ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also go over your medical history.
They will also look at the way you feel in various situations, including at school, home and in social situations. They will also determine how long you've been experiencing these symptoms.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD discuss the possibility with their doctor. You and your child's teachers can fill out questionnaires to determine signs. They can also request that they take a few tests. They can also do physical exams, 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 theta and beta brain waves which are typically more frequent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a sign that the symptoms have been present since before the age of 12 for the child. It must cause significant impairment in two main settings, such as work and school. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults doctors follow mental health guidelines that provide specific information 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, and parents might overlook some of the most typical symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People with ADHD are also prone to problems with relationships and self-esteem, which can lead to depression. They often have trouble getting adequate sleep. a lack of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and use drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The disorder could cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies because of the impulse-control issues. It is crucial that children receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and lead a happier, more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult your doctor if someone in your family is suffering from difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing their life, has trouble paying attention at school, has trouble following instructions at work, or has other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, can help make a diagnosis. Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extended interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health care provider will examine the person's medical, mental, and family history in order to determine if there are any other conditions that could be causing symptoms. For instance, 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 issues, such as mood disorders and anxiety 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the doctor will ask about the person's life at home and at school, including the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The clinician may also ask to speak to other people who are part of the person's everyday life, such as coaches and teachers. They may request that the patient bring a journal.
The person diagnose adhd being assessed should be willing and able to openly talk about their thoughts with the assessor. They shouldn't be afraid to be criticised or judged. This will enhance the quality of the assessment and increase the probability that the diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for your child or you. It will help you understand that it's not just laziness or a lack of intelligence standing in the way of success, and also provides ways to deal with your symptoms. However, the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses, such as chronic headaches or sleep disorder, may produce symptoms similar to ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the person and their family. They will go over the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's experience at school and how their family members interact with one other. They will also employ standardized rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also perform psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people with ADHD discover that exercising and diet help reduce their symptoms. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also adhere to an appropriate diet, plan their meals and keep healthy snacks on hand so that they don't have to miss meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your physician or therapist or from other professionals you trust, such as a teacher. You can also ask the local hospital or medical school for the names of qualified specialists or call your insurance provider to obtain an overview of the specialists who are certified to evaluate adults. It is crucial to find a specialist with experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help those with the disorder manage their symptoms, and also improve their functioning at work, school, home and in social settings. However, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger a number of side effects, including trouble sleeping, appetite changes, and weight loss. They should not be taken together with other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart-related conditions. Health professionals recommend that children and adolescents receive a complete physical exam, including eye and hearing tests prior to starting medication. Health professionals should speak with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about the history of their family as well as lifestyle habits and previous medical problems.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms persist and substantially affect the person's ability to function 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, 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. People suffering from learning disorders typically exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. An individual suffering from anxiety disorder could be mistakenly diagnosed. The doctor will also determine if the patient has any medical conditions such as thyroid issues, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician may suggest a battery tests, such an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He may also suggest a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, including the complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to professionals who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine the need for medication by discussing how symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also explain alternatives to treatment, such as behavior therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are readily available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can help manage various mental health issues, such as ADHD. Session take place via video or audio chat, and are completely confidential.
It is important that you feel at ease and confident with the online counselor. Ask about their training and experience with adults with ADHD, and make sure they can answer your questions in depth. If they are unable to do so, this could indicate that they're not competent or able to work as a professional with adults with ADHD.
It can be challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis but it's an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking charge of your life. It can help you understand that the difficulties you have in focusing and organization aren't a sign of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs and healthy lifestyles.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to manage ADHD and other conditions.