Getting Diagnosed With ADHD Many people don't find out they are diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood and this can trigger complicated emotions. For Matlen, it meant relief that she finally had a reason for her symptoms. A visit to your family physician is the first step in getting a diagnosis. They could refer you to a mental health professional who can assess your ADHD symptoms. 1. Talk to Your Family Doctor You should schedule an appointment as soon as you are able with your family doctor should you suspect that you may have ADHD, or if you were advised by someone else that you might. Your doctor can determine whether ADHD medication is right for you, or if a specialist is needed. Your doctor can also help find resources to alleviate your symptoms. A person should exhibit a variety of symptoms that last into adulthood, and that affect their lives in more than one way. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. However, the disorder can last throughout adulthood. Many adults are only diagnosed later in their lives. It is essential to be as specific as you can when explaining 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 situations they occur in. You may need to mention how the symptoms affect your relationships or work. It is also beneficial to give your doctor examples of the behavior that you or your child are struggling with. This will help them realize that the issue is real and not caused by something different, like anxiety or depression. 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 drugs that have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will likely also give you directions on how to take the medication and how frequently you should take it. 2. Talk to a psychiatrist A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has earned a medical degree and a four-year residency in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating mental disorders, including ADHD. They are licensed to prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, and the US territories of Guam and Puerto Rico. They consult with family doctors or primary care physicians for patients who need psychotherapy. Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from the assistance of a psychiatrist. They can assist them in understanding the root of their ADHD symptoms and how to manage them, for instance with psychotherapy and by taking a variety of medications that include stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin which boost brain levels of neurotransmitter dopamine. They can also discuss managing relationships, work, and other aspects of their life with ADHD. People with ADHD usually struggle with problems with time management, which can create issues at home and in the workplace. They may miss appointments or deadlines, and have trouble keeping on top of important information. People with ADHD are unable to focus for long periods of time, which makes it difficult to begin or complete tasks. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, can interfere with focus and make it difficult to concentrate. A psychiatrist 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 emotional sensitivity and impulsivity elements of ADHD may appear like mood disorders and anxiety. If your clinician does not have a thorough understanding of the relationship between these disorders, you could receive a misdiagnosis which could result in a negative or ineffective treatment. 3. Talk to an experienced Child Psychiatrist There's a good chance your family doctor will recommend you to a specialist, whether an 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 expert for you and your family may take some time and research, as well as trial and error. Ask your prospective specialist how many ADHD cases he or she has handled and what treatment strategies they used. You may also ask other parents of kids who have adhd for advice. You can also ask your health insurance provider for a list. Your doctor is likely to 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 speak to you and your child to get the full 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 must also exhibit the symptoms in more than one setting--school at home, at work and at home. They must also cause significant impairment. Some people who suffer from ADHD do not exhibit any signs of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity. Others may only experience mild or moderate symptoms. So getting a diagnosis and implementing treatment as quickly as you can aid in managing your or your child's symptoms. An early diagnosis can save years of family turmoil and underachieving. 4. Talk to a pediatrician The doctor should conduct a thorough account of your child's health issues, beginning with the date they began and what effect they have on family and school life. They should also speak with your child as well as other people who know them well, such as their teachers, to get information on 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 as they perform an evaluation to rule out other conditions out that may share similar symptoms as ADHD. They should also discuss treatment options with you. This should include a treatment program that includes a medication regimen diet and exercise program psychotherapy, education strategies, and parent training and education programs. Consult your pediatrician about behavioral therapy or other non-medical ways of managing ADHD. If they're not then it is crucial to seek out a medical professional who is knowledgeable about these options. For children, a diagnosis of ADHD is typically made by a pediatrician or family doctor with a particular interest in the disorder. A child must show at least six of nine symptoms, including hyperactivity or inattention in more than one situation to the extent that they hinder normal functioning. For adults and teens who are older it is common for clinicians to alter the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. This criteria is usually less stringent, because it's not uncommon for symptoms to persist into adulthood. They will go over the child's medical history and mental illness, and then interview the child, and any other caregivers. They will also gather information regarding the child's education, his social environment and upbringing. 5. Speak with a Child Psychotherapist There is an increasing interest in psychotherapy treatment as the national conversation about mental health expands to include more subjects. Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of ailments including ADHD. It's important that you choose a child psychologist that has experience with ADHD and has treated it. http://nutris.net/members/jeanszipper7/activity/1781560/ can request a referral from your doctor referral or search online or in directories of psychologists. You should be comfortable 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, at home, and social situations. Symptoms of ADHD differ from normal behavior, and can cause serious problems at school, relationships, at work and in daily life. They can cause academic difficulties, low self-esteem and anger with others. They can also cause friction between parents and children, or spouses and create stress in the home. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications. If your child is currently being treated by a therapist and still has symptoms of ADHD then you might want to consider having them see a psychiatrist. The objective is to address emotional and behavioral issues that are causing them difficulties at the classroom, at home and in their relationships with their family and friends. A combination of therapy, education and education for parents, school assistance, and medication is the most effective treatment. While a lot of people think of medication as a cure for ADHD, it can be used for a variety of conditions. It is not a panacea for ADHD, and shouldn't be the only treatment option.