Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
For adults there is no medical test to determine if you have ADHD. However, it can be diagnosed by a qualified mental health specialist or doctor who collects details about the person's symptoms from a variety of sources.
The specialist may ask questions about the individual's past. He or she will also interview people who know the person well. You could ask your spouse, sibling, or nanny for a child, or if you are an adult, your coach, teacher or coach.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of deadlines, stay focused at school or work, and follow a regular schedule. A diagnosis can help you manage these symptoms in the event that you or someone you know suffers from them. A diagnosis can bring a sense relief as you realize that it wasn't laziness or a lack of intelligence that was causing your problems or causing your problems, but an underlying issue 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 to get diagnosed is for a healthcare provider to evaluate your symptoms. The doctor will take into consideration how long the symptoms have existed and whether they manifest in more than one place, and how much they affect your daily functioning.
Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and, if possible family members or caregivers. The doctor may also ask about your medical history and social background. This may include information on your birth and development, your family background and educational background. Your doctor may also order blood testing to identify any medical conditions which could be causing your symptoms.
Children with ADHD tend to be more active and indecisive. They may fidget, can't remain still and interrupt others. They may also be incapable of waiting for their turn. They may not be able to complete their tasks or play games. They may have a hard time staying organized or keeping personal possessions in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD might face difficulties in their career and low self-esteem as a result of history of incomplete projects or failing to meet expectations. They also have difficulty managing their finances due to inadequate time management, forgetfulness and excessive spending. The behavioral issues caused by ADHD can also contribute to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, and can cause substance abuse.
Ask your insurance provider for a recommendation of a professional who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment of adults if you are a participant in an insurance plan that covers mental health care costs. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (or CHADD) for a list professionals in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD are part of support groups and can offer helpful suggestions.
Evaluation
A trained health professional will evaluate people of all ages in order to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms should be present in multiple environments, such as school as well as at home, and they must last for at least 6 months. They must also be severe enough to affect negatively with daily life whether at home, at work or at school. The symptoms must also have begun before the age of 12 years old, and cannot be caused by any other disorder like depression or anxiety.
Doctors start by doing a general health exam that includes hearing and vision tests, to make sure that other things aren't causing the symptoms. Then they interview you and your child about what's happening in your life. They'll ask you about your family's background and lifestyle, when the symptoms started and what happens when you're anxious or stressed. They will also ask for reports, homework samples and other documents that will help them determine the progress of your child or yourself at the classroom and at work.
Some experts employ the scale to determine your symptoms or those of your child. Other experts conduct interviews with your family, friends, teachers and other caregivers. They may also interview your child's religious leader or coach, if appropriate. Choosing the right specialist is essential. 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 take weeks or months. It's important to be honest when choosing the right specialist. The symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to be accepted, whether at school or work. It's difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention or completing tasks. But it can be a relief to know that your problems aren't due to lazyness or bad parenting. It's reassuring to know that there are a variety of ways to manage your symptoms and even medication. It's important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis shouldn't be a stigma and shouldn't hinder you from following your dreams.
Diagnosis
For adults and teens who have struggled with symptoms for a long period of time the diagnosis can stir up a mix of emotions. The diagnosis can trigger mixed emotions for adults and teens who have struggled with symptoms for a long time.
A mental health professional will assess a person for ADHD by analyzing a variety of factors. This will include a detailed conversation and a psychological test administered by the administration to assess how well the individual is able to perform tasks such as paying attention and recalling things. The evaluator will also review school records and questionnaires that were completed by caretakers, teachers and family members.
It is essential to be open and honest with the professional conducting your evaluation, as the results will impact how you or your child receive treatment. It is also important to let the evaluator be aware of any significant difficulties that you or your child may have at school, home or at work. This will help the evaluator to decide what next steps to take to determine the cause of the problem.
During the interview the examiner will inquire about your difficulties in learning, organizing the tasks, planning and completing them. They will also inquire about your family's history and your social background to determine if any patterns of behavior occur. For instance, if your child is always losing their books or getting into trouble in kindergarten, they'll probably want to interview the school counselor or teacher to get more insight into the situation.
The evaluator will also want to determine if there's any history of ADHD in your family as it is highly inheritable. 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 crucial to keep in mind that for a person's symptoms to be severe enough to cause distress and hinder their daily functioning, they must be severe. In addition, the examiner 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 in addition to behavioral therapies. The dosage and type of medication recommended will depend on the severity of symptoms and their impact on a person's daily activities. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They should only be used with a doctor's approval since they can cause a decrease in appetite. The stimulants can also cause adverse effects like difficulties sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness stomachaches, headaches and changes in appetite.
Psychiatrists who treat adults with ADHD usually suggest that they attend counseling or self-help groups to improve their coping and management abilities. They might also suggest the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program that provides patients and their families with various website strategies to control their symptoms. CBT teaches skills like time management, organizing strategies, impulse control, and emotional self regulation.
Adults with ADHD may feel an overwhelming sense of anger and guilt over how their attention to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention issues have affected their lives. They might regret 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.
A therapist can show those suffering from ADHD how to manage their symptoms and lessen their impact on their daily life by teaching them coping techniques. They can help patients make plans and use tools to organize their lives, such as calendars and planners. They can assist patients in overcoming thinking distortions such as the tendency to jump to negative conclusions or see only negative aspects of a situation and create an accurate self-image.
Parents of children who suffer from ADHD might discover that teachers and school staff can be helpful in providing information on the disorder and suggesting appropriate educational interventions. The school staff can't diagnose a child or make treatment decisions and they aren't able to make students take medication. Teachers and other school staff can assist their students to manage their symptoms by providing support in the classroom or by making accommodations that may be necessary for the individual to function at a satisfactory level.