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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is the first step toward taking control of issues that affect daily life. Some people might view the diagnosis as an excuse to label themselves. Others may find it a relief that they finally have an explanation for the reasons they're unable to keep up with the demands of family, work, and home responsibilities. What are the symptoms of ADHD? ADHD symptoms vary from one person to another, but some common ones include difficulties in staying focused and organized and a problem with time management, impulsivity, and impulse control issues. These symptoms can affect relationships, create social issues and impact the quality of life for people who live with them. In order to determine if someone has ADHD, the doctor will conduct an interview called a clinical. In this interview the doctor will inquire about the person's past. Typically, the doctor will ask about family history and medical history as well as how the patient has been affected by their symptoms over the course of time. A physical exam will also be performed to rule out any other health problems that could be behind symptoms, including sleep disorders, thyroid conditions, hormone fluctuations, or alcohol abuse. The healthcare professional may ask the patient to describe their behavior and fill out a series of questionnaires or scales. The healthcare provider might also ask those who are close to the patient about their experiences, like spouse or sibling, a teacher or coach, or even an Nanny. Untreated ADHD can make people feel like they are failing because they are unable to meet their own expectations that are their own or others'. Low self-esteem and a sense of despair and an inability to motivate themselves may be present. In time, these feelings can lead to anxiety and depression. Getting a diagnosis can bring peace and hope to those suffering from ADHD. It can help those with ADHD to understand the reason they are having trouble at work, in their home or with their friends. It also allows them to see that their problems are not their fault and are not related to an individual flaw in character or lack of effort. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than people who do not have the condition. Diagnoses can help people take steps to address these problems. They can also learn to use strategies that will help them to succeed. What is the diagnostics for ADHD? To determine if someone has ADHD, a health care professional must examine the full history of the person's symptoms. They must determine how long the symptoms have been present, and the kind of problems they create in different settings such as school or at work. They may also administer various tests, such as symptoms checklists or the attention span test. They may also interview family members to obtain an accurate picture of the patient's symptoms and behavior. In addition to evaluating the symptoms of a patient and health care providers must also take into consideration whether they suffer from a coexisting illness such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can adversely impact ADHD symptoms and make them more difficult to control. Health professionals will also look at a person's overall health and functioning in light of their academic performance, work performance and family relations. When an individual visits a health care professional to be evaluated for ADHD it is important to ask the health care professional how many years of experience they have in treating patients suffering from ADHD. It is essential to select the therapist who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment adult ADHD. They should be willing and able to discuss with the patient their knowledge and experience. If they do not or are hesitant to provide the information requested the patient should find another therapy. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief to people who have been struggling with symptoms. It can help them to discover the reason for their difficulties at work or in their relationships and it can give them the confidence that there are things they can do to improve their life. A diagnosis can be useful in getting accommodations for work or school. For instance when an employee is diagnosed with ADHD and is having trouble staying focused they may request that their professor or supervisor grant the employee more time to complete examinations or write papers. A person with ADHD can be treated with an individualized treatment, medication and lifestyle changes. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants, antidepressants and nonstimulant drugs. Patients with ADHD frequently experience negative side effects when taking medications, so it is important to discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare professional. How do I get an ADHD diagnosis? If you or your child exhibit symptoms of ADHD You might be interested in obtaining an assessment for the condition. Adults may be able to recognize ADHD when their symptoms cause major issues in their lives. Others may find out that they suffer from ADHD because a friend or family member had it pointed out to them. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you get accommodations at school and at work. It can also help reduce feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment. An ADHD evaluation typically requires a thorough interview with an expert who will listen attentively and make notes. The expert will analyze the symptoms of ADHD to determine which apply to the individual who is being evaluated. They will also look at their childhood history. The assessment could include a physical exam and tests for hearing, vision, or balance. During the interview you will be asked to be honest and explain to the expert what ADHD effects your life. The specialist may require you to bring reports or other documents from your childhood so that she can track how your ADHD symptoms developed over time. In many cases, these records reveal patterns of behavior that are typical of ADHD. Experts are also interested in knowing how ADHD symptoms have affected your relationships. It is not uncommon for evaluators to contact family members to ask them to fill out questionnaires about your ADHD symptoms. There are a myriad of professionals who can conduct ADHD testing and offer a diagnosis, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, neuropsychologists, and physicians. Ask your family doctor or therapist for recommendations and try out a variety of specialists before settling on one. You can also check the professional certification and academic degrees of specialists before you book an appointment or request references from previous clients or patients. Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is more difficult than diagnosing it in a child, as the majority of the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) are designed to identify children's symptoms. A careful clinical interview will usually provide the answer, especially in adults who have ADHD symptoms as children. What can I do to get treatment for ADHD? Whether you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD or have been informed by someone else, getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing symptoms and ultimately gaining control. Many people are relieved when they discover that the issue isn't a lack of motivation or a lack of intelligence, but a condition that they can treat and manage. You should see a mental health provider or your primary care physician to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to receive an ADHD diagnosis. A typical assessment can take up to an hour and includes an examination of your medical history, a family history review and the completion of ADHD questionnaires and rating scales, by you and your family members, and checking for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. The evaluator has to be certified to recognize ADHD. If they are not, they will require a referral from another specialist or therapist who is. It's important to choose the right doctor. Ask recommendations from other therapists, doctors and trusted family members and conduct your own research. Ask about their professional certifications and academic degrees. Also, ask them about their experience diagnosing ADHD. For children, in order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD their symptoms must be present in more than one setting (home school, at home or social situations) and significantly impact their functioning and their quality of life. The symptoms they experience must be clearly distinct from those of children of similar age and at the same developmental stage. The child's symptoms must cause significant pain for the family, such as difficulty keeping up in work or school, or frequent disagreements with parents. To diagnose ADHD in adults The evaluator will inquire from your spouse, friends and/or colleagues about your behavior at home and at work. You might be asked to fill out the questionnaire or give your consent to being contacted by coaches, teachers, and daycare providers. In IamPsychiatry , an evaluator may suggest a physical examination to rule out underlying medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms or those of your child for example, thyroid issues or seizures.