ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD, you should consult a specialist. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you have.
They will also look at how you feel in various situations, such as at home, school and in social settings. They will also determine how long you have had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you think your child might have ADHD Talk to your doctor. They can check for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to complete an assessment form and ask them to do some tests. They can also conduct a physical examination, including tests for the ear and eyes. They can also use FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that measures theta- and beta-waves, which are higher in children suffering from ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs have been present since before the child reached the age of 12. It must cause significant impairment in two primary situations, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults, doctors use mental health guidelines that provide an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration, as well as the level of impairment.
Children often struggle to tell the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, so parents might overlook some of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Stress and mental health issues and physical illnesses can also cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which can cause depression. They often struggle to get good quality sleep, and sleeping insufficiently can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and use drugs, which are harmful to their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is essential that children receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and live more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult your doctor if someone in your family is suffering from issues with social interaction, is having trouble organizing their life, has trouble paying attention at school, struggles to follow instructions at work or other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist could help diagnose ADHD. Some primary care professionals are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health professional will examine the patient's medical and mental history as well as family history to determine other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. For example certain medical conditions such as thyroid diseases or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems such as 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. The doctor will also inquire about the person's family and school activities, including how frequently they miss class or fail to complete their homework. The doctor will also request to speak with other people who are part of the person's everyday life, including coaches and teachers. They might also request that the person bring journals.
The person being assessed should be able and willing to openly talk about their feelings with the examiner. They should not be afraid of being judged or criticized. This can improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the chances that a diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child is suffering from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a relief. It will help you understand that it's not a lack of effort or lack of intelligence that is preventing your success. It also gives you ways to deal with your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Other conditions, like chronic headaches or sleep disorder, could be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will examine the patient and their family members thoroughly to determine ADHD. They will inquire about the person's childhood and their schooling, as well as how the family interacts. They will also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standard rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that evaluate executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to spatial space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD find that exercising and diet help reduce their symptoms. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also adhere to healthy food and make sure to schedule meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't have to skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or other professionals you are comfortable with for suggestions. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also reach out to a local university-based hospital or medical school for the names of qualified specialists or call your insurance company to obtain the list of specialists who are licensed to evaluate adults. It's important to find a specialist who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has experience in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder better manage their symptoms, and also improve their functioning at school, work as well as in social settings. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger negative side effects like difficulties sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure, and heart conditions. Before starting medication doctors recommend that children and adolescents undergo a complete physical examination, including hearing and eye tests. Health care professionals should discuss with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle, and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
The clinician must closely examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms are ongoing, and if they affect the person's ability in more than one environment. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine the severity and rule out other disorders that might cause them. For instance, people who suffer from a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and someone with an anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The physician will also consider whether the person has an illness like a thyroid disorder, that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
adhd diagnosing may suggest a series of tests, such as cognitive testing or brain imaging to determine how symptoms affect the person. He might also suggest an entire medical assessment and laboratory tests, including an entire blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your family doctor. They may refer you to specialists who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms impact the daily lives of your child or you. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.
If your family doctor is unable conduct a detailed evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are readily available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can assist in managing various mental health issues, including ADHD. Session take place via video or audio chat, and are confidential.
When choosing an online counselor it is crucial to feel at ease and trust with them. Find out about their education and experience working with adults with ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in depth. If they are hesitant to share their knowledge this could be a sign that they're not qualified or are not willing to work with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult, but it's a vital step towards controlling your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It can help you understand that your difficulties with organization and focus aren't the result of inability to focus. It's also reassuring to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and a healthy lifestyle.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to deal with ADHD and other conditions.