ADHD Diagnosis
See a doctor if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also go over any medical history you may have.
They will check the impact of your symptoms in different settings, such as school, home and social settings. They will also assess how long you've been experiencing these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your child's physician if you suspect that you suspect that your child has ADHD. You and your child's teachers can complete an assessment questionnaire to look for symptoms. They could also ask them to take some tests. They can also do physical examinations, such as hearing and eye tests. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a non-invasive scanner that detects beta- and theta waves which are more prevalent 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 main situations, such as school and work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD doctors employ the psychiatric guidelines, which include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration, as and the degree of impairment.
Parents may miss some of the more common ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. Stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People with ADHD are also prone to problems with relationships and self-esteem, which can lead to depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which could result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It is essential that children receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and lead a happier, more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult a doctor if you or someone in your family suffers from issues with social interaction, is having trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention in school, struggles with following instructions at work or other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist can help diagnose ADHD. Some primary care providers are also trained to diagnose 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 determine if there are any other conditions that could be causing symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid diseases and head injuries as well as some medications can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, can also occur with ADHD and create 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. The clinician will also ask about the person's home and school life, including how often they are absent from school or fail to complete their homework. The clinician might also speak with other people in the person's life, like teachers and coaches and may also request that the person bring a journal.
The person being evaluated must be willing and able to discuss their thoughts with the assessor. They should not be afraid of being critiqued or criticized. This will enhance the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for your child or you. It will help you realize that it is not laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must 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, can produce symptoms similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the person and their family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. check here They will look over the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's education and how family members interact with each with each. They will also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to space), and reasoning abilities.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also follow an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks available to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or other professionals you trust for suggestions. Teachers are an excellent example. You can also reach out to a local university-based hospital or medical school for an inventory of specialists who are qualified or call your insurance provider to find the list of specialists who are licensed to evaluate adults. It is essential to locate a specialist who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has experience diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, school or at work, as well as in social settings. However, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD may also cause various side effects, including trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other drugs for depression, such as those used to treat, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Before starting a medication health professionals suggest that adolescents and children undergo a full physical examination, which includes eye and hearing tests. Health care professionals should discuss with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle, and previous medical issues.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must examine the person closely to determine if the symptoms persist and significantly affect the person's functioning in more than one setting. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The physician will look over the symptoms to determine the severity and rule out other conditions that could cause them. For instance, those who have a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and someone with an anxiety disorder could be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the patient suffers from a medical condition such as thyroid disorders, which could be akin to symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician may suggest a battery test, such as a cognitive test or brain imaging test to determine the severity of the symptoms. He could also suggest an extensive medical evaluation as well as tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to experts who are skilled in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms impact the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also discuss alternative options for treatment, like the use of behavioral therapy.
If your family doctor isn't able to provide an exhaustive evaluation of your symptoms, you can find online specialists in telemedicine. Amwell, for example connects patients to licensed specialists who can address a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio or video chat and are confidential.
When selecting an online counselor it is crucial to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Find out about their education and experience working with adults with ADHD and ensure that they can answer your questions in detail. If they are hesitant to share their knowledge, it may be a sign that they are unqualified or unwilling to work with adults with ADHD.
It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but it is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you understand that the difficulties you have with focus and organization are not a sign of inattention or lack of intelligence. It's also a comfort to know that you're not alone. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and a healthy lifestyle.
People with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to manage ADHD and other disorders.