Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
It's common for people to wait until the age of adulthood before being diagnosed with ADHD. This can cause a variety of emotional issues. For Matlen it was a relief that she found a cause for her symptoms.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to your family physician. They could refer you to a mental health specialist who can evaluate your ADHD symptoms.
1. Talk to your family doctor
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or if someone else has told you that you might, it is important to book an appointment with your family doctor immediately. Your doctor can determine if ADHD medication is right for you, or if a different specialist is required. Your doctor can also help locate resources to help you manage your symptoms.
getting diagnosed with adhd should exhibit a variety of symptoms that last throughout their adulthood and impact their lives in a variety of way. Most 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 their lives.
During your appointment It is essential to be as specific as you can regarding your symptoms. You will need to tell your doctor how long the symptoms have been present for, when they started and what types of activities or situations they manifest in. You may also need to specify the possibility of a problem with relationships or work.
It is also useful to give your doctor examples of the behavior you or your child is struggling with. This can help them to recognize that the issue is real and not a result of something else, such as depression or anxiety.
Your doctor might suggest that you take a medication to treat your ADHD. You should discuss all of the options with your doctor including natural remedies as well as other kinds of medications that have been shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will likely also give you directions regarding how to take the medication and when you should take it.
2. Talk to a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who has completed both an medical degree as well as a four-year residency program in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing and treating mental disorders such as 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 doctors or primary care doctors for patients who need psychotherapy.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from the help of a psychiatrist. They can help people with ADHD to understand the root of their symptoms and how to manage these symptoms. This may include therapy or taking medications such as Adderall or Ritalin which increase brain levels of dopamine. They can also discuss managing relationships, work and other aspects of their lives with ADHD.
ADHD can cause issues at home and at work. They might not be able to keep track of appointments and deadlines, and have trouble keeping on top of important information. People with ADHD are unable to focus for long periods of time, which can make it difficult to start or finish projects. Other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, can affect concentration and affect the ability to pay attention.
A psychiatrist who is specialized in treating mental disorders can be very beneficial, since a psychiatrist is trained to recognize a wide variety of disorders that could be co-existent with ADHD. For instance emotional sensitivity and impulsivity elements of ADHD may appear like anxiety and mood disorders. If your clinician doesn't have a full understanding of the relationship between these disorders, you may receive a misdiagnosis which could lead to ineffective or counterproductive treatment.
3. Talk to a Child Psychotherapist
It's likely that your family doctor will refer to specialists. This could be a child psychologist or a child psychiatrist who has an area of expertise that is specifically geared towards working with kids. It's crucial to find a specialist that you and your child can trust. It might take some research as well as a bit of trial and error before you find the best specialist for your family.
Ask your prospective specialist how many ADHD cases they've handled and what treatment plan they followed. Ask other parents who have children with adhd for recommendations. You can also inquire with your health insurance provider for the list.
Your doctor will probably perform some diagnostic tests, such as the examination of your vision and hearing to ensure that there is nothing else causing the symptoms you or your child is experiencing. They'll then talk with you and your child to gather 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 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 must also show these symptoms in a variety environments, such as school, home and at work.
Some people who suffer from ADHD do not experience any symptoms of inattention hyperactivity or impulsivity. Others may only experience mild or moderate symptoms. Therefore, obtaining a diagnosis and implementing treatment as quickly as you can aid in managing your or your child's symptoms. A timely diagnosis can save you years of struggling and family stress.
4. Talk to a pediatrician
The doctor should collect a thorough history of your child's symptoms beginning with the date they began and what effect they have on family and school. They should also talk to you and others who know your child including their teachers, in order to get information about the symptoms. They may ask you and your child to complete rating scales or other evaluation tools. They should also go through all medical records and educational reports as they perform an evaluation to rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms with ADHD.
It is also recommended to discuss with them treatment options. This should include a treatment plan which includes a medication regimen diet and exercise program, psychological therapy educational strategies, as well as parent training and education programs. Ask your pediatrician about behavioral therapy or other non-medical methods of managing ADHD. If they aren't then it is essential to find a health professional who is knowledgeable about these alternative therapies.
A pediatrician or family physician with a keen interest in ADHD can diagnose ADHD in children. In order for a child to be considered to have ADHD it is necessary to show at minimum six of nine signs of hyperactivity or inattention and impulsivity in more than one situation in a way that they seriously hinder normal functioning. Clinicians frequently alter the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in teens who are older and adults. They tend to be less strict with this requirement as it is not unusual for symptoms to persist throughout the adolescent years and into adulthood. They will go 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 education, social environment, and upbringing.
5. Talk with a Child Psychologist
With the national debate about mental health and wellbeing focusing on a growing number of issues, there is an increased interest in the treatment of psychological disorders. Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of ailments including ADHD. When looking for a child psychologist it's important 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 look on the internet or in directories of psychologists. You should be at ease with your psychologist, and they should be able to address 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 present for at least six consecutive months in a variety of settings. This could include situations at home, at school or socially. Symptoms of ADHD are different from normal behavior, and can cause significant issues at school, at work, in relationships and in everyday life. They can lead to problems with academics, low self-esteem and anger with others. They can also cause tension between parents and their spouses or children, and cause stress at home.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. If your child is currently being treated by a therapist and still has symptoms of ADHD, you may want to think about bringing them in for a visit with a psychiatrist. The objective is to address emotional and behavioral issues that cause them trouble in the classroom, at home and in their relationships with their family and friends. Effective treatment consists of the use of therapy as well as parent education and training, school assistance and medication. Many people associate medication with ADHD. However, it can also be used to treat a wide variety of ailments. It is not a cure-all for ADHD and should never be the sole treatment option.