ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD, you should consult an expert. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review your medical background.
They will also examine how you feel in various situations, such as at school, at home and in social settings. They will also determine how long you have had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
Talk to your child's doctor should you suspect that you suspect that your child has ADHD. You and your child's teachers can complete an assessment questionnaire to look for signs. They could also ask them to take some tests. They could also take physical examinations, such as hearing and eye tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves that are higher in kids with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms have been present since before the age of 12 for the child. It should cause significant impairment in two key environments, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD doctors follow mental health guidelines that provide an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration, as well as the degree of impairment.
Children often struggle to discern the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, and parents may overlook some of the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. Stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.
People with ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could cause depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to drink and use drugs, which can cause serious harm to their health. The disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcies because of the impulse-control issues. It is essential for children to receive a correct diagnosis, because it can aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been struggling to organize, have trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty adhering to instructions at work, suffer from issues with social interaction, or other concerns that could be due to ADHD, it is important to consult a doctor for an assessment. A mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist could assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care professionals are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The evaluation process consists of a long interview and a discussion of the symptoms. The health care provider will look over the patient's medical, mental and family history to look for other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. For example certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems, such as mood disorders and anxiety can also be associated with ADHD.
diagnosis adhd 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 complete physical exam, the clinician will ask about the person's life at home and at school, such as how often the person misses classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may want to talk to other people in the patient's life, including coaches and teachers, and may request that the person bring an account of their lives.
The person being evaluated should be willing and able to openly discuss their opinions with the examiner. They should not be afraid of being critiqued or criticized. This will increase the quality of the assessment and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for your child or you. It will help you realize that it's not just laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that is preventing you from achieving success. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD often have other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. Other conditions like chronic headaches or sleep disorders can cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough exam of the patient and their family. They will review the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's school experience and how family members interact with one and with each. They will also employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also perform psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that exercise and diet can help reduce their symptoms. They should stay clear of smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also maintain an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks readily available to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you are comfortable with for recommendations. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out who's certified to evaluate adults, or visit the nearest medical school or hospital. It is important to find a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has experience diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder better manage their symptoms, as well as enhance their performance at school, work, home and in social situations. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also cause side effects such as problems sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other drugs such as those for depression, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents receive an entire physical examination including hearing and eye tests prior to beginning treatment. Patients should be informed of the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle habits, and previous medical problems.
To establish a diagnosis, a clinician must closely examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist and significantly affect the person's functioning in more than one setting. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The clinician will review the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other disorders that could trigger them. For instance, people who have a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and someone with an anxiety disorder could be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The clinician will also consider whether the person has an illness, such as thyroid disorders, which might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest a series of tests, like brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how symptoms are affecting the individual. He may also suggest a full medical evaluation, as well as lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect you have ADHD, talk to your family doctor. They can refer you to professionals who are skilled in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine whether medication is needed by discussing how the symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also discuss other options for treatment, for example, the use of behavioral therapy.
If your family physician isn't able to provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, you can seek out online specialists in the field of telemedicine. Amwell, for example connects patients with licensed providers who can manage a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat and are confidential.
It is important that you feel at ease and confident with the online counselor. Find out about their education and experience working with adults with ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they are unable to answer your questions, it could be a sign 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 a challenge but it's an essential step towards controlling your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It can help you realize that your issues with organization and focus aren't the result of laziness or low intelligence. It's also a comfort to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs and healthy lifestyles.
It is normal for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to deal with ADHD and other disorders.