they suffer from ADHD. They must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed symptoms manifest in more than one place like school and at home; they persist for at least six months and the issues are severe enough to hinder their lives at home, at work or at school. The symptoms must also have begun before a person is 12 years old and cannot be caused by other illnesses, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors begin by conducting an overall physical exam, which includes a hearing and vision check to ensure there aren't any other issues that are causing symptoms. They will then interview you and your children about what's going on in your lives. They'll ask about your family history and lifestyle, as well as when the symptoms began and what happens when you're anxious or stressed. They will also ask for reports, homework samples and other documents that will help them evaluate the progress of your child or yourself at the classroom and at work.
Some experts utilize an assessment scale to help them determine the symptoms of your child or yourself. Others conduct interviews with your family teachers, friends, and other caregivers. If appropriate, they may also interview the religious leader or coach of your child. It is essential to select the right expert. Get recommendations from people whom you trust and ask about their experience. Find out if they are certified and what their credentials are.
The evaluation process can take weeks or even months, and it is 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 make it work or school. It's not easy to admit you have trouble paying attention or completing tasks. It can be a relief to know that your issues aren't solely due to lack of motivation or bad parenting. It's reassuring that there are many options to treat your symptoms that include medications. It's important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be a stigma and shouldn't stop you from pursuing your goals.
Diagnosis
For teens and adults who have struggled with symptoms for a long period of time the diagnosis can stir up a variety of emotions. The diagnosis can trigger mixed emotions for both teens and adults who have been struggling with symptoms for a long period of time.
When you are evaluating someone read more for ADHD, an expert in mental health will look at several factors to determine whether they are suffering from the disorder. These include a thorough interview and the administration of tests of the psychological to assess how the person performs in tasks such as paying attention or remembering information. The evaluator will also look over school records and questionnaires completed by caretakers, teachers and family members.
It is essential to be open and honest with the person conducting your evaluation, since the results will affect the way you or your child will receive treatment. You should also let the evaluator know of any issues you or your child may be experiencing at home, school or at work. This information will help the evaluator decide what other steps to follow in the evaluation process.
During the interview, the evaluator will likely inquire about your difficulties with organizing, learning the tasks, planning and completing them. They will also inquire about your family history and social background to determine whether there are any patterns in your behavior. For instance, if your child was constantly losing their books and getting into trouble in kindergarten, they'll probably want to interview the school counselor or teacher to gain a better understanding of the situation.
The evaluator will also want to know if there is any history of ADHD in your family as it is highly genetically inherited. 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 severe enough to interfere with their daily functioning and cause distress. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that exhibit similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the person's ADHD symptoms are extreme, a health care specialist may recommend treatment using medications along with behavioral therapies. The dosage and type of medication recommended will depend on the severity of symptoms and the impact they have on a person's daily life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications should only ever be taken with a physician's approval since they can cause a decrease in appetite. Stimulants may also cause side effects such as difficulty sleeping, drowsiness or dry mouth, headaches, dizziness stomachaches, headaches and changes in appetite.
Psychiatrists who treat adult with ADHD usually recommend that they seek self-help groups or counseling to improve their coping and management skills. They might also suggest a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program that helps patients and their families learn a variety of strategies to control their symptoms. CBT helps to teach skills like time management, organizing strategies, impulse control and emotional self-regulation.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often experience a great amount of guilt and anger about the ways in which their issues with hyperactivity, attention and impulsivity have impacted their lives. They may regret missed chances or school failures, as well as relationships that are impacted by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD can give them the clarity they require to begin reclaiming their lives.
A therapist can teach those suffering from ADHD how to manage their symptoms and lessen their impact on their daily functioning by teaching them techniques for coping. They can help patients create plans and utilize tools for organization like planners and calendars. They can help people to overcome cognitive distortions, for example the tendency to make quick decisions or see only negative aspects of situations and help them develop an image of themselves that is more realistic.
Teachers and school staff might be able to provide suggestions and information for parents of children who suffer from ADHD. The school staff cannot diagnose a child, or make treatment decisions or make students take medication. Teachers and other staff members can assist their students to manage their symptoms by offering support in the classroom or by making accommodations that may be required for the student to perform at a satisfactory level.