ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also review your medical history.
They will check how your symptoms impact you in different settings, such as home, school, and social situations. They will also assess how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD Talk to your doctor. They can check for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to fill out an assessment form and may ask them to do some tests. They can also perform a physical examination, including eye and ear tests. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves that are more prominent in children who suffer from ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reaches the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two main situations, such as work and school. 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 miss some of the more common ADHD symptoms due to children's difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People with ADHD can also have problems with relationships and self-esteem which can lead to depression. They often struggle to get good quality sleep, and a lack of sleep can make 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 impulsiveness of the disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's crucial that kids get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and live more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult a doctor if you or someone in your family is suffering from issues with social interaction, is having trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention at school, struggles with following instructions at work, or has other signs that may be due to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists can help you make an assessment. Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extended interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical, mental and family history to look for other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. For instance certain medical conditions such as thyroid diseases, head injuries, and certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health issues like 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. In addition to a complete 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 classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may also ask to talk to any other individuals who are part of the person's everyday life, such as coaches and teachers. They may request that the patient bring an account book.
The person being evaluated must be able and willing to freely discuss their feelings with the examiner. They shouldn't be afraid to be critiqued or criticized. This will increase the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for you or your child. It can help you understand that it's not just lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence, that is preventing you from achieving success. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Other diseases, like a chronic headache or sleep disorder, could produce symptoms similar to ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the person and their family. They will go over the person's life history back to childhood, and inquire about the person's school experience and how their family members interact with each with each. They will also utilize ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function, visual and spatial abilities (related to spatial space), and reasoning abilities.
Many people with ADHD find that diet and exercise can aid in reducing their symptoms. They should stay clear of smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also eat an appropriate diet and plan their meal times and keep healthful snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or other professionals you are comfortable with for recommendations. Teachers are a good example. You can also reach out to an institution affiliated with a university or medical school for the names of qualified specialists or contact your insurance company to obtain the list of specialists who are certified to evaluate adults. It's crucial to find a doctor who has experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
The use of ADHD medication can help those with the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at work, school, home and in social settings. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger side effects such as difficulties sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used together with other medications, like those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure, and heart conditions. Health professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo an extensive physical exam including hearing and eye tests prior to beginning treatment. Patients should be informed of the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle, and medical history.
The doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms persist, and if they affect the person's ability in more than one environment. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The doctor will look at the symptoms to determine the severity of the symptoms, and to rule out other disorders that may be causing them. People more info suffering from learning disorders typically exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. A person with anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed. The doctor 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 test, such as a cognitive test or brain imaging test to determine the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an entire medical examination, as well as lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Talk to your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They may refer you to specialists who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's everyday life and help you determine whether medication is needed. They can also explain other options for treatment like the use of behavioral therapy.
If your family physician is unable to conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms you can seek out online counselors who specialize in Telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can assist in managing a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Session take place via audio or video chat and are private.
It is essential that you feel comfortable and confident with the online counselor. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience with adults with ADHD, and make sure they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they are hesitant to share their knowledge this could be a sign that they are not qualified or unwilling to work with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult however it's an essential step toward controlling your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It will help you realize that your issues in focusing 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 lives.
It is normal for people suffering from ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to learn how your ADHD and other disorders interact and can help you learn how to deal with them.