ADHD Diagnosis
See a doctor if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also review your medical history.
They will also look at the way you feel in various situations, including at home, school and in social settings. They will also assess how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you think your child may have ADHD, talk to your doctor. They can look for signs by asking you and your teachers to fill out an assessment form and may request them to take certain tests. They could also take a physical exam, including hearing and eye tests. They can also use FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a noninvasive scanner that measures theta- and beta-waves, which are higher in children who suffer from ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. It must cause significant impairment in two primary situations, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults, doctors use psychiatric guidelines that include an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration as well as the degree of impairment.
Parents may miss some of the more frequent ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behavior. Stress mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol or use drugs, which are detrimental to their health. The disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcies due to the impulse-control issues. It is crucial for children to be diagnosed properly, because it can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to talk with your doctor if someone in your family has issues with social interaction, is having trouble organizing, has trouble paying attention in school, has trouble following instructions at work or any other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists can help you make the diagnosis. Certain primary care providers have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical, mental and family history to identify other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems 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 thorough physical exam, the doctor will ask about the person's life at home and at school, such as how often the person misses class or fails to finish homework. The clinician may want to talk to other people in the person's life, like coaches and teachers and may also request that the patient bring an account of their lives.
The person being evaluated must be able to share their feelings freely with the examiner and not hold back information out of fear that they will be accused of being criticized or judged. This will more info enhance the accuracy of the assessment and increase the chances that the diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for your child or yourself. It will help you understand that it's not laziness or insanity standing in the way of success, and also provides steps to take to control your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed up by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. Other diseases, like a chronic headache or sleep disorder, can cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will evaluate the patient and their family members thoroughly to determine ADHD. They will ask about the child's life and their schooling, as well as how their family interacts. They will also utilize standard rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to test executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to space), and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that exercise and diet can help reduce their symptoms. They should avoid the use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also eat an appropriate diet and plan their meal times and keep healthful snacks in their fridge so that they don't skip meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your doctor or therapist or from other trusted professionals like teachers. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out who is certified to assess adults or contact a local medical hospital or school. It is essential to locate a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve their functioning at school, at home or at work, as well as in social situations. The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also trigger adverse effects, such as difficulties sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be taken with certain other drugs, including those for depression or high blood pressure and heart problems. Before beginning treatment health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo a full physical examination, which includes hearing and eye tests. Patients should be educated about the risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle and medical history.
The doctor must closely examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms persist and if they impact the person's ability in more than one environment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The doctor will look at the symptoms to determine their severity, and to rule out other conditions that might be causing them. People with learning disorders often exhibit symptoms resembling those of ADHD. An individual with anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed. The clinician will also consider whether the patient has an illness, such as thyroid disease, which could be akin to symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest battery test, such as an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging test to determine the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend a full medical evaluation, along with lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you believe that you might be suffering from ADHD. They can refer you to professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how the symptoms impact your or your child's daily life and help you decide whether medication is required. They can also discuss other options for treatment, for example, therapy for behavior.
If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who specialize in telemedicine can be found. Amwell for instance connects patients with licensed professionals who can treat various mental health issues including ADHD. Session take place via video or audio chat and are private.
It is important that you feel at ease and confident with the online counselor. Ask them about their experience and training with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer your questions with precision. If they are unable to answer, it could indicate that they're not competent or able to be a professional in dealing with adults with ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult however it's an essential step towards managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It will help you realize that your issues in focusing and organization aren't due to inability to focus. 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, jobs and lives.
It is normal for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help comprehend how your ADHD and other conditions interact, and help you learn to cope with them.