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How to Diagnose ADHD The process of diagnosing ADHD involves gathering a lot of information. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and medical history, and then use the standard ADHD ratings scales. They'll also ensure that there isn't something else the cause of your child's or adult's problems like sleep apnea, thyroid issues, depression, or substance abuse. To be diagnosed, ADHD symptoms must significantly impact family and school life and persist for at least six months. Symptoms A health care provider needs to carefully evaluate a person before determining ADHD. The doctor will ask questions about the symptoms examine family, social, and medical history, and review past and present mental health and medical issues. The doctor may also recommend tests to rule out anxiety, depression or other disorders that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. A person suffering from ADHD is more likely than other people to have difficulty concentrating for extended durations of time. This can hinder schoolwork and other important tasks. They tend to be distracted by the things, people or activities that surround them. They have trouble following instructions and retaining specifics, as well as keeping deadlines. They may be easily annoyed by criticism or have unrealistic expectations for themselves, which could cause disappointment and failure. The symptoms of ADHD vary by person and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms don't hinder everyday activities or relationships. Severe symptoms can cause serious issues at work and home. People with ADHD generally suffer from symptoms throughout their lives. It is more prevalent among children, but some adults are not diagnosed as they are able to cope with the symptoms. For children who suffer from ADHD the doctor will conduct thorough examinations, including vision and hearing tests. The doctor will discuss with the child, parents and teachers about their behavior and habits and may request an imaging scan of the brain to rule out other possible causes for example, an MRI or CT scan. A psychiatric examination is usually performed by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, clinical social worker or psychologist. The evaluator inquires about the person's symptoms and how they impact their work and personal life. They also consider the family background and education. They will also examine the person's mental and medical history, and speak with other family and acquaintances to build 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 Helping your child is a good idea when your child is constantly snoozing or is having trouble focussing on schoolwork, other activities at home, or is easily distracted by his or her friends. ADHD is a brain-based disorder and children who suffer from it are unable to focus and controlling their behavior and being organized. It can affect a child in a variety of ways, and cause problems at school, home, and with their relationships with family members and classmates. Take notes and observe your child's behavior before you go to the doctor. A good psychiatrist or psychologist will examine various symptoms and signs to determine if your child is suffering from ADD/ADHD. They will also take into consideration the child's developmental stage as well as age. A child who is diagnosed with ADD must exhibit at least 6 symptoms (or 5 in teens older) of inattention for at least six months and these symptoms must interfere with everyday functioning. ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, tapping, talking or any other continuous movements as well as failure to complete tasks, follow instructions or perform chores. A professional will also inquire how these behaviors have affected your child's daily life. They will want to know if they have trouble with their schoolwork or other activities, have difficulty maintaining friendships or romantic relationships and are often late for appointments. They will also examine the medical history of your child and current medications, as some medications can trigger symptoms of ADHD. The criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, are specifically designed to identify children. The most reliable method of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is to conduct a clinical interview with a specialist in the field, who will take their time during the assessment and not rush the process. In most cases, they'll use brain scans and computer programs to study the structure of the brain of your child. Recognizing triggers is the initial step in managing ADHD. Once you know what causes your symptoms to increase you can take action to prevent them, such as limiting screen time, eating a healthy diet and scheduling regular sleeping times. Diagnosis The first thing you should do if you suspect that you might have ADHD is to seek a professional diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals are specially trained to evaluate ADHD in adults. When choosing a professional, 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 assist in making the diagnosis. The doctor will want to know if you've various symptoms that have been present for at minimum six months and are interfering with your daily routine 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 be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. These include mood disorders, learning disorders like depression or anxiety thyroid disorders as well as head injuries and other medical problems. Your doctor may also evaluate your family history to see whether you suffered from ADHD as an infant. Since people with ADHD are often unable to form close relationships, it is important to include information from family members. Other people who spend a lot of time with you, like teachers as well as religious and scout leaders, coaches and coworkers, could also provide important information. These people can tell your doctor about your interactions with them and also if there are particular issues you face in these relationships. An evaluation for ADHD typically involves an interview with your doctor and questionnaires that you fill out. Computer programs, such as continuous test of performance or brain scans with SPECT, can be utilized to determine impulsivity and attention. Your doctor and you will discuss your personal life to determine if you're experiencing any significant problems at work or in your relationships. You might also want to think about couples therapy when you have a spouse or a partner. You and your doctor will need to come up with an approach that is suitable for you. This could include lifestyle changes and counseling as well as medication. Treatment The good news is that treatment for ADHD can help you or your child manage the symptoms and lead an active and fulfilling life. There are many options for treatment, including therapy and medication. It is essential to consult with a mental health professional who specializes in ADHD. They will provide you with an accurate diagnosis, develop a treatment plan and teach you coping skills to manage your symptoms. They can also help you support your child's learning and behavioral needs at school by working with their teachers. Iampsychiatry and teens with ADHD can be treated using a a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. The type and dose of medication will differ from one person to another. It can take some time to find the right dosage and drug that is right for you or your children. Ask your doctor for samples and discuss different medication options. This way, you can try out the drugs to see which ones are most effective and have the fewest negative side effects. Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD might have problems at work or with relationships. They may have trouble keeping jobs, interacting with coworkers, or completing financial obligations. They are often afflicted with anxiety and depression as well. A medical professional will evaluate the person's emotional and mental history as well as moods. The provider might suggest an evaluation for mood disorders or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. During the consultation, the therapist will listen attentively to the narrative of your child or you. They might ask about your family life and social interactions, how the symptoms affect your or their daily functioning and how they have changed over time. They may ask relatives and teachers for more details to get an entire picture. The doctor will probably recommend a thorough physical exam, including blood and urine tests. The doctor might also suggest brain imaging. Consult your primary physician if you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or another mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. It is also advisable to make sure to check with your health insurance provider to confirm that the professionals you're thinking of hiring are covered. If not, you may be interested in a mental health coverage program such as BetterHelp.