ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if you suspect you have ADHD. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also review your medical background.
They will assess how your symptoms impact you in different settings, such as school, at home and social situations. They will also look at the length of time you've had these symptoms.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD Talk to their doctor. They can look for signs by asking you and your teachers to fill out a questionnaire and may ask them to do some tests. They can also conduct physical exams, including eye and hearing tests. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a non-invasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves which are more prevalent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must be present before the child reaches the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two crucial environments, such as school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults doctors follow mental health guidelines that provide a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration as well as the degree of impairment.
Children often struggle to tell the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, which is why parents might not be aware of the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. Stress mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could cause depression. They often have trouble getting good quality sleep, and a lack of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They tend to drink more and use drugs, which could have serious consequences for their health. The disorder could cause financial problems or even bankruptcies due to the insanity. It's crucial that kids get a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and live more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult a doctor if you or someone in your family is suffering from issues with social interaction, is having trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention in school, struggles to follow instructions at work, or has other signs that may be due to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, can assist in determining an assessment. Some primary care providers are also trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will examine the person's mental, medical and family history to determine if there are any other factors that could be contributing to symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, head injuries and certain medications can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health problems like anxiety and mood disorders, 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 clinician will also inquire about the person's family and school life, such as how frequently they miss class or fail to complete their homework. The clinician will also ask to speak with other people who are involved in the person's daily life, such as teachers and coaches. They might request that the patient bring a journal.
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 accused of being criticized or judged. This will increase the accuracy of the assessment and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for your child or you. It will help you realize 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. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other conditions like chronic headaches or sleep disorders can cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the patient and their family. They will inquire about the child's life, their schooling and how their family interacts. They will also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standard rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that evaluate executive function, visual and spatial abilities (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They should also adhere to healthy food and ensure they plan meals at the right times and have healthy snacks more info on hand to ensure they don't have to skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or other professionals you trust for recommendations. Teachers are an excellent example. You can also reach out to a local university-based hospital or medical school for a list of qualified specialists or call your insurance provider to get an overview of the specialists who are licensed to evaluate adults. It's important to choose a doctor who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has experience diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help those who suffer from the disorder to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at school, work, home and in social situations. The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also have adverse effects, such as difficulties sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used together with other medications, like those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart problems. Before starting a medication health professionals suggest that adolescents and children undergo a full physical examination, which includes eye and hearing tests. Health professionals should speak with patients about the advantages and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask questions about the history of their family, lifestyle, and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
In order to make a diagnosis, a clinician must carefully examine the patient to see whether the symptoms are persistent and substantially affect the person's ability to function in a variety of settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine the severity and also to rule out any other disorders that could trigger them. People suffering from learning disorders often exhibit symptoms resembling those of ADHD. An individual suffering from anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed. The clinician will also examine whether the patient suffers from any medical conditions such as thyroid issues, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest battery test, like a cognitive test or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. He could also suggest a full medical evaluation, and lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your family physician. They can refer you to experts who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's everyday life and help you decide if medication is necessary. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment, such as behavior therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, you can seek out online specialists in the field of telemedicine. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing various mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video and audio chats, and are confidential and secure.
When selecting a counselor online it is crucial to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Ask them about their experience and training with adults with ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they don't do so, this could be a sign they're not competent or able to work as a professional with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis however it is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking charge of your life. It can help you realize that your struggles with focus and organization aren't the result of laziness. It's also reassuring to know that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
It is common for people with ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help learn how your ADHD and other conditions interact and can help you learn how to deal with them.