Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't get diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood, and that can trigger complicated emotions. Matlen was happy to finally have a reason for her symptoms.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to your family doctor. They might refer you to an expert in mental health that can assess your ADHD symptoms.
1. Talk to your family doctor
If you suspect ADHD or if someone else has suggested that you might need help, you should book an appointment with your family doctor immediately. IamPsychiatry can assist you determine if ADHD medication is appropriate for you or if you need to talk to another specialist. Your doctor can also assist you to locate resources to help you manage your symptoms.
In order for an assessment to be established, a person must have several symptoms that last into adulthood and interfere with their lives in more than one aspect. ADHD is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood. However, the condition may persist throughout adulthood. Many adults are only diagnosed later in life.
It is crucial to be as precise as you can when you describe your symptoms. You'll need to inform your doctor how long symptoms have been present for, when they began and what types of activities or settings they are exhibited in. It is possible to discuss whether the symptoms impact your relationships or your work.
It is also useful to provide your doctor with examples of the behavior that you or your child is struggling with. This will help them realize that the issue is real and not something else, such as anxiety or depression.
Your doctor is likely to recommend that you take medications to treat ADHD. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor every option, including natural remedies or other forms of medication that have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will also likely provide you with directions on how to take your medication and the frequency you should take it.
2. Speak to a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed the requirements for a medical degree as well as the four-year psychiatry residency. Psychiatrists specialize in the diagnosis 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 often consult with primary care doctors or family physicians for patients who may need psychotherapy.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from the assistance of a psychiatrist. They can help people who suffer from ADHD discover the causes of their symptoms and how they can manage these symptoms. This may involve psychotherapy or taking medications like Adderall or Ritalin that increase the brain's levels of dopamine. They can also discuss strategies to manage relationships, work and other aspects of living with ADHD.
People with ADHD typically have trouble with issues with time management. This can create problems at home and in the workplace. They may be late for deadlines or appointments, and have difficulty keeping track of important information. People who suffer from ADHD also have difficulty focusing for long periods of time, which can make it hard to start or complete projects. Other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, can affect attention and make it harder to concentrate.
A psychiatrist who is experienced in the treatment and diagnosis of mental disorders might be able to assist you. They are trained to recognize a variety of conditions that can coexist with ADHD. For instance the emotional sensitivity and impulsivity components of ADHD may appear like mood disorders and anxiety. If your doctor does not have a thorough understanding of the ways these disorders interact, you could get an incorrect diagnosis that can lead to ineffective or even counterproductive treatments.
3. Speak to a Child Psychotherapist
It's likely that your family physician will refer to an expert. This could be a child psychologist or child psychiatrist with an expertise in working with children. It's crucial to find a specialist that you and your child trust. Finding the right doctor for your family may take some research and trial and error.
Ask your prospective specialist what ADHD cases he or she has dealt with and what treatment plans they employed. You can also ask other parents with children with adhd for advice. You can also contact your health insurance provider for the list of specialists within your network.
Your doctor is likely to run some diagnostic tests, including hearing and vision tests, to make sure there's nothing else that could be causing your child's or yours's symptoms. They'll also talk to you and your child to obtain the full picture of their behavior. Your doctor will likely use the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) to determine if you or your child has 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 of settings, including school, home and at work.
Be aware that some people who have ADHD don't experience symptoms of impulsivity or inattention at any time. Others may only experience mild or moderate symptoms. So identifying the problem and beginning treatment as soon as you can is crucial to assist you in managing your child's symptoms. An early diagnosis can save years of family turmoil and inadequacy.
4. Talk to an experienced Pediatrician
The doctor should inquire with your child about the symptoms, their beginning date, and how they impact home and school. They should also interview your child, as well as those who know them well like their teachers, to gather information about how the symptoms have affected them. They may ask you and your child to complete rating scales or other evaluation tools. They should also look over all medical records and educational reports, when they conduct an evaluation to rule other conditions that could have similar symptoms with ADHD.
They should also discuss treatment options with you. This could include a medication regimen, a diet and exercise program, psychological therapy, educational strategies and education or training programs for parents. Ask your pediatrician about behavior therapy or other non-medical methods for managing ADHD. If not need to seek out a medical professional who is familiar with these options.
For children diagnosed with ADHD is usually determined by a pediatrician, or family doctor with a particular interest in the disorder. A child should exhibit at least six of nine symptoms, including hyperactivity or inattention, at least in one or more situations in a way that they interfere with normal functioning. Clinicians frequently alter the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in teenagers and adults. They are generally less strict with this requirement because it isn't unusual for symptoms to remain throughout the adolescent years and into adulthood. They will go over the child's medical history as well as mental illness, and then interview the child, as well as any other caregivers. They will also gather details about the child's education, his social environment and growing up.
5. Talk to a Child Psychologist
There is an increasing interest in psychotherapy treatment as the national conversation around mental health is expanding to cover more topics. Psychologists are trained to evaluate and treat a variety if conditions including ADHD. When searching for a child psychologist it is essential to find one who is knowledgeable about the condition and has had experience treating it. You can ask your family doctor for a recommendation, or search on the internet or in directories of psychologists. Make sure you feel at ease with your psychologist and that they are able to understand your concerns.
For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must demonstrate at least six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must be evident for at minimum six consecutive months in a variety of situations. This could be at home, at school or socially. The signs of ADHD are different than normal behavior and can cause serious problems at school, workplace, in relationships and in everyday life. They can cause academic difficulties, low confidence and frustration towards others. They can also cause conflict between parents and children or spouses and cause stress in the home.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medicines. If your child is being treated by a therapist and is still showing signs of ADHD then you might want to think about bringing them in for a visit with a psychiatrist. The goal is to address the behavioral and emotional issues that are causing them trouble in school, at home and in their relationships with family and friends. Effective treatment includes the use of therapy, parent education and training, school assistance and medication. Although many people associate medication with ADHD, it can be used to treat various conditions. It is not a cure-all for ADHD and should not be the only treatment option.