How Do I Explain Diagnosis For ADHD To A Five-Year-Old
Is There a Medical Test For ADHD?
For adults there isn't a medical test to determine if you have ADHD. It can be accurately diagnosed by a qualified psychiatrist or mental health professional who collects information from multiple sources about the person's symptomatology.
The specialist will also interview people who know the person well. He or she may also interview people who are familiar with the person. For instance, a spouse or sibling for an adult; and teachers, coaches, and nannies for children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep track of deadlines, remain focused at school or work, and follow a regular schedule. A diagnosis can help you better manage these symptoms in the event that you or someone you care about has these symptoms. It can also offer the feeling of relief because you'll realize it wasn't just laziness or inexperience that was the obstacle of success, but an underlying condition that could 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. A doctor will first evaluate your symptoms to determine if ADHD is present. They will look at how long the symptoms have been present and whether they manifest in more than one place and how much they interfere with your daily life.
The doctor will interview you and, if possible, family members or caregivers. He or she will also request a full medical and social history, including information about birth and development, the family environment and education. Your doctor may order tests to identify any medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Children with ADHD tend to show more obvious impulsivity and hyperactivity. They may fidget, can't remain still and interrupt others. They may also be unable to wait their turn. They might not complete tasks or engage in games. They may have difficulty staying organized or keeping their personal possessions.
official source suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty in their work and suffer from an unflattering self-esteem as a result of an unfinished project history or failure to meet their expectations. They also struggle with managing their finances due to poor time management, forgetfulness and impulse purchases. The behavioral issues that are a result of ADHD can contribute to anxiety, depression and sleep disorders and lead to addiction to drugs.
Ask your insurance company for a recommendation of a professional who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment of adults if you are a part of an insurance plan that covers mental health costs. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (or CHADD) for a list of professionals in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD are members of support groups, and they can offer helpful suggestions.
Evaluation
All people of all ages suffering from ADHD are diagnosed following an in-depth evaluation by a certified health professional. They must meet several criteria to qualify for the diagnosis symptoms manifest in more than one place like school and at home they last for at least six months; and the symptoms are so severe that they affect the daily routine at work, home or school. The symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12 and can't be caused by a different disorder, like depression or anxiety.
Doctors begin by giving an examination of the general body that includes visual and hearing test to make sure there are no other factors causing symptoms. They'll then speak with you and your children about what's happening in your lives. They'll ask you about your family's history and lifestyle, as well as when the symptoms began and what you do when you're stressed or anxious. They'll also ask for reports, homework samples and other documents to help assess the performance of your child or yourself at the classroom and at work.
Some experts employ an assessment scale to evaluate your symptoms or those of your child. Others conduct interviews with your family teachers, friends, and other caregivers. They may also speak with your child's coach or religious leader as needed. It is crucial to select the right person. Get recommendations from people who you trust and inquire about their experiences. Find out if they're certified and what their credentials are.
The evaluation process could take weeks or even months and it's crucial to be honest with the specialist you select. The symptoms of ADHD can range from mild to severe. Many people with ADHD struggle to fit in, whether at school or work. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulty paying attention or accomplishing tasks. However, it's a relief to know that your difficulties aren't just due to lazyness or bad parenting. It's also comforting to know that there are ways to manage your symptoms, which includes medications. It's also important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis should not be a stigma, and shouldn't stop you from working towards your goals.
Diagnosis
For adults and teens who have struggled with symptoms for a long time an diagnosis can stir up a mix of emotions. The diagnosis can bring mixed emotions for teens and adults who have been struggling with symptoms for a long period of time.
A mental health professional will test a person's symptoms of ADHD by analyzing a variety of aspects. These include an in-depth interview as well as the administration of psychological tests to see how the person performs on tasks such as paying attention or recalling information. The evaluator also reviews the school records and questionnaires filled out by caretakers, teachers and family members.
It is important to be open and honest with the professional who will be conducting your evaluation. The results of the assessment will determine the way in which your child or you receives treatment. It is also important to let the evaluator know about any significant difficulties that your child or you are experiencing at home, in school or at work. This will help the evaluator to determine what steps to take next in the diagnostic process.
During the interview, the evaluator is likely to ask about difficulties with learning planning, organizing, and completing tasks. They will also inquire about your family and social history to see whether there are any patterns in your 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 speak with the teacher or school counselor to gain a better understanding of the situation.
The evaluator might also inquire if you have a family history of ADHD because it is highly hereditary. 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 life, they must be severe. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Treatment
If the ADHD symptoms of someone are extreme, a doctor might suggest medication as well as behavioral treatment. The type of medication and the dosages are based on the severity of the individual's symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. Since they can cause a decrease in appetite, these medications should only be used with the permission of a doctor. Stimulants can also cause side effects, like sleepiness, drowsiness dizziness, dry mouth, headache, stomachaches and changes in appetite or sexual drive.
Psychiatrists who treat adults with ADHD usually recommend that they seek counseling or self-help groups to enhance their coping and management abilities. They might also suggest a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program that helps patients and their families learn a variety of strategies to control their symptoms. CBT is a method of teaching skills like time management, organization strategies, impulse control and emotional self-regulation.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often experience a great amount of shame and frustration over the ways their problems with hyperactivity, attention, and impulsivity have affected their lives. They might be unhappy about missed opportunities, school failures and relationship conflicts that have been caused by their symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide the perspective they need to reclaim their lives.
A therapist can show those suffering from ADHD how to manage their symptoms and lessen their impact on their daily functioning by teaching them coping techniques. They can assist patients in learning to plan and use tools like calendars and planners to organize their lives. They can help individuals overcome thinking distortions such as the tendency to make negative conclusions or only see negative aspects of situations and develop a realistic self-image.
Parents of children with ADHD may discover that their teachers and school staff can assist in providing information on the disorder and in recommending appropriate educational interventions. The school staff cannot diagnose a child or make treatment decisions or force students to take medication. Teachers and other staff members are able to assist students in coping with symptoms by providing assistance in the classroom, or by making any accommodations necessary to ensure that the student is performing at a high level.