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How to Diagnose and Treat ADHD Many people think ADHD is a childs issue but it can affect adults Being diagnosed and treated for ADHD can make a difference in the quality of life of a person Interviewing the individual and their family members could be part of an evaluation for ADHD The doctor may also examine old school records in order to determine if the symptoms started as an infant Signs and symptoms Everyone has trouble concentrating and staying organized from time to time however for those who has ADHD the issues can be a hindrance with work school and even home life To be able to identify the disorder one must show signs of major impairment in at least two of these areas and demonstrate that the symptoms significantly impair the daily functioning The symptoms must also have been present for at least six months A doctor will inquire with the patient about their symptoms and also about any medical concerns and family history They may also use rating systems to assess symptoms in adults or children These questionnaires are based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition DSM5 These include questions about the symptoms of hyperactivity inattention and the tendency to be impulsive For adults doctors might require a discussion with an intimate partner or others who are familiar with the patient This is not to question the patients honesty but rather to gain insight into their behavior that isnt obtained from the answers to a questionnaire They could inquire about childhood behavior and refer to the old school records to determine whether symptoms began before the age of 12 Before determining a diagnosis the doctor will conduct an extensive physical examination and run lab tests to rule other conditions out such as thyroid problems or head injuries that can cause similar symptoms The doctor will also go over the patients medications Doctors will take into consideration the interaction between stimulants and specific medications prescribed for depression highblood pressure and other issues Its important that adults talk with their primary healthcare provider if they suspect they may have ADHD Diagnosis For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in two or more settings like school home and work and significantly interfere with functioning They also must have begun at the age of 12 and the impairment cant be caused by a different disorder such as anxiety or depression A psychiatrist or a mental health professional will use a variety of tools during the evaluation which include ADHD symptoms checklists standardized behavior rating scales and a detailed medical history They may also interview family members or friends to learn how the symptoms affect them They may also inquire if there are any other physical or mental illnesses that display similar symptoms The evaluators will decide if the symptoms are mild or severe They will also review the patients medical and family background to determine if there are any underlying causes of their problem like thyroid disorders or head injuries In some instances an evaluator might decide to conduct a cognitive test or request an imaging test to rule out any other possible causes for their symptoms like mood disorders learning disabilities personality disorders or alcohol abuse These people often present differently than those who do not have these issues Boys are more likely to exhibit hyperactive symptoms while girls exhibit inattention symptoms Many people with ADHD would like to participate in studies to test new treatments This is a great opportunity to continue research However participants must be aware that the main purpose of these studies is to gain scientific knowledge not a guarantee of treatment Visit the NIMHs Clinical Trials Fact Sheet for more information on clinical trials Treatment If you suspect that you may have ADHD Find a doctor who is qualified to diagnose the disorder Contact your health insurance provider to see whether ADHD specialists are covered and seek out recommendations from family doctors or other health care professionals Also wordofmouth referrals are a good choice A doctor will inquire with the patient or parents in the case of children about the symptoms they experience She might use checklists with standardized criteria or ADHD symptoms and may also ask other people in the patients life for details including spouses and their families Personal insight can provide more information than what can be gleaned from questionnaires An expert will also want to look over any documents the person might have particularly old school reports Often the diagnosis of ADHD is based on a persons history and in order in order to be diagnosed with the condition the symptoms must have been present since the age of a child technically before age 12 A physical exam is also performed It checks for other medical conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms for example seizures or thyroid issues A neurological examination is often conducted by the expert to test the coordination and motor control Psychological tests which are designed to test intelligence and ability might be used as well In addition the person could be asked to complete simple computer tasks that test memory and attention This could assist an expert determine whether the person is hyperactive or not The specialist will determine a treatment plan and make an appropriate diagnosis get diagnosed with adhd consist of therapy and medication Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help children and adults learn healthy coping techniques and change negative thinking patterns This therapy can be provided by a primary doctor or a mental healthcare professional who is a specialist in adult ADHD Medication Many people suffering from ADHD improve their condition by taking medications however its not the only way to treat the condition Psychotherapy behavioral therapy or a combination of both can be beneficial to children teens as well as adults These therapies help them cope with their ADHD symptoms and help them learn to manage the symptoms Psychoeducation or education about ADHD and ways to manage it may be included They can involve teachers parents and other professionals It is essential to find a health care provider or mental health professional with previous experience treating ADHD You can ask your friends who suffer from ADHD for suggestions or refer to a mental health provider youve met You can also conduct an online search Its best to find a specialist who is familiar with your insurance plan To determine if your child has ADHD to determine the cause a health care provider will ask about your or your childs symptoms and problems caused by them They will do an examination of the body and look for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms They will look over your your childs medical and family history school records and other reports Finding out if you have ADHD in adults can be more difficult because the Symptom Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association DSMV are primarily designed to diagnose children Your health care provider might interview you or your children about their symptoms and request that others who spend a lot of time with them fill out checklists and questionnaires They will use these to help them decide whether you or your child has inattentive ADHD hyperactiveimpulsive ADHD combined ADHD or unspecified ADHD ADHD medications include stimulants such as the methylphenidate Lisdexamfetamine and atomoxe as well nonstimulants such atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants They work by increasing and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters Counseling Many people with ADHD also have comorbid disorders including anxiety or depression Treatment should therefore include therapy that addresses these issues Some patients can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy which teaches techniques such as time and task management and emotional selfregulation Therapists can also assist patients in managing their symptoms by making lifestyle modifications Regular exercise can reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration A healthier diet is also important people with ADHD tend to consume more sugar and fat and less vegetables and fruits than the rest of us Making social and family relationships a top priority can help decrease stress and make individuals feel more in charge of their lives A diagnosis of ADHD can aid children and adults to understand their challenges A child diagnosed with ADHD may have trouble communicating their requirements to teachers or their friends Once a teacher realizes that this is not an issue that is solely because of a lack of time they can provide accommodations A professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask questions that are targeted to the persons age interview family and teachers read medical records and look for any comorbid conditions If ADHD symptoms first started before age school records can be helpful for adults A physical exam is usually included and the doctor will likely test for vision and hearing problems The doctor may also conduct tests on the blood to check for certain hormones and other health issues that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD