ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review any medical history you have.
They will determine how your symptoms impact you in various settings, such as home, school and social situations. They will also assess how long you've had these symptoms.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD, talk to their doctor. They can check for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to fill out questionnaires, and they might ask them to perform some tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, including eye and ear tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves that are more frequent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present prior to the child reaching the age of 12. It should cause significant impairment in two important situations, like at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD, doctors use psychiatric guidelines that include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration, as well as the degree of impairment.
Kids often have trouble telling the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, and parents might overlook some of the most typical symptoms of ADHD. Stress and mental health issues and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem, which can lead to depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to drink and take drugs, which could have serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It is essential for children to receive a correct diagnosis as it will assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been struggling to organize, have trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty adhering to instructions at work, have social issues, or other issues that could be caused by ADHD, it is important to consult a doctor to get an evaluation. A mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical, mental and family history to identify other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. For example certain medical conditions such as thyroid diseases and head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health issues such as anxiety and mood disorders, can also be associated with ADHD.
A person with ADHD can have either primarily inattention symptoms or primarily hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, or both, but the symptoms must be present before age 12 and must continue for at least 6 months. The clinician will also inquire about the person’s home and school life, such as how often they are absent from school or fail to finish their homework. The clinician may also ask to speak to other people who are involved in the person's daily life, including teachers and coaches. They might also request that the person bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be able to share their feelings freely with the examiner and not hold back information out of fear of being accused of being criticized or judged. This will increase the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD being diagnosed is a great relief. It will more info help you understand that it's not laziness or a lack of intelligence standing in the way of success and it gives you steps to take to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Other diseases, such as chronic headaches or sleep disorders may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the individual and their family. They will look over the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's education and how family members interact with one and with each. They will also employ standardized rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests that evaluate executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to spatial space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that exercise and diet can reduce the symptoms. They should avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They should also adhere to an appropriate diet and plan their meals at the right times and have healthy snacks on hand so they don't skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you are comfortable with for recommendations. A teacher is a good example. You can also reach out to a local university-based hospital or medical school to get a list of qualified specialists or call your insurance company to obtain a list of those who are licensed to evaluate adults. It is crucial to find a doctor who has experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at school, at home or at work, as well as in social settings. However, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD may also cause a number of side effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be taken with certain other drugs such as those for depression and high blood pressure and heart problems. Before starting a medication health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo a full physical examination that includes hearing and eye tests. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle, and previous medical issues.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must carefully examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist and significantly affect the person's functioning in a variety of settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine the severity and also to rule out any other disorders that might cause them. For instance, people with a learning impairment often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the person has an illness such as a thyroid disorder, that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, such as a cognitive test or brain imaging test to determine the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical examination and lab tests, such as an entire blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family doctor. They can refer you to professionals who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine the need for medication by discussing how symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or you. They can also explain alternative options for treatment, like the use of behavioral therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct an in-depth assessment of your symptoms you can search online for counselors who specialize in Telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can assist in managing a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions take place via video and audio chats and are secure and confidential. secure.
It is essential that you feel at ease and confident with your online counselor. Ask them about their experiences and training with adults suffering from ADHD. Be sure that they can answer your questions in detail. If they are hesitant to share their knowledge this could be a sign that they are not qualified or uninterested in working with adults with ADHD.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge however it's an essential step toward managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It can help you understand that the issues you face with organization and focus aren't a sign of inattention or lack of intelligence. It's also reassuring to know that you're not alone. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
It is not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can teach you how to manage ADHD and other disorders.