ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult an expert. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also look over any medical history you have.
They will check how your symptoms impact you in different situations, including at home, school and social settings. They will also consider how long you've been experiencing these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD discuss the possibility with their doctor. They can check for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out an assessment form and may request them to take certain tests. They can also conduct a physical examination, including tests for the ear and eyes. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that detects beta- and theta waves that are more prominent in children suffering from ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs were present prior to the time the age of 12 for the child. It has to cause significant impairment in two key situations, like at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults doctors follow mental health guidelines that provide specific information about the symptoms and their duration, as well as the level of impairment.
Parents may not notice some of the more frequent ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. Stress mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People with ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which could have serious consequences for their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies due to the impulsiveness. It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly as it will help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member has struggled to stay organized or has trouble paying attention in class, have difficulty adhering to instructions at work, have social problems, or have other concerns that could be caused by ADHD, it is important to consult a doctor for an assessment. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can assist in determining the diagnosis. Some primary care professionals are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will examine the patient's medical, mental and family history to look for other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases and head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those of 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. The clinician will also ask about the person's family and school life, including how often they are absent from school or fail to finish their 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 person bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be willing to discuss their feelings freely with the examiner and not hold the information from fear that they will be accused of being criticized or judged. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child is suffering from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a great relief. It will help you realize that it's not laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that's hindering your progress. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the patient and their family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will ask about the person's childhood, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also use ADHD symptoms checklists and standard rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to spatial space) and reasoning skills.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should stay away from the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. They should also adhere to a healthy diet and ensure they plan meals at the right times and have healthy snacks on hand so they don't miss meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your physician or therapist, or from other trusted professionals, such as an educator. You can also ask the local hospital or medical school for an inventory of specialists who are qualified or contact your insurance company to find an overview of the specialists who are licensed to assess adults. It's crucial to find a doctor who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help those with the disorder manage their symptoms and also improve their performance at work, school at home, and in social situations. The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also have negative side effects like difficulties sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be used with certain other drugs, including those for depression and high blood pressure and heart conditions. Health professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo an entire physical examination, including eye and hearing tests, before beginning medication. Health care providers should talk with patients about the advantages and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask questions about the history of their family, lifestyle, and medical history.
In order to make a diagnosis, the clinician must closely examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist and significantly impact the person's performance in multiple settings. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The physician will assess the symptoms in order to determine the severity of the symptoms, and to rule out other disorders that might be the cause. People who suffer from learning disorders often exhibit symptoms resembling those of ADHD. An individual suffering from anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed. adhd undiagnosed in adults will also consider whether the person has an illness, such as thyroid disease, which may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician might suggest a battery of tests, like cognitive testing or brain imaging to determine how symptoms are impacting the patient. The doctor may also recommend an entire medical assessment and lab tests, such as the complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you think that you may have ADHD. They can recommend professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also help you determine whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also provide alternative treatment options, such as behavior therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine can be found. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed providers who can manage a range of mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions take place via video and audio chats and are secure and confidential. secure.
When choosing a counselor online it is essential to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Find out about their education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they are unable to answer, it could be a sign that they're not competent or able to be a professional working with adults suffering from ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult, but it's a vital step toward controlling your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It can help you understand that the issues you face with focus and organization aren't the result of laziness or low intelligence. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and healthy lifestyles.
It is normal for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you understand how your ADHD and other conditions interact and assist you in learning to cope with them.