ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should consult a specialist. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also look over your medical history.
They will also look at how you feel in various situations, including at school, at home and in social settings. They will also determine the length of time you've had these symptoms.
Symptoms
Speak to your child's doctor should you suspect that you suspect that your child has ADHD. They can check for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out questionnaires, and they might ask them to do certain tests. They can also perform physical examinations, including eye and ear tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves that are more frequent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms have been present since before the child reached the age of 12. It should cause significant impairment in two key settings, such as at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults doctors follow mental health guidelines that provide an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration as and the degree of impairment.
Kids often have trouble telling the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, and parents may overlook some of the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. Stress, mental health issues, and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which can lead them to depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and use drugs, which could be harmful to their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies due to the insanity. It's crucial that kids get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
It is essential to speak with your doctor if someone in your family is suffering from social problems, has trouble organizing, has trouble paying attention in school, struggles with following instructions at work or other signs that may be due to ADHD. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist could help diagnose ADHD. Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will examine the patient's medical and mental history as well as family history to determine other conditions that could be causing the symptoms. For instance, 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 disorders, such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders are also a possibility with ADHD and create 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. Along with a thorough physical examination, the clinician will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, focusing on the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The doctor will also request to talk to any other individuals who are part of the person's everyday life, such as coaches and teachers. They might also request that the person bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be able to share their feelings with the examiner and not keep back information out of fear that they will be criticized or judged. This can improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
If you or your child has ADHD being diagnosed is a relief. It can help you realize that it's not laziness or a lack of intelligence hindering your success and it gives you steps to take to control your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed up with treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD often suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches can cause symptoms that look like 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 inquire about the child's life as well as their education and how their family interacts. They will also employ ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to space), and reasoning abilities.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for many people with ADHD. They should stay away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also eat an appropriate diet and plan their meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't have to skip meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist or other professionals you trust like an educator. You can also call your insurance company to find out who's certified to assess adults, or call a local medical hospital or school. It's important to find a specialist 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 work, school, home and in social situations. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger adverse effects, such as difficulties sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used with certain other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. Before starting medication doctors recommend that adolescents and children undergo a thorough physical examination, including eye and hearing tests. Patients should be educated about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle, and medical history.
In order to make a diagnosis, the clinician must examine the person closely to see whether the symptoms are persistent and significantly affect the person's functioning in multiple settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The physician will look over the symptoms to determine the severity and rule out other disorders that could trigger them. People with learning disorders typically exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. A person with anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed. The physician will also determine if the person has any medical issues such as thyroid issues that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The physician may suggest a series of tests, including brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how symptoms affect the person. The doctor may also recommend an entire medical assessment and lab tests, such as an entire blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family physician. They can refer you to professionals who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's daily routine, and help you determine if medication is read more necessary. They can also provide other options for treatment for example, therapy for behavior.
If your family physician cannot conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are available. Amwell, for example connects patients with licensed specialists who can address a variety of mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions take place via video and audio chats and are private and secure.
When choosing an online counseling specialist, it is important to feel secure and confident with them. Ask about their training and experience working with adults with ADHD and ensure that they can answer your questions in depth. If they're not willing to answer your questions it could be a sign that they are not qualified or uninterested in working with adults suffering from ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge, but it's a vital step toward controlling your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It can help you understand that your issues with focus and organization aren't the result of inability to focus. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you understand how your ADHD and other conditions interact and assist you in learning to cope with them.