ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also go over any medical history you may have.
They will also look at how you feel in different situations, such as at school, at home and in social settings. They will also assess how long you've had these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your child's physician if you suspect that you suspect that your child has ADHD. You and your child's teachers can fill out an assessment questionnaire to look for symptoms. They can also request that they take a few tests. They can also perform a physical examination, including tests for the ear and eyes. They can also make use of the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be higher in kids with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. 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. The psychiatric guidelines that are used by doctors to diagnose adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration and the degree of impairment they cause.
Parents may not notice some of the more common ADHD symptoms due to children's difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. Stress mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could lead them to depression. They often have trouble getting adequate sleep. sleeping insufficiently can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and use drugs, which could be harmful to their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It's crucial that kids get a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and lead a happier, 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 adhering to instructions at work, experience social problems, or have other issues that could be caused by ADHD, it is important to see a doctor for an assessment. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists can help make a diagnosis. Some primary care providers are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The evaluation process consists of a long interview and a discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history to determine if there are other factors that could be contributing to symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders can also be a result of ADHD and lead to 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 home and school activities, including how frequently they miss class or fail to finish their homework. The clinician may want to speak with other people in the patient's life, like coaches and teachers, and may request that the person bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be able to share their feelings openly with the examiner, and not hold back information in fear that they will be criticized or judged. This will increase the accuracy of the assessment and increase the chances that a diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
If you or your child has ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a relief. It will help you understand that it's not just laziness or lack of intelligence hindering your success. It also gives you ways to deal with your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed-up by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other diseases, such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches can trigger symptoms that appear similar to ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the person and their family. They will inquire about the child's life and their schooling, as well as how the family interacts. They will also employ standard rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also perform psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning, visual and spatial (related to space) and more info reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that exercise and diet can aid in reducing their symptoms. They should stay clear of smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also follow an appropriate diet and plan their meals at the right times and have healthy snacks in their fridge so that they don't miss meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or other professionals you are comfortable with for recommendations. Teachers are a good example. You can also reach out to the local hospital or medical school for a list of qualified specialists or contact your insurance company to get an overview of the specialists who are licensed to assess adults. It is important to choose a doctor who is certified by the board in psychology or psychiatry and has experience in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Treatments for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve their performance at school, at home or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social settings. However, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause several adverse effects, including difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be combined together with other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart-related conditions. Health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo an extensive physical exam including hearing and eye tests, before beginning medication. Health care professionals should discuss with patients about the benefits and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about family history as well as lifestyle habits and previous medical problems.
The physician must examine the patient closely to determine whether the symptoms persist, and if they affect the patient's ability to function in multiple environments. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The doctor will look at the symptoms in order to determine the severity of the symptoms, and to rule out other disorders that might be responsible for them. People who suffer from a learning disorder often show symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. An individual with anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed. The physician will also consider whether the person has an illness like a thyroid disorder, that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest a series of tests, including cognitive testing or brain imaging to determine how the symptoms are impacting the patient. He might also suggest an extensive medical examination and laboratory tests, including an entire blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your family doctor. They can recommend professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's daily life and help you decide if medication is necessary. They can also explain other options for treatment like behavioral therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are readily available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed professionals who can assist in managing various mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions take place via video and audio chats and are private and secure.
It is crucial that you feel at ease and confident in your online counselor. Find out about their education and experience with adults with ADHD and ensure that they can answer your questions in depth. If they don't answer, it could be a sign they're not qualified or unwilling to be a professional in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, but it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and taking control of your life. It will help you realize that your struggles with focus and organization are not a result of lazyness. It's also reassuring to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
People with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how your ADHD and other disorders interact and assist you in learning how to deal with them.