ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also look over any medical history you may have.
They will also examine the way you feel in various situations, such as at home, school and in social situations. They will also consider how long you have had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD, talk to your doctor. They can test for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out questionnaires and ask them to perform some tests. They can also conduct physical exams, including hearing and eye tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be more prominent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms have been present since before the child reached the age of 12. It must cause significant disability in two important situations, like at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines used by doctors when diagnosing adults contain a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration and the level of impairment they cause.
Parents might not be aware of the more typical ADHD symptoms due to children's difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD are also prone to problems with relationships and self-esteem which can lead to depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol or use drugs, which can be detrimental to their health. The disorder can lead to financial problems or even bankruptcies due the impulsiveness. It is crucial for children to get a proper diagnosis, because it can help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to talk with your doctor if someone in your family is suffering from issues with social interaction, is having trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention at school, struggles to follow instructions at work or any other signs that may be due to ADHD. A mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care professionals are also trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process involves a long interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health professional will examine the person's medical, mental and family history in order to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing symptoms. Some medical conditions such as thyroid diseases or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health problems, such as anxiety and mood disorders, can also be associated 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 family and school life, such as how frequently they miss class or fail to finish their homework. The doctor will also request to speak with other people who are part of the person's everyday life, such as coaches and teachers. They may also ask the person to bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be able and willing to openly discuss their opinions with the assessor. They should not be scared of being criticised or judged. This will enhance the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be precise.
Treatment
If you or your child has ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a great relief. It will help you realize that it's not laziness, or a lack in intelligence that is preventing you from achieving success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, including anxiety or depression. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches can trigger symptoms that appear similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the person and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will go over the person's life history back to childhood, ask about the person's experience at school and how family members interact with each other. They will also utilize ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to test executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for many people with ADHD. They should avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also follow an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks available so that they don't have to miss meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you trust for recommendations. Teachers are a good example. You can also contact the local hospital or medical school for the names of qualified specialists or contact your insurance company to get a list of those who are licensed to assess adults. It's crucial to find a doctor 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 and improve their functioning at work, school as well as in social settings. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also trigger various side effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be combined in conjunction with other medications for example, those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart problems. Before starting a medication, health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo a full physical examination, which includes hearing and eye tests. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also inquire about the history of their family and lifestyle habits as well as any medical issues that have occurred previously.
To make a diagnosis, the clinician must examine the person closely to determine if the symptoms persist or significantly impact the person's performance in more than one setting. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an official diagnostic manual released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The physician will look over the symptoms to determine the severity and to rule out other conditions that could cause them. People with learning disorders typically exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. An individual suffering from anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the patient suffers from a medical condition such as thyroid disease, which might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, such as a cognitive testing or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical evaluation along with tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your family physician. They can refer you to professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also assist you in determining the need for medication by discussing how symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also discuss alternative options for treatment, like behavioral therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct an exhaustive analysis of your symptoms, you can find online counselors who specialize in the field of telemedicine. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed providers who can manage a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video and audio chats, and are confidential and secure.
When choosing a counselor online it is essential to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Ask them about their experience and training for adults with ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they are reluctant to share their knowledge it could be an indicator that they are not qualified or uninterested in working with adults suffering from ADHD.
The click here process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult but it's an essential step toward controlling your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It can help you realize that your issues in focusing and organization aren't the result of laziness or low intelligence. It's also a comfort to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and healthy lifestyles.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to deal with ADHD and other disorders.