ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if you think you might have ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also review your medical background.
They will also examine the way you feel in various situations, like at school, at home and in social situations. They will also determine how long you have had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
Consult your child's physician if you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. Your child's teacher and you can fill out a questionnaire to check for signs. They can also request that they take a few tests. They can also do physical exams, including hearing and eye tests. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves which are typically higher in kids with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs have been present since before the age of 12 for the child. It must cause significant impairment in two main environments, like school and 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 an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration, as and the degree of impairment.
Kids often have trouble telling the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, so parents may overlook some of the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. Stress mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD can also have problems with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and use drugs, which can cause serious harm to their health. The disorder could cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies due the impulse-control issues. It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly to aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member has been struggling to organize or is having trouble staying focused in class, have trouble adhering to instructions at work, suffer from social issues, or other issues that could be caused by ADHD It is crucial to consult a doctor for an assessment. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist can assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care providers are also trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing symptoms. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and head injuries as well as some medications can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health problems like anxiety and mood disorders, may also be present in conjunction 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. In addition to a complete physical exam, the doctor will inquire about the patient's life at home and at school, including the frequency with which they miss classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may also ask to talk to any other individuals who are part of the person's everyday life, including coaches and teachers. They may request that the patient bring journals.
The person being evaluated should be willing and able to openly talk about their feelings with the assessor. They shouldn't be afraid of being criticised or judged. This will improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the chances that a diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for your child or you. It will help you realize that it is not lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence, that's making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed-up with treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, including anxiety or depression. Other conditions, like a persistent headache or sleep disorder, may cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the person and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will ask about the child's life and their schooling, as well as how their family interacts. They will also employ the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD find that exercising and diet aid in reducing their symptoms. They should stay clear of smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also follow a healthy diet and ensure they plan meals at the right times and have healthy snacks on hand so they don't miss meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your doctor or therapist, or from other reputable professionals like an educator. You can also call your insurance company to find out if they are certified to evaluate adults or contact the nearest medical hospital or school. It is crucial to find a doctor with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder better manage their symptoms, and enhance their performance at school, work as well as in social situations. The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also have adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be combined alongside other medications for depression, such as those used to treat, high blood pressure, and heart issues. Health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo an entire physical examination, including eye and hearing tests prior to starting medication. Health care professionals should discuss with patients about the benefits and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle and medical history.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must examine the person closely to determine if the symptoms persist or substantially affect the person's ability to function in multiple settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an official diagnostic manual released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The physician will assess the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out any other conditions that could be responsible for them. People suffering from learning disorders typically exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. A person with anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the patient suffers from a medical condition, such as thyroid disorders, which may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician might suggest a battery of tests, such as brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how symptoms affect the person. The doctor may also recommend a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, including the complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your family doctor. They may refer you to specialists who are skilled in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine whether medication is required by discussing how symptoms impact the daily lives of your child or you. They can also provide alternative treatment options, such as behavior therapy.
If your family doctor isn't able to provide a detailed analysis of your symptoms, you can seek out online specialists in the field of telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions take place via video and audio chat, and are confidential and secure.
It is essential that you feel comfortable and confident in your online counselor. Find out about their education and experience working with adults with ADHD and ensure that they are able to answer your questions in depth. If they don't answer your questions, it could be a sign they're not competent or able to be a professional working with adults with click here ADHD.
It can be challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, but it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you realize that the issues you face with organization and focus aren't the result of inattention or lack of intelligence. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
It is common for people suffering from ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how your ADHD and other conditions interact and assist you in learning to manage them.