ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if you suspect you have ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over your medical background.
They will determine the impact of your symptoms in different situations, including at home, school and social situations. They will also consider how long you've been experiencing these symptoms.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD Talk to your doctor. You and your child's teachers can fill out questionnaires to determine symptoms. They could also request that they take a few tests. They can also conduct physical exams, including hearing and eye tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a noninvasive scanner that measures theta- and beta-waves which are more prevalent in children who suffer from ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs were present prior to the time the child reached the age of 12. It must cause significant impairment in two major settings, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines utilized by doctors in diagnosing adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration and the level of impairment they cause.
Parents may not notice some of the more frequent ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People with ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could lead them to depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to drink and use drugs, which can have serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly to help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is essential to speak with your doctor if someone in your family has social problems, has trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention at school, struggles with following instructions at work or other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help make an assessment. Some primary care professionals have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history in order to determine if there are other factors that could be contributing to symptoms. For instance certain medical conditions such as thyroid diseases, head injuries, and some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health problems like mood disorders and anxiety may also be present 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 thorough 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 doctor will also request to speak with other people who are involved in the person's daily life, such as coaches and teachers. They may also ask the person to bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be able to share their feelings openly with the examiner and not keep the information from fear that they will be criticized or judged. This will enhance the accuracy of the assessment and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
If you or your child is suffering from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a relief. It will help you realize that it's not inattention, or a deficit in intelligence that is hindering your progress. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to get more info be followed up with treatment. Adults with ADHD frequently have other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. Other diseases, such as chronic headaches or sleep disorders can trigger symptoms that appear similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the patient and their family members thoroughly to determine ADHD. They will look over the person's history going back to childhood, inquire about the person's education and how their family members interact with one other. They will also utilize the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, visual and spatial abilities (related to spatial space), and reasoning abilities.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also adhere to an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks readily available to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you trust for recommendations. Teachers are a good example. You can also call your insurance company to find out who is certified to evaluate adults, or call an area medical school or hospital. It is crucial to find a doctor with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve functioning at school, at home, work, and in social settings. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also have adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be taken together with other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart problems. Health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo an extensive physical exam, including eye and hearing tests, before beginning medication. Patients should be educated about the risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle habits, and prior medical problems.
To establish a diagnosis, a clinician must examine the person closely to see whether the symptoms are persistent and significantly impact the person's performance in multiple settings. 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 clinician will review the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other disorders that might cause them. People who suffer from a learning disorder often show ADHD-like symptoms. An individual with anxiety disorder may be misdiagnosed. The physician will also examine whether the patient has any medical issues, such as thyroid disorders which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician might suggest a variety of tests, including brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how symptoms affect the person. He could also suggest an entire medical examination, and lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your family doctor. They can provide referrals to specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how the symptoms impact your or your child's daily routine, and help you determine if medication is necessary. They can also explain alternatives to treatment, such as behavior therapy.
If your family physician is unable conduct a detailed evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are readily available. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed specialists who can address a range of mental health issues including ADHD. Session take place via audio or video chat and are confidential.
When selecting an online counselor, it is important to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience working with adults with ADHD and ensure that they are able to answer your questions in depth. 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, but it's a vital step towards managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It can help you understand 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 the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, jobs and lives.
It is not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to suffer from other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you comprehend how your ADHD and other conditions interact, and help you learn how to deal with them.