ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, you should consult a specialist. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review your medical background.
They will assess the impact of your symptoms in different environments, such as at school, at home and social settings. They will also determine how long you've had these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your child's physician If you think you suspect that your child has ADHD. They can look for signs by asking you and their teachers to fill out an assessment form and ask them to perform some tests. They can also conduct a physical exam, including eye and hearing tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves which are typically more prominent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. It must 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 used by doctors to diagnose adults contain a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration, and the level of impairment they cause.
Parents might not be aware of the more common ADHD symptoms due to children's difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People with ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which can lead them to depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and take drugs, which can be detrimental to their health. The disorder could cause financial issues or even bankruptcies due to the insanity. It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly as it will help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have been struggling to get organized, have trouble paying attention in class, have difficulty following instructions at work, suffer from social problems, or have other issues that could be due to ADHD It is crucial to see a doctor to get an assessment. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help make a diagnosis. Certain primary care providers have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will examine the person's medical, mental and family history to determine if there are other issues that may be causing symptoms. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and head injuries as well as some medications can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Other mental health issues like anxiety disorders and mood disorders can also be a result of ADHD and cause 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. In addition to a thorough physical exam, the doctor will ask about the person's life at home and at school, including the frequency with which they miss classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may want to discuss other people in the patient's life, such as teachers and coaches, and may request that the patient bring an account of their lives.
The person being evaluated must be able and willing to openly talk about their opinions with the assessor. They should not be scared of being critiqued or criticized. This will enhance the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for you or your child. It can help you understand that it's not just laziness, or a lack in intelligence that is hindering your progress. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed-up by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other diseases, like a persistent headache or sleep disorder, can produce symptoms similar to ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the person and their family. They will go over the person's past from birth to childhood, ask about the person's education and how family members interact with one and with each. They will also use the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to evaluate executive function, visual and spatial skills (related to spatial space), and reasoning abilities.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for many people with ADHD. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also maintain an appropriate diet, plan their meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you trust for recommendations. A teacher is a good example. You can also contact a local university-based hospital or medical school for a list of qualified specialists or call your insurance provider to find an overview of the specialists who are licensed to evaluate adults. It is essential 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 people with the disorder manage their symptoms and improve functioning at school, at home or at work, as well as in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also cause negative side effects like problems sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be taken alongside other medications such as those for depression or high blood pressure and heart problems. Before starting a medication health professionals suggest that adolescents and children undergo a full physical examination, including eye and hearing tests. Health professionals should speak 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 physician 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 environment. 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 ADHD/ADD.
The clinician will examine the symptoms in order to determine their severity, and to rule out other disorders that could be responsible for them. People with a learning disorder often show symptoms resembling those of ADHD. A person with anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed. The clinician will also determine if the patient suffers from any medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders which could resemble 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. He may also suggest an entire medical examination, along with tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you think that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to professionals who are certified in ADHD screening. more.. can also help you determine whether medication is required by discussing how symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or you. They can also provide alternative options for treatment, like therapy for behavior.
If your family physician cannot conduct an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms, you can seek out online counselors who specialize in Telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can help manage various mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted via audio and video chat and are private and secure.
When choosing an online counseling specialist it is crucial to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience working with adults with ADHD, and make sure they can answer your questions in depth. If they're not willing to share their knowledge this could be a sign that they're not qualified or uninterested in working with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult, but it's a vital step towards managing your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It will help you realize that your issues in focusing and organization are not a result of lazyness. It's also reassuring to know 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 suffering from ADHD to suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you comprehend how your ADHD and other disorders interact, and help you learn how to deal with them.