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How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD Many people believe that ADHD is only a condition of children, however it can also affect adults. Finding a doctor and treating ADHD can help improve a person's life. An assessment for ADHD could involve a conversation with the person and family members. The specialist may look over old school records to see if symptoms started in the early years of childhood. Symptoms Everyone has trouble concentrating and staying organized from time-to-time however, for those who has ADHD the issues can be a hindrance with work, school and even home life. To be able to identify the disorder, a person must have major symptoms in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly impair daily functioning. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months. To determine a diagnosis, a doctor will interview the patient regarding their symptoms and ask about their family history and medical conditions. They can also utilize rating scales to assess a adult's or a child's symptoms. These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They ask about symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. In adult patients, doctors may request a conversation with an intimate partner or others who know the patient. This is not meant to challenge the patient's honesty, but to gain more insight about their behavior that can't be gained from an interview. They may ask about childhood behaviors and use old school records in order to determine if the symptoms started before the age of 12. Before determining a diagnosis the doctor will conduct an examination and tests in the lab to rule out other health issues, like thyroid problems or head injuries that may cause similar symptoms. The doctor will also review the person's list of medications. Doctors will look at the interactions between stimulants and specific medications prescribed for depression, high-blood pressure, and other conditions. It's important that adults talk to their primary healthcare providers when they suspect they be suffering from ADHD. Diagnosis To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (such as school, home, and work) and cause impairment to functioning. They should also have been diagnosed before the age of 12, and the impairment cannot be due to another disorder, such as anxiety or depression. A doctor or mental health professional will employ a variety tools during the evaluation, including ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales and a detailed medical history. They can also speak with family members or friends to determine how the symptoms have affected them. They will ask if the symptoms are similar to other mental health conditions or physical conditions. The evaluators will consider whether symptoms are mild moderate, severe or even mild. They will also review the person's medical history as well as family history to make sure there is no underlying reason for their symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, head injuries or medication. In certain instances, an evaluator may want to perform cognitive testing or ask the person to undergo an imaging test to rule out other reasons for their symptoms, like mood disorders, learning disabilities, personality disorders and addiction to drugs. People with these disorders often show different symptoms than those who do not have these issues. Boys tend to display hyperactive symptoms, whereas girls exhibit inattention symptoms. A few people suffering from ADHD are interested in participating in a clinical trial to try out new treatments. While this is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to further research, it's important for participants to understand that the main purpose of these studies is to gain knowledge in the field of science and cannot necessarily guarantee they will receive treatment. Visit the NIMH's Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information about clinical trials. Treatment If you suspect you have ADHD Find a doctor who is qualified to diagnose the disorder. Make sure to check with your health insurance provider to see whether ADHD specialists are covered, and then seek referrals from family doctors or other health care providers. Word-of mouth recommendations are also an option. A doctor will ask the patient or their parents in the case of children - about their issues. She may use standardized checklists or ADHD symptoms, and also ask other people in the patient's life for information like their spouses and their families. Personal insight will reveal more than can be learned from questionnaires. A specialist will also need to review any records the person might have, particularly old school reports. The diagnosis of ADHD is often based on the history of an individual. To be considered diagnosed the symptoms must be present from the age of a child (technically before age 12). Physical examinations are also conducted. It is also checked for other medical conditions that could be causing symptoms, for instance seizures or thyroid problems. A neurological exam is usually conducted by the expert to test motor control and coordination. Psychological tests, designed to assess abilities and intelligence, may be utilized as well. A person may also be asked to complete simple computer tasks designed to test attention and memory. This could help the expert determine if someone is hyperactive, inattentive, or an impulsive. The expert will choose a treatment plan and make a diagnosis. Treatment plans typically consist of therapy and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may aid children and adults in learning healthy ways to cope and change unhelpful thought patterns. The therapy can be conducted by a primary care physician, or a mental health professional who is specialized in adult ADHD. Medication Many people with ADHD improve their condition by taking medications, however it's not the only option to treat the condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or a combination can be beneficial for children, teens and adults. These therapies aid them in dealing with their ADHD symptoms and help them learn to live with them. Psychoeducation, or education on ADHD and how to manage it, may be incorporated. They can include family members, teachers and professionals. It is essential to find a health care provider or mental health professional with previous experience treating ADHD. You can seek suggestions from others who suffer from ADHD or from a mental health provider you already know, or perform an online search. It is important to find a specialist who is familiar with your insurance. The doctor will inquire with you or your child about the signs and problems that are caused by ADHD. They will perform an examination of the body and look for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. They will look over the medical and family history of your child or you, as well as school documents and other reports. Finding out if adhd diagnosis adults have ADHD in adults can be a bit more difficult due to the fact that the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) are mostly geared toward diagnosing children. Your doctor will interview you or your child about the signs, and may request other people who spend many hours with them to complete questionnaires and checklists. They will use these to help them decide whether you or your child has inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, combined ADHD or unspecified ADHD. ADHD medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine, as well nonstimulants such atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They function by boosting levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Counseling Many people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression. The treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues. Certain patients might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps develop skills such as time and task management, emotional self-regulation and impulse control. Therapists can also help patients manage their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. For instance, a regular exercise routine can help reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. A healthier diet is also important; people with ADHD tend to eat more sugar and fat and consume less fruits and vegetables than others. Lastly making family and social relationships a priority can lower stress levels and allow people to feel more in control of their lives. A diagnosis of ADHD can help children and adults better recognize their issues. For example, a child who has ADHD may have trouble communicating their needs to teachers and peers however, when a teacher realizes that it's not due to laziness accommodations can be provided. A professional who conducts an ADHD assessment will ask questions geared toward the individual's age, ask questions of teachers and family members as well as review medical records and look for comorbidities. If ADHD symptoms began before the age of adulthood, school records can be useful for adults. A physical exam is often included, and the specialist will likely check for hearing and vision issues. They might also conduct tests on blood to check for certain hormones, as well as other health issues that could cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.
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