Ask Me Anything: 10 Answers To Your Questions About Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't get diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood and this can bring up complicated emotions. For Matlen it was a relief to know that she finally found a cause for her symptoms.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk with your family doctor. They could refer you to a mental health professional who can assess your ADHD symptoms.
1. Talk to your Family Physician
You should make an appointment as soon as you are able with your family physician should you suspect that you may have ADHD or were advised by someone else that you might. Your doctor can assist you determine if ADHD medications are right for you or if you'll need to talk to another specialist. Your doctor can also assist you to locate resources to help you manage your symptoms.
In order for a diagnosis to be considered, a person has to suffer from multiple symptoms that persist until adulthood and disrupt their lives in more than one way. People often get diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, but the disorder can last throughout adulthood, and many adults are not diagnosed until later in their lives.
During your appointment it is crucial to be as precise as you can about the symptoms. You'll need to inform your doctor how long the symptoms have been present, when they first started, and what kinds of activities or settings they occur in. It is also important to specify whether the symptoms affect your relationships or work.
It is also helpful to provide your doctor with examples of the behavior you or your child are struggling with. This will help them see that the problem is real and not caused by something different, like depression or anxiety.
Your doctor may suggest you take a prescription to treat your ADHD. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor the various options that are available, including natural remedies or other forms of medication that have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will likely give you instructions regarding how to take the medication and how often you should take it.
2. Talk to a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who has earned the medical degree and a four-year residency program in the field of psychiatry. Psychiatrists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, including ADHD. They are licensed to prescribe medications in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, and the US territories of Guam and Puerto Rico. They often consult with primary care doctors or family physicians for patients who may need psychotherapy.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from the assistance of psychiatrists. They can assist in understanding the reasons behind their ADHD symptoms and the best way to manage them, such as with psychotherapy and by taking a variety of drugs that include stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin which boost brain levels of neurotransmitter dopamine. They can also talk about managing relationships, work and other aspects of life 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 difficulty keeping the track of important information. People with ADHD have difficulty focusing for long periods, which makes it difficult to start or complete projects. Other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, can interfere with attention and make it harder to focus.
Seeking a psychiatrist that specializes in treating mental disorders is beneficial, because a psychiatrist is trained to recognize a wide range of conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD. For instance emotional sensitivity and impulsivity components of ADHD can appear similar to anxiety and mood disorders. If your doctor doesn't have a full understanding of the interplay between these disorders, you could receive a misdiagnosis which could result in a negative or ineffective treatment.
3. Speak to a Child Psychotherapist
There's a good chance that your family doctor will refer you to a specialist, whether a child psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to work with children. It's crucial to find a doctor you and your child can trust. Finding the right doctor for your family might require some time and research, as well as trial and error.
Ask your potential specialist what ADHD cases they've handled and what treatment strategies they employed. You could ask other parents of kids who have adhd for recommendations. You can also ask your health insurance provider for a list of specialists in your network.
Your doctor is likely to conduct some diagnostic tests, like a vision and hearing check to make sure there's no other issue causing your child's or yours's symptoms. They'll also talk to you and your child to obtain a complete picture of their behavior. Your doctor will likely consult the American Psychiatric Society's fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to help determine whether you have or your child suffers from 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 should also display these symptoms in a variety situations, including home, school and work.
Keep in mind that some people who suffer from ADHD don't experience symptoms of impulsivity or inattention all. And for others those who have ADHD, the symptoms are mild or moderate. It is crucial to get a diagnosis as soon as possible and begin treatment as soon as you can. This will help manage your symptoms or the child's. A prompt diagnosis can prevent years of stress and inadequacy.
4. Talk to a Pediatrician
The doctor should ask your child about their symptoms, their beginning date, and how they impact home and school. They should also speak with your child as well as other people who are familiar with them, such as their teachers, to gather details about how the symptoms have affected them. They may ask you and your child to complete ratings scales or other assessment tools. They should also review any medical records and educational reports, as well as perform an assessment to rule out learning disabilities or other disorders that have similar symptoms as ADHD.
They should also discuss the treatment options with you. This should include a treatment plan that includes a prescribed medication diet and exercise program as well as psychological therapy, education strategies, and education and training for parents. Ask your pediatrician if they're familiar with behavioral therapy as well as other non-medical strategies to manage more info ADHD. If not then it is crucial to seek out a medical professional who is knowledgeable about these alternatives.
For children, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a pediatrician or a family physician who has a particular interest in the disorder. To be eligible to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to show at least six of nine symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity in more than one setting to the degree that they are a significant hindrance to normal functioning. Clinicians often change the criteria used to diagnose ADHD in teenagers and adults. They are typically less strict with this requirement because it isn't uncommon for symptoms to continue throughout adolescence and into adulthood. They typically go over the child's medical and mental history, interview the child and any other caregivers, obtain information about the social and educational environment, as well as upbringing, as well as conduct an assessment using ratings scales or other assessment tools.
5. Talk to a Child Psychologist
With the national discussion about mental health and wellbeing focusing on a growing number of issues, there is an increased interest in treatment for psychological issues. Psychologists are trained in assessing and treating various conditions that include ADHD. It is crucial to choose a child psychologist that is knowledgeable about ADHD and has treated it. You could ask your family physician for recommendations or go online or through directories of psychologists. You should feel 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 evident for at least six consecutive months in a variety of situations. This can include school, home and social situations. ADHD symptoms are different from normal behavior, and can cause problems at work, school as well as in relationships in everyday life. They can lead to academic issues as well as low confidence and anger toward others. They can also create tension between parents and their spouses or children, and can cause stress at home.
Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication. If your child has been treated by a therapist but continues to show signs of ADHD and other symptoms, it might be worth considering having them consult a psychiatrist. The objective is to address emotional and behavioral issues that are causing issues at home, at school, and in relationships with family and peers. Effective treatment involves a mix of therapy as well as parent education and training, school assistance and medication. Many people associate medication with ADHD. However it can be used to treat a broad variety of ailments. It's not a cure-all for ADHD and shouldn't be the primary treatment option.