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How to Diagnose ADHD Finding out if you have ADHD involves gathering a lot of information. Your doctor will look at your symptoms as well as your medical history and apply standardized ADHD ratings scales. They'll also be sure to make sure something else isn't causing your child's or adult's problems like sleep apnea or thyroid issues, depression, or substance abuse. To be diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly affect family and school activities and last for at minimum six months. Symptoms Before diagnosing ADHD, a health care provider must carefully evaluate the person. They will ask about symptoms, check family, social and medical history, review recent and previous medical and mental health issues and conduct a physical exam. The doctor might also suggest tests to confirm the absence of anxiety, depression, or other disorders that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. A person with ADHD is more likely than other people to have trouble concentrating for long periods of time. This can affect the schoolwork or other tasks. They are more prone to getting distracted by activities, people or things that are around them. They often have trouble following instructions, remembering details and keeping deadlines. They may be easily irritated by criticism or have unrealistic expectations, which can lead to failure and disappointment. The symptoms of ADHD The symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person and can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not hinder a person's day-today activities or relationships, but severe symptoms can cause serious issues at work or at home. Iam Psychiatry who have ADHD generally suffer from symptoms throughout their lives. It is more prevalent in children, but a few adults are not diagnosed as they can cope with the symptoms. The doctor will perform an exhaustive examination of children suffering from ADHD. This includes hearing and vision tests. The doctor will discuss with the child, the parents and the teachers about their habits and behavior and may request an imaging scan of the brain to rule out possible causes of symptoms, such as an MRI or CT scan. A psychiatric evaluation is typically conducted by a psychologist, clinical social worker, or nurse practitioner. The evaluator will ask about the person's symptoms, how they impact the person's life and work, and will consider the family's background and education. The evaluator will also look at the person's medical and mental history, and also talk to other family members and friends to get a complete 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 concentrate on schoolwork or other chores at home, or is easily distracted by their friends It could be the right the time to seek help. ADHD is a brain disorder that is a problem for children who have trouble paying attention, controlling behavior and being organized. It can affect children in a variety of ways and can cause issues at home, school as well as in their relationships with family and their peers. Before taking your child to visit a doctor, begin by taking notes and watching how they behave. A good psychologist or psychiatrist will look for a variety of signs and symptoms to determine whether your child is suffering from ADD or ADHD. They will also take into consideration the child's age as well as their developmental level. A diagnosis of ADD is given when the child is younger than 16 years old and has at least 6 signs of inattention (or 5 for teens older than) for at least 6 months and these signs interfere with everyday functioning. ADHD symptoms include fidgeting and tapping, talking or any other continuous movements, as well as failing to complete tasks, follow instructions or complete chores. A professional will also inquire what the impact of these behaviors has been on your child's daily routine. They will ask whether your child is struggling with schoolwork or other activities. If they are having difficulty maintaining relationships or friendships or are often late for appointments, they'll need to be aware of. They will also review the medical history of your child and current medications, as certain medications may trigger symptoms of ADHD. The criteria used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, are designed to diagnose children. The most reliable method to diagnose ADHD in adults is through a clinical interview conducted by a specialist who has experience with the disorder. They won't rush through the process and will take their time. Most often, they'll employ computer programs and brain scans to examine the structure of the brain of your child. Recognizing triggers is the initial step to managing ADHD. Once you know what causes your symptoms to flare up, you can take steps to minimize them, like limiting screen time and eating a balanced diet and establishing regular sleep times. Diagnosis The first thing to do if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD is to seek out a professional diagnosis. Medical professionals are often equipped with special training for assessing ADHD in adults. When selecting a doctor, ask about his or their education and experience with adult ADHD. Your doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. They want to know if you have multiple symptoms that have been present for at minimum six months and are interfering with your daily life whether 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 check for other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include learning disorders as well as mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. Head injuries and other medical problems are also included. Your doctor may also want to look into your family history to see if you had ADHD as an infant. Since people who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty forming close relationships, it is essential that your evaluation includes information from family members. Other people who spend a lot of time with you, like teachers, religious and scout leaders, coaches, and co-workers, can also give valuable information. They can inform your doctor about your interactions with them and if there are specific challenges that you have in these relationships. A test for ADHD typically involves an appointment with your physician and questionnaires you fill out. Computer programs, such as continuous test of performance or brain scans using SPECT, can be used to assess impulsivity and attention. You and your doctor will discuss your personal life in order to determine if there are any serious issues at work or in your relationships. If you have a partner or spouse, you may consider starting therapy for couples as well. Together with your doctor, you must find the best treatment strategy for you. This may include changes in your lifestyle, counseling, and medications. Treatment Treatment for ADHD can aid your child or help you manage symptoms and live a more productive life. There are several treatments that include therapy and medication. It is crucial to work with a mental health professional who specializes in ADHD. They can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, create an appropriate treatment plan, and teach you coping strategies to manage your symptoms. They can also support your child's learning and behavioral needs at school by working with their teachers. The majority of children and teens suffering from ADHD can be treated with an ad-hoc combination of therapy for behavior and medication. The dosage and type of medication can differ from one individual to another. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that works for you or your child. Talk to your doctor about different medication options and ask for samples. This way, you can try out the different medications to see which ones are most effective and have the smallest negative side effects. Adults suffering from untreated ADHD might have problems at work or in relationships. They may have difficulty keeping their job, interacting with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. A medical professional will examine the person's mental and emotional health as well as moods. The provider may suggest an evaluation for mood disorders or other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. During the consultation for diagnosis the healthcare professional will pay close attention to your child's or your own story. They may ask about your family and social life. They may also inquire about how the symptoms affect you or your child's daily functioning. They can ask their relatives and teachers for more details to get a complete picture. The doctor will probably recommend a thorough physical exam that includes urine and blood tests. The doctor might also suggest brain imaging. If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD begin talking to your primary care physician. They can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. You should also make sure to check with your health insurance to make sure the professionals you're thinking about using are covered. If not, consider a mental health coverage service like BetterHelp.