ADHD Diagnosis
See a doctor if you suspect you have ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you have.
They will determine the impact of your symptoms in various environments, such as at school, at home and social situations. They will also consider how long you have had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you think your child may have ADHD, talk to your doctor. Your child's teacher and you can fill out an assessment questionnaire to look for signs. They could also request that they take a few tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, such as tests for the ear and eyes. They can also use FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a non-invasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves that are more prominent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reaches the age of 12. It should cause significant impairment in two primary situations, such as work and school. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults doctors employ mental health guidelines that provide a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration, as well as the degree of impairment.
Children often struggle to discern the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, so parents might overlook some of the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. Stress and mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People with ADHD can also have problems with self-esteem and relationships which can lead to depression. They often have trouble getting sufficient sleep, and a lack of sleep can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and take drugs, which could result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is crucial that children receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and lead an enjoyable, productive life.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to talk with your doctor if someone in your family suffers from social problems, has trouble organizing their life, has trouble paying attention at school, has trouble following instructions at work or any other signs that may be due to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, can help make the diagnosis. Some primary care professionals have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will look over the patient's medical and mental health history as well as their family history to determine other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. For instance certain medical conditions like thyroid disease, head injuries, and some drugs can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems, such as anxiety and mood disorders, 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. The clinician will also inquire about the person's home and school life, such as how frequently they miss class or fail to complete their homework. The clinician will also ask to speak with other people involved in the person's daily life, including teachers and coaches. They might request that the patient bring journals.
The person being evaluated should be able and willing to openly talk about their feelings with the assessor. They shouldn't be scared of being criticised or judged. This will increase the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis will be precise.
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 provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed up with treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other conditions, like a chronic headache or sleep disorder, may be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the person and their family. They will go over the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's education and how family members interact with one and with each. They will also utilize the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should stay clear of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also maintain a healthy diet, set a schedule for meals and have healthy snacks available so they don't miss 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's licensed to evaluate adults, or visit a local medical hospital or school. It is crucial to find a specialist with 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, as well as improve their performance at school, work, home and in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also cause side effects such as problems sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used in conjunction with other medications like those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. Before beginning treatment health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo a complete physical examination that includes hearing and eye tests. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their healthcare providers. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle, and medical history.
The physician must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent, and if they affect the person's ability in multiple environments. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The doctor will look at the symptoms in order to determine their severity and to rule out any other conditions that may be the cause. People with learning disorders typically exhibit symptoms resembling those of ADHD. An individual with anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed. The doctor will also determine if the patient has any medical issues like thyroid disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The physician may suggest a series of tests, like cognitive testing or brain imaging, to assess how the symptoms affect the person. He might also suggest a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, which could include a complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They can recommend specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's daily life and help you decide if medication is necessary. They can also explain alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via audio and video chat, and are confidential and secure.
When choosing an online counseling specialist it is crucial to feel at ease and trust with them. Ask them about their experience and training with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure they can answer your questions with precision. If they don't do so, this could indicate that they're not able or willing to work as a professional with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, but it is an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking charge of your own life. It will help you realize that your issues in focusing and organization aren't due to lazyness. It's also reassuring to know that you're not alone. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
People with ADHD are more likely to website be suffering from other psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to learn how your ADHD and other disorders interact and assist you in learning how to deal with them.