ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to an expert. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review your medical history.
They will also look at the way you feel in various situations, including at school, home and in social situations. They will also consider how long you have had these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD discuss the possibility with their doctor. They can test for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to complete questionnaires and ask them to do certain tests. They could also take physical exams, including eye and hearing tests. They can also make use of the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves, which tend to be more frequent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs were present prior to the time the child reached the age of 12. It should cause significant impairment in two important settings, such as at school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults doctors employ mental health guidelines that provide an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration, as and the degree of impairment.
Children often struggle to tell the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, so parents might not be aware of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD are also prone to problems with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and take drugs, which can be harmful to their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It is crucial for children to be diagnosed properly, because it can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have been struggling to get organized or has trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty following directions at work, suffer from issues with social interaction, or other issues that could be related to ADHD It is crucial to consult a doctor to get an evaluation. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists can assist in determining the diagnosis. Certain primary care providers are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include an extensive interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical, mental, and family history to determine if there are other issues that may be causing symptoms. For example certain medical conditions like thyroid disease, head injuries, and certain medications can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health problems like mood disorders and anxiety 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. The doctor will also inquire about the person's home and school life, such as how frequently they miss class or fail to finish their homework. The doctor will also request to speak to other people involved in the person's daily life, including coaches and teachers. They might request that the patient bring journals.
The person being evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings with the examiner and not hold the information from fear of being criticized or judged. This can improve the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the probability that the diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a relief. It will help you understand that it's not just laziness or insanity that is preventing your success, and also provides ways to deal with your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses, such as a chronic headache or sleep disorder, could produce symptoms similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the person and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will inquire about the child's life as well as their education and how the family interacts. They will also utilize standardized rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to evaluate executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to spatial space), and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD find that exercise and diet can reduce the symptoms. adhd diagnosing ADHD Diagnosis should stay away from the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. They should also follow a healthy diet, set a schedule for meals and have healthy snacks available so that they don't have to miss meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your physician or therapist or from other professionals you trust, such as an educator. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out who is certified to assess adults, or call an area medical institution or hospital. It is essential 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 with the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, school or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social situations. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger negative side effects like difficulties sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be combined in conjunction with other medications for example, those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. Health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo an extensive physical exam, including eye and hearing tests prior to beginning treatment. Patients should be educated about the risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their healthcare providers. They should also ask questions about the history of their family, lifestyle, and medical history.
To make a diagnosis, the clinician must examine the person closely to see whether the symptoms are persistent and 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 clinician will review the symptoms to determine their severity and rule out other disorders that might cause them. People with learning disorders typically exhibit symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. An individual with anxiety disorder could be incorrectly diagnosed. The physician will also consider whether the person has a medical condition like thyroid disease, which may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The physician may suggest a variety of tests, like cognitive testing or brain imaging, to assess how the symptoms affect the person. He could also suggest an entire medical examination, along with tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you might be suffering from ADHD. They can refer you to professionals who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also assist you in determining the need for medication by discussing how symptoms impact the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also provide alternatives to treatment, such as behavior therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who are specialists in telemedicine can be found. Amwell for instance connects patients with licensed professionals who can treat a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat, and are completely confidential.
When choosing an online counselor it is crucial to feel at ease and trust with them. Ask about their training and experience with adults with ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in depth. If they are unable to answer your questions, it could be a sign they're not qualified or unwilling to be a professional working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult, but it's a vital step towards managing your symptoms and taking control of your life. It will help you realize that your issues with organization and focus aren't due to lazyness. It's also comforting to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
It is common for people suffering from ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to deal with ADHD and other conditions.