ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if suspect you be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also review your medical history.
They will also consider the way you feel in various situations, including at school, home and in social settings. They will also assess the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for.
Symptoms
Speak to your child's doctor should you suspect that he or she may have ADHD. You and your child's teachers can fill out questionnaires to determine signs. They can also ask them to take some tests. They can also perform physical examinations, including eye and ear tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves which are more prevalent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs were present prior to the time the child reached the age of 12. It must cause significant disability in two key situations, like at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults doctors follow psychiatric guidelines that include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration as and the degree of impairment.
Parents may miss some of the more common ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could cause depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and use drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is crucial for children to be diagnosed properly to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult your doctor if someone in your family suffers from difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing, has trouble paying attention at school, struggles to follow instructions at work or other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, can assist in determining the diagnosis. my response are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include an extensive interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health care provider will look over the patient's medical and mental health history as well as their family history to determine other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause similar symptoms as those associated with 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. The clinician will also ask about the person's home and school life, including the frequency they skip classes or do not finish their homework. The clinician may want to discuss other people in the person's life, like coaches and teachers and may ask that the patient bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be willing and able to discuss their opinions with the assessor. They shouldn't be afraid to be criticised or judged. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child has ADHD, getting a diagnosis can be a source of relief. It can help you realize that it's not laziness or lack of intelligence that is preventing your success. It also gives you steps to take to control your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, including anxiety or depression. Other illnesses such as chronic headaches or sleep disorders can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD.
A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the patient and their family members thoroughly to determine ADHD. They will go over the person's past from birth to childhood, ask about the person's experience at school and how family members interact with each with each. They will also utilize standard rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also take psychological tests to assess executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Many people with ADHD find that diet and exercise can help reduce their symptoms. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also follow a healthy diet, set a schedule for meals and have healthy snacks readily available so they don't miss meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist or from other professionals you trust like a teacher. 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 a list of those who are certified to evaluate adults. It's crucial to find a doctor with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people with the disorder control their symptoms and improve functioning at school, at home, work, and in social situations. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD may also cause a number of side effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used together with other medications, for example, those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. Before starting a medication health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo a complete 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 questions about the history of their family, lifestyle, and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must closely examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly impact the person's performance in a variety of settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an official diagnostic manual released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine their severity and also to rule out any other disorders that could trigger them. People who suffer from learning disorders often exhibit symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. An individual suffering from anxiety disorder may be incorrectly diagnosed. The physician will also consider whether the patient has an illness such as a thyroid disorder, that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician may suggest a battery test, such as a cognitive testing or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an entire medical assessment and laboratory tests, which could include an entire blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can recommend specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also assist you in determining whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.
If your family physician isn't able to conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who are specialists in telemedicine can be found. Amwell, for example connects patients with licensed providers who can manage a variety of mental health issues including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video and audio chats, and are confidential and secure.
It is crucial to feel comfortable and confident with the online counselor. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and ensure that they can answer your questions in depth. If they don't answer your questions, it could be a sign that they're not qualified or unwilling to be a professional in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult, but it's a vital step toward controlling your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It can help you understand that your issues in focusing and organization are not a sign of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also a comfort to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs and healthy lifestyles.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how your ADHD and other disorders interact and can help you learn to manage them.