ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also review any medical history you have.
They will assess the impact of your symptoms in various situations, including at home, school and social settings. They will also assess the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for.
Symptoms
Consult your child's physician should you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. You and your child's teachers can complete a questionnaire to check for symptoms. They can also request that they take a few tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, such as eye and ear tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that detects beta- and theta 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 disability in two important settings, such as at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD doctors follow mental health guidelines that provide 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 due to children's difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress mental health issues and physical illnesses can also cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships which can lead to depression. They are often unable to get sufficient sleep, and an absence of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and take drugs, which could have serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly as it will help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have struggled to stay organized or has trouble paying attention in class, have difficulty following instructions at work, have social issues, or other concerns that could be related to ADHD it is essential to see a doctor for an assessment. A mental health professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists, can help you make the diagnosis. Certain primary care providers are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve a lengthy interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will look over the patient's medical, mental and family history to determine other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, head injuries and certain medications can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Other mental health problems such as 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 complete physical exam, the clinician will inquire about the patient's life at home and at school, focusing on the frequency at which the person is absent from classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may also ask to speak with other people who are part of the person's everyday life, such as coaches and teachers. They might also ask the person to bring journals.
The person being evaluated should be able to share their feelings with the examiner, and not hold back information out of fear that they will be criticised or criticized. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the probability that a diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for your child or yourself. It can help you realize that it's not laziness or a lack of intelligence standing in the way of success, and also provides steps to take to control your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. Other illnesses, such as a persistent headache or sleep disorder, can be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient and their family. They will inquire about the person’s childhood and their schooling, as well as how their family interacts. They will also use ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Many people suffering from ADHD find that exercise and diet can aid in reducing their symptoms. They should avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They should also eat healthy food and ensure they plan meals at the right times and have healthy snacks on hand so they don't miss meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your physician or therapist, or from other professionals you trust like a teacher. You can also contact a local university-based hospital or medical school for an inventory of specialists who are qualified or contact your insurance company to obtain an overview of the specialists who are licensed to assess adults. It is important to choose a doctor 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 control their symptoms and improve functioning at home, school, work, and in social settings. how to diagnose adhd used to treat ADHD can also cause adverse effects, such as difficulties sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be used with certain other drugs for depression, such as those used to treat and high blood pressure and heart issues. Before starting a medication, health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo a full physical examination that includes eye and hearing tests. Patients should be informed about the risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask about the history of their family, lifestyle habits, and previous medical problems.
In order to make a diagnosis, the clinician must closely examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly affect the person's functioning in multiple settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an official diagnostic manual released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine the severity and also to rule out any other conditions that could cause them. For instance, people who have a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder could be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The physician will also examine whether the patient suffers from any medical issues like thyroid disorders which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery tests, such a cognitive testing or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He may also suggest a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to professionals who are skilled in ADHD screening. They can also assist you in determining the need for medication by discussing how symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also explain other options for treatment, for example, behavioral therapy.
If your family physician is unable conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are available. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions take place via audio and video chat, and are confidential and secure.
When selecting an online counseling specialist it is crucial to feel secure and confident with them. Ask them about their experience and education with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer all your questions in detail. If they are unable to answer, it could indicate that they're not able or willing to be a professional working with adults with ADHD.
It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD diagnosis but it's an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you realize that your struggles in focusing and organization aren't the result of lazyness. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and a healthy lifestyle.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help learn how your ADHD and other disorders interact and can help you learn to manage them.