Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people aren't diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood and this can bring up complicated emotions. For Matlen it was a relief that she finally found a cause for her symptoms.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk with your family doctor. They may refer you to a mental health professional who will evaluate your ADHD symptoms.
1. Speak to your family physician
If you suspect you have ADHD or if someone else has told you that you might need help, you should make an appointment with your family doctor immediately. Your doctor can determine whether ADHD medication is right for you, or if a different specialist is needed. Your doctor can help you find resources that will alleviate your symptoms.
A person has to show several symptoms that last throughout adulthood and impact their lives in a variety of way. Many people are diagnosed with ADHD in their early years, but the disorder can also persist throughout adulthood, and many adults are not diagnosed until later in life.
During your appointment it is crucial to be as specific as you can regarding your symptoms. You will need tell your doctor when the symptoms began, how long they've been present and what type of environment or activities they are found in. You might also have to mention if the symptoms interfere with relationships or work.
It is also helpful to provide your doctor with examples of the behavior you or your child is struggling with. This will help them recognize that the issue is real and not a result of something different, like depression or anxiety.
Your doctor may recommend that you take medication to treat ADHD. It is important to discuss with your doctor all options for natural treatments or other kinds of medications that have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Your doctor may also give you instructions about how to take your medication and the frequency you should take it.
2. Talk to a psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has earned the requirements for a medical degree as well as an intensive four-year residency in psychiatry. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treatment of mental disorders, including ADHD. They are licensed in Idaho, Illinois Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico and the US territories Guam and Puerto Rico to prescribe medications. They consult with family practitioners or primary care doctors for patients who need psychotherapy.
Psychiatrists are a great resource for adults diagnosed with ADHD. They can help people with ADHD understand what is causing their symptoms and how to manage their symptoms. This could include psychotherapy or taking medication like Adderall or Ritalin that boost the brain's levels of dopamine. They can also discuss how to manage relationships, work and other aspects of their life with ADHD.
ADHD can cause problems at home and at work. They might miss deadlines and appointments, and have difficulty keeping track of important information. People with ADHD also have trouble focusing for long periods of time, which makes it hard to start or complete projects. Other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, can hinder focus and make it difficult to concentrate.
A psychiatrist trained in the treatment and diagnosis of mental disorders might be able to assist you. They are trained to recognize many conditions that can coexist with ADHD. The emotional sensitivity and impulsivity that are a part of ADHD can be quite similar to mood disorders and anxiety. If your clinician does not have a thorough understanding of how these disorders are interconnected, you could receive an incorrect diagnosis that can lead to ineffective or even harmful treatments.
3. Talk to a Child Psychiatrist
There's a good chance that your family doctor will refer you to a specialist, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in working with children. It is essential to find a professional you and your child trust. It may take some time and a bit of trial and error to find the right specialist for your family.
It is important to inquire with your potential specialists how many ADHD cases they've handled and what their treatment plans were. Ask other parents who have children suffering from adhd for advice. You can also call your health insurance company to get a list of specialists in your network.
Your doctor may run some diagnostic tests, including hearing and vision tests to ensure that there's no other issue causing your or your child's symptoms. They'll then talk with you and your child to get a complete picture of their behavior. Your doctor will most likely utilize the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) to determine whether you or your child have ADHD. According to the DSM-V, a person has to show at least six of nine inattention and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms before age 12 to be diagnosed with ADHD. They also have to show these symptoms in a variety situations, including school, home and at work.
Be aware that some people who have ADHD do not show signs of impulsivity or inattention at any time. Others may only experience mild or moderate symptoms. It is important to get a diagnosis as quickly as you can and start treatment as soon as you can. This will help you manage your symptoms or those of your child. A timely diagnosis can avoid years of stress and underachievement.
4. Talk to your Pediatrician
The doctor should collect a thorough history of your child's symptoms including when they started and what effect they have on family and school. They should also interview your child and others who know them well including their teachers, to get details about how the symptoms have affected them. They may ask you and your child to fill out ratings scales or other assessment tools. They should also go through any medical records and education reports, and do an evaluation to determine if there is a learning disability or other conditions that have similar symptoms to ADHD.
It is also recommended to discuss treatment options with them. This should include a treatment plan that includes a medication regimen, diet and exercise programs as well as psychological therapy educational strategies, as well as parent training and education programs. Ask your pediatrician if he or she is familiar with behavioral therapy and other non-medical approaches to managing ADHD. If they aren't then it is essential to seek out a medical professional who is well-versed in these alternatives.
A pediatrician or family doctor with an interest in ADHD can diagnose ADHD in children. A child must show at least six out of nine symptoms, such as hyperactivity or inattention in more than one situation to the point that they interfere with normal functioning. For adults and teens who are older, clinicians often alter the criteria to diagnose ADHD. They are typically less strict with this requirement, since it is not unusual for symptoms to persist throughout adolescence and adulthood. They will look over the child's medical history as well as psychiatric condition, interview the child, as well as any other caregivers. They will also collect information regarding the child's educational, social environment, and growing up.
5. Speak with a Child Psychotherapist
With the national debate about mental health and wellbeing focusing on a growing number of issues there is a growing interest in treatment for psychological issues. Psychologists are trained in assessing and treating a variety conditions such as ADHD. It is essential to locate a child psychologist who is familiar with ADHD and has treated it. You can ask your doctor for a recommendation or look online or through directories of psychologists. Be sure to feel at ease with your psychologist and that they understand your concerns.
For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must demonstrate at least six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. he said must also show these symptoms consistently for at least six months in two or more environments. This could be at home, at school, or in social situations. ADHD symptoms are distinct from normal behavior and can cause problems at school, work, in relationships, and in everyday life. They can lead to academic problems and low self-confidence, as well as frustration toward other people. They can also cause tension between parents and their spouses or children, and cause stress at home.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medicines. If your child is being treated by a therapist but is still showing signs of ADHD, you may want to think about having them visit a psychiatrist. The objective is to address behavioral and emotional issues that cause them difficulties at the classroom, at home and in their relationships with their family and friends. Effective treatment involves a mix of therapy, parent education and training, assistance at school and medication. While many people think of medication as a cure for ADHD however, it can be used to treat various ailments. It is not a panacea for ADHD and shouldn't be the sole treatment option.