ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you may have.
They will determine the impact of your symptoms in various settings, such as school, home, and social situations. They will also determine how long you have had these symptoms.
Symptoms
Consult your child's physician If you think they may be suffering from ADHD. They can look for signs by asking you and your teachers to fill out an assessment form and ask them to do certain tests. They can also do physical examinations, such as eye and hearing tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that measures theta- and beta-waves, which are higher in children suffering from ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms were present prior to the time the child reached age 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two main settings, such as school and 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 level of impairment.
Parents might not be aware of the more frequent ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behavior. Stress mental health issues and physical illnesses can also cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD can also have problems with relationships and self-esteem which can lead to depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and take drugs, which are harmful to their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is crucial for children to receive a correct diagnosis as it will aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is essential to speak with your doctor if someone in your family is suffering from issues with social interaction, is having trouble organizing, has trouble paying attention in school, struggles with following instructions at work, or has other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist can assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care providers are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The evaluation process involves a long interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will look over the patient's medical, mental and family history to look for other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease, head injuries, and certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health disorders like mood disorders and anxiety, can also be a result of ADHD and create problems.
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 family and school activities, including how often they are absent from school or fail to complete their homework. The clinician may also ask to talk to any other individuals involved in the person's daily life, including teachers and coaches. They may also request that the person bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be able and willing to openly discuss their feelings with the examiner. They should not be afraid to be judged or criticized. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the chances that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for your child or you. It can help you realize that it's not a lack of effort or a lack of intelligence hindering your success and it gives you steps to take to manage your symptoms. However, the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the person and their family. They will inquire about the person’s childhood and their schooling, as well as how their family interacts. They will also utilize ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Many people with ADHD find that diet and exercise can help reduce their symptoms. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also follow an appropriate diet and plan their meal times and keep healthful snacks in their fridge so that they don't skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you check here trust for suggestions. Teachers are an excellent example. You can also contact your insurance company to find out who is certified to evaluate adults, or visit the nearest medical school or hospital. It's important to choose a doctor who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Treatments for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, school or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social settings. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also have adverse effects, such as problems sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be used together with other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart-related conditions. Before beginning treatment health professionals suggest that adolescents and children undergo a thorough physical examination, including eye and hearing tests. Health care providers should talk with patients about the advantages and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle habits, and prior medical problems.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly impact the person's performance in multiple settings. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The clinician will review the symptoms to determine their severity and rule out other disorders that could trigger them. People suffering from learning disorders often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. A person with anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the patient has an illness such as a thyroid disorder, that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest a variety of tests, such as cognitive testing or brain imaging to determine how the symptoms are impacting the patient. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical evaluation and tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family physician. They can provide referrals to specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also assist you in determining whether medication is needed by discussing how the symptoms impact the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also discuss other options for treatment, for example, therapy for behavior.
If your family doctor isn't able to conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are readily available. Amwell for instance connects patients to licensed providers who can manage a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video or audio chat and are private.
It is essential that you feel at ease and confident with the online counselor. Ask about their training and experience with adults with ADHD and make sure they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they are unable to do so, this could be a sign they're not competent or able to work as a professional with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD diagnosis but it's a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking charge of your own life. It can help you understand that your struggles in focusing and organization are not a result of inability to focus. It's also comforting to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and healthy lifestyles.
It is normal for people suffering from ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how your ADHD and other disorders interact and can help you learn how to deal with them.