ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD it is recommended that you consult an expert. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you have.
They will assess the impact of your symptoms in various situations, including at school, at home and social settings. They will also check how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your child's doctor should you suspect that he or she may have ADHD. Your child's teacher and you can complete a questionnaire to check for symptoms. They may also ask them to take some tests. They can also do physical exams, including hearing and eye tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves that are more prominent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. It must cause significant impairment in two major settings, such as school and work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults doctors follow the psychiatric guidelines, which include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration as and the degree of impairment.
Parents may not notice some of the more typical ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behavior. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People with ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships which can cause depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which could cause serious harm to their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's crucial that kids get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and live a happier, more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member has been struggling to organize or has trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty adhering to instructions at work, experience social issues, or other issues that could be related to ADHD it is essential to consult with a physician for an evaluation. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist can help identify ADHD. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process involves a lengthy interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will examine the patient's medical, mental and family history to identify other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid diseases, head injuries and certain drugs can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders can also occur with ADHD and cause 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 doctor will also inquire about the person's home and school activities, including how often they are absent from school or do not finish their homework. The doctor will also request to speak to other people who are involved in the person's daily life, such as coaches and teachers. They might also ask the person to bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be willing and able to freely discuss their feelings with the assessor. They shouldn't be afraid of being critiqued or criticized. This will enhance the quality of the evaluation and increase the probability that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for your child or yourself. It will help you realize that it's not just laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that is hindering your progress. It also provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed-up by treatment. Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Other diseases, such as chronic headaches or sleep disorders can cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the person and their family. They will inquire about the child's life and their schooling, as well as how their family interacts. They will also employ the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. how to diagnose adhd will also take psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Diet and exercise can lessen symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They should also maintain an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks readily available so they don't miss meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or other professionals you are comfortable with for recommendations. A teacher is a good example. You can also contact your insurance company to find out who is certified to evaluate adults or contact a local medical institution or hospital. It is essential to find a doctor who has experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people with the disorder manage their symptoms and improve functioning at home, school or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social situations. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD may also cause various side effects, including difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other medications, for example, those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. Before starting medication doctors recommend that children and adolescents undergo a full physical examination, which includes eye and hearing tests. Patients should be informed about the risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle, and previous medical issues.
To make a diagnosis, a clinician must examine the person closely to see whether the symptoms persist or significantly impact the person's performance in multiple settings. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The clinician will examine the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other disorders that may be responsible for them. People with a learning disorder often show ADHD-like symptoms. An individual with anxiety disorder might be incorrectly diagnosed. The clinician will also consider whether the patient suffers from a medical condition such as thyroid disease, which may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician may suggest a battery test, like a cognitive test or brain imaging test to determine the severity of the symptoms. He could also suggest an entire medical examination, and laboratory tests such a complete blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Talk to your doctor if you think that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to experts who are trained 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 you. They can also discuss alternative treatment options like behavior therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct an exhaustive evaluation of your symptoms, you can find online specialists in the field of telemedicine. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed professionals who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Session take place via video or audio chat and are private.
When selecting an online counseling specialist it is essential to feel at ease and trust with them. Ask them about their experience and education with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer your questions thoroughly. If they are hesitant to do so, it may be a sign that they are not qualified or are not willing to work with adults who suffer from ADHD.
It can be challenging to get an ADHD diagnosis but it's a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you realize that the issues you face in focusing and organization aren't the result of inattention or lack of intelligence. It's also reassuring to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and healthy lifestyles.
It is common for people with ADHD to suffer from other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to manage ADHD and other conditions.