ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if think you might be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also go over your medical background.
They will assess how your symptoms impact you in various situations, including at home, school and social situations. They will also check the length of time you've experienced these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
If you think your child may have ADHD, talk to their doctor. They can test for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to complete a questionnaire and ask them to perform certain tests. They can also do physical examinations, such as hearing and eye tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a non-invasive scanner that measures theta- and beta-waves which are more prevalent in children suffering from ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs were present prior to the time the age of 12 for the child. It has to cause significant impairment in two key environments, such as school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults doctors employ mental health guidelines that provide an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration, as well as the level of impairment.
Parents may miss some of the more common ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behavior. Stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which may cause depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and take drugs, which can be detrimental to their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is crucial 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 family member have been struggling to organize or has trouble paying attention in class, have trouble adhering to instructions at work, experience issues with social interaction, or other issues that could be due to ADHD, it is important to consult with a physician to get an evaluation. A mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist could help identify ADHD. Certain primary care providers have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will review the person's medical and mental history as well as family history to identify other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases and head injuries as well as some medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health problems like mood disorders and anxiety can also occur 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the doctor will ask about the person's life at home and at school, focusing on the frequency at which the person is absent from classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician will also ask to speak with other people who are part of the person's everyday life, including teachers and coaches. They might request that the patient bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings openly with the examiner and not hold the information from fear that they will be accused of being criticized or judged. This will enhance the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the chance that the diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for your child or yourself. It can help you understand that it is not lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed up by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. Other diseases, like a chronic headache or sleep disorder, may produce symptoms similar to ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the individual and their family. They will inquire about the child's life, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also utilize standardized rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests that examine executive functioning, working memory spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should stay away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also follow an appropriate diet and plan their meal times and keep healthful snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your doctor or therapist or other trusted professionals, such as an educator. You can also contact your insurance company to find out who's certified to evaluate adults, or call a local medical hospital or school. It is essential to find a doctor with experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help people who suffer from the disorder to manage their symptoms and enhance their performance at school, work at home, and in social situations. The stimulant drugs used adult diagnosis of adhd to treat ADHD can also cause side effects such as difficulties sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be used with certain other drugs, including those for depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. Health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo an extensive physical exam including hearing and eye tests, before beginning medication. Patients should be informed of the potential risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask about family history and lifestyle habits as well as previous medical problems.
The doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and if they hinder the person's ability to function in more than one setting. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The physician will look over the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other disorders that might cause them. For instance, people who have a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The physician will also consider whether the patient has an illness like thyroid disease, which might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, such as an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, which could include the complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your family doctor. They may refer you to specialists who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also discuss how symptoms affect your or your child's daily routine, and help you determine if medication is necessary. They can also discuss alternative treatment options, such as behavior therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms you can search online for counselors who specialize in the field of telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can help manage various mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video or audio chat and are private.
It is crucial that you feel at ease and confident with your online counselor. Ask them about their experience and education with adults with ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they are reluctant to share their knowledge this could be a sign that they are unqualified or uninterested in working with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, but it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and taking charge of your own life. It can help you understand that your issues with organization and focus are not a result of lazyness. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not alone. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs and a healthy lifestyle.
It is common for people with ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to understand how your ADHD and other disorders interact and can help you learn to manage them.