ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you may have.
They will also look at how you feel in different situations, like at school, home and in social situations. They will also determine how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your child's physician should you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. They can check for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to fill out questionnaires and request them to take certain tests. They can also conduct a physical exam, including hearing and eye tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves which are typically more prominent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must be present before the child reached the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two key environments, such as school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines utilized by doctors when diagnosing adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration and the degree of impairment they cause.
Parents may not notice some of the more common ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships which can lead to depression. They often have trouble getting adequate sleep. sleeping insufficiently can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and use drugs, which could be detrimental to their health. The disorder could cause financial problems or even bankruptcies due the impulse-control issues. It is crucial for children to be diagnosed properly to help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have been struggling to organize or has trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty adhering to instructions at work, experience social issues, or other issues that could be caused by ADHD It is crucial to see a doctor to get an evaluation. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist could help diagnose ADHD. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will look over the patient's medical and mental health history as well as their family history to look for other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases, head injuries and certain drugs can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Other mental health disorders like mood disorders and anxiety, 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. In addition to a complete physical examination, the clinician will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, such as the frequency with which they miss classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician might also speak with 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 able to share their feelings freely with the examiner and not hold back information out of fear that they will be criticised or criticized. This will enhance the quality of the assessment and increase the chances that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for your child or yourself. It will help you understand that it's not laziness or lack of intelligence hindering your success, and also provides steps to take to control your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. Other illnesses such as chronic headaches or sleep disorders can trigger symptoms that appear like ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the person and their family. They will review the person's past from birth to childhood, ask about the person's education and how family members interact with one other. They will also use ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that diet and exercise can help reduce their symptoms. They should avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They should also eat an appropriate diet and make sure to schedule meals and keep healthy snacks in their fridge so that they don't miss meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your physician or therapist or other trusted professionals like teachers. You can also reach out to an institution affiliated with a university or medical school to get the names of qualified specialists or contact your insurance company to find an overview of the specialists who are certified to evaluate adults. It is essential to find a doctor who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help those who suffer from the disorder to manage their symptoms, as well as enhance their performance at work, school at home, and in social settings. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also cause negative side effects like difficulties sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other drugs, including those for depression or high blood pressure and heart conditions. Before starting a medication, health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo a full physical examination, which includes hearing and eye tests. adhd diagnose should speak with patients about the benefits and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about family history and lifestyle habits as well as previous medical problems.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must carefully examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist or substantially affect the person's ability to function in more than one setting. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The doctor will look at the symptoms to determine their severity and also to rule out other conditions that could be responsible for them. People with learning disorders often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. A person with anxiety disorder may be misdiagnosed. The clinician will also determine if the patient has any medical issues like thyroid disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, such as an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical examination and laboratory tests, which could include a 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 assist you in determining the need for medication by discussing how symptoms impact the daily lives of your child or you. They can also explain other options for treatment such as therapy for behavior.
If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who are specialists in telemedicine are available. Amwell, for example connects patients with licensed specialists who can address a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio and video chat, and are confidential and secure.
It is important to feel comfortable and confident in your online counselor. Ask them about their experience and training for adults with ADHD. Be sure that they can answer your questions in detail. If they are hesitant to do so this could be an indicator that they are unqualified or are not willing to work with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult but it's an essential step in managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It can help you understand that the difficulties you have with focus and organization aren't the result of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also a relief to know that you're not alone. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and healthy lifestyles.
It is common for people with ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can teach you how to manage ADHD and other conditions.