ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if think you might have ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review any medical history you may have.
They will check the impact of your symptoms in different situations, including at home, school and social situations. They will also determine the length of time you've had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
Talk to your child's doctor if you suspect that you suspect that your child has ADHD. Your child's teacher and you can complete questionnaires to determine symptoms. They can also ask them to take some tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, including eye and ear tests. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves which are typically higher in kids with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms have been present for a long time before the age of 12 for the child. It should cause significant impairment in two crucial settings, such as at school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines used by doctors when diagnosing adults include a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration, and the level of impairment they cause.
Children often struggle to tell the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, which is why parents might overlook some of the most typical symptoms of ADHD. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could lead them to depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and use drugs, which are detrimental 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 has difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing their life, has trouble paying attention in school, struggles with following instructions at work, or has other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, can assist in determining an assessment. adhd diagnostic are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation involves an extended interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health care professional will examine the person's medical, mental and family history in order to determine if there are other issues that may be causing symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases and head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health issues such as 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 doctor will also inquire about the person’s home and school activities, including how often they are absent from school or fail to complete their homework. The clinician may want to speak with other people in the person's life, such as teachers and coaches and may ask that the person bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings with the examiner and not hold back information in fear of being accused of being criticized or judged. This will enhance the quality of the evaluation and increase the chances that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for you or your child. It can help you understand that it's not 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 should be followed-up by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other diseases, such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough exam of the individual and their family. They will ask about the child's life, their schooling and how their family interacts. They will also use standard rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to test executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to spatial space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people with ADHD discover that exercising and diet reduce the symptoms. They should stay away from caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They should also adhere to an appropriate diet and ensure they plan meals at the right times and have healthy snacks on hand so they don't have to skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or other professionals you trust for recommendations. Teachers are a good example. You can also call your insurance provider to find out who is certified to evaluate adults, or call a local medical school or hospital. It is important to find a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has experience in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Treatments for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve functioning at home, school or at work, as well as in social settings. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger negative side effects like difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be used with certain other medications, like those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure, and heart conditions. Before starting a medication, health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo a full physical examination, which includes eye and hearing tests. Health care providers should talk with patients about the benefits and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle, and previous medical issues.
The clinician must examine the patient closely to determine whether the symptoms are ongoing, and if they affect the patient's ability to function in multiple environments. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The clinician will review the symptoms to determine the severity and rule out other conditions that could cause them. For instance, those who have a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder could be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The physician will also determine if the person has any medical issues like thyroid disorders which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest battery tests, such a cognitive test or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an entire medical assessment and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They can provide referrals to professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how the symptoms impact your or your child's everyday life and help you determine if medication is necessary. They can also discuss other options for treatment, like the use of behavioral therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct an exhaustive analysis of your symptoms, you can search online for specialists in Telemedicine. Amwell, for example connects patients with licensed providers who can manage various mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video and audio chats and are private and secure.
It is essential that you feel comfortable and confident in your online counselor. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD, and make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they are unable to do so, this could be a sign they're not able or willing to be a professional working with adults with ADHD.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult, but it's a vital step toward managing your symptoms and taking control of your life. It can help you realize that your issues with organization and focus are not a result of inability to focus. It's also reassuring to know that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, jobs and lives.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can teach you how to cope with ADHD and other disorders.