ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD, you should consult a specialist. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also go over any medical history you have.
They will also consider the way you feel in various situations, including at home, school and in social situations. They will also check the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for.
Symptoms
Talk to your child's doctor should you suspect that he or she may have ADHD. Your child's teacher and you can complete questionnaires to determine signs. They can also request that they take a few tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, such as eye and ear tests. They can also make use of the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves that are more frequent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present prior to the child reaching the age of 12. It should cause significant impairment in two primary environments, like school and work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines that are used by doctors when diagnosing adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration and the level of impairment they cause.
Children often struggle to discern the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, so parents may overlook some of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Stress and mental health issues and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could cause depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and take drugs, which are harmful to their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's important for kids to get a proper diagnosis, because it can assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have struggled to stay organized, have trouble paying attention in class, have trouble adhering to instructions at work, experience social issues, or other issues that could be due to ADHD it is essential to see a doctor for an assessment. A mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist could help identify ADHD. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and 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. For instance certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health problems such as 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. The clinician will also inquire about the person's home and school life, including the frequency they skip classes or fail to complete their homework. The doctor may also want to talk to other people in the patient's life, including coaches and teachers and may also request that the person bring journals.
The person who is being evaluated should be able to share their feelings freely with the examiner and not hold back information out of fear of being criticised or criticized. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for you or your child. 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 provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed-up with treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches can trigger symptoms that appear like ADHD.
A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the patient and their family members thoroughly to determine ADHD. They will look over the person's life history back to childhood, ask about the person's school experience and how their family members interact with each with each. They will also employ standard rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD find that diet and exercise can reduce the symptoms. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also follow healthy food and make sure to schedule meals and keep healthy snacks in their fridge so that they don't have to skip meals.
Ask how to get diagnosed with adhd , doctor or any other professional you are comfortable with for recommendations. Teachers are an excellent example. You can also contact the local hospital or medical school to get the names of qualified specialists or call your insurance company to find a list of those who are certified to evaluate adults. It is essential to find a specialist with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
Treatments for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve their performance at home, school, work, and in social situations. However, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD may also cause several adverse effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, 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. Before starting a medication doctors recommend that adolescents and children undergo a thorough physical examination, which includes eye and hearing tests. Health care professionals should discuss with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask about the history of their family, lifestyle habits, and previous medical problems.
To establish a diagnosis, the clinician must closely examine the patient to determine if the symptoms persist or significantly affect the person's functioning in multiple settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic manual published 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 to 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 may be incorrectly diagnosed. The clinician will also consider whether the patient suffers from a medical condition like a thyroid disorder, that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician may suggest a battery test, like a cognitive test or brain imaging test to determine the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical evaluation as well as lab tests like a comprehensive blood test 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 trained in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or you. They can also explain alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.
If your family physician is unable conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine can be found. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat and are private.
When selecting an online counselor, it is important to feel secure and confident with them. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience with adults with ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they refuse to do so, this could be a sign they're not able or willing to be a professional working with adults with ADHD.
It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but it is an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking charge of your life. It will help you realize that your struggles with organization and focus are not a result of lazyness. It's also comforting to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to cope with ADHD and other disorders.