ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should consult a specialist. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over your medical history.
They will also examine how you feel in different situations, like at home, school and in social settings. They will also look at the length of time you've had these symptoms.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD discuss the possibility with their doctor. They can look for signs by asking you and their teachers to complete a questionnaire and request them to take some tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, such as eye and ear tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a noninvasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves which are more prevalent in children suffering from ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reaches 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 in diagnosing adults include a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration, and the level of impairment they cause.
Parents may not notice some of the more frequent ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behavior. In addition, stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which may cause depression. They are often unable to get good quality sleep, and a lack of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and take drugs, which are detrimental to their health. The disorder could cause financial issues or even bankruptcies because of the impulse-control issues. It is crucial that children receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and live a happier, more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have been struggling to get organized or has trouble paying attention in class, have trouble following instructions at work, suffer from issues with social interaction, or other concerns that could be due to ADHD it is essential to see a doctor for an evaluation. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, can assist in determining a diagnosis. Certain primary care providers are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation involves an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases and head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health disorders such as mood disorders and anxiety, are also a possibility with 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 exam, the clinician will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, including the frequency with which they miss class or fails to finish homework. The clinician may want to discuss other people in the person's life, such as coaches and teachers and may ask that the person bring journals.
The person being website evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings with the examiner and not keep the information from fear that they will be accused of being criticized or judged. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for you or your child. It can help you understand that it's not inattention, or a deficit in intelligence, that's making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. Other illnesses such as chronic headaches or sleep disorders may cause symptoms like ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the individual and their family. They will inquire about the child's life, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also use ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to space), and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that diet and exercise can aid in reducing their symptoms. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also adhere to an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks available to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or other professionals you are comfortable with for suggestions. Teachers are a good example. You can also call your insurance provider to find out who's licensed to evaluate adults or contact the nearest medical institution or hospital. It is crucial to find a specialist with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at school, at home, work, and in social settings. However, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can also trigger several adverse effects, including difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be taken with certain other drugs for depression, such as those used to treat 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. Patients should be informed about the risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask about family history as well as lifestyle habits and prior medical problems.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly impact the person's performance in a variety of 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 ADHD/ADD.
The clinician will review the symptoms to determine their severity and rule out other disorders that might cause them. For example, people who have a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and someone with an anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The physician will also look at whether the person has any medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery tests, such a cognitive testing or brain imaging test to determine the severity of the symptoms. He may also suggest a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, which could include the complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to experts who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also provide other options for treatment for example, behavioral therapy.
If your family doctor is unable conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who are experts in telemedicine can be found. Amwell for instance connects patients to licensed providers who can manage a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via audio or video chat and are confidential.
It is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your online counselor. Ask them about their experiences and training with adults with ADHD. Make sure they can answer your questions thoroughly. If they're not willing to answer your questions it could be a sign that they're not qualified or are not willing to work with adults with ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge however it's an essential step towards managing your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It can help you realize that the difficulties you have with focus and organization are not a sign of inattention or lack of intelligence. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to cope with ADHD and other disorders.