ADHD Diagnosis
See a doctor if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review any medical history you may have.
They will also consider how you feel in different situations, such as at home, school and in social situations. They will also assess how long you've had these symptoms.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child might have ADHD, talk to your doctor. You and your child's teachers can complete an assessment questionnaire to look for signs. They may also request that they take a few tests. They can also do physical exams, including eye and hearing tests. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves which are more prevalent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two important settings, such as at school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines used by doctors to diagnose adults include a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration and the level of impairment they cause.
Children often struggle to discern the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, and parents might not be aware of the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD can also have problems with self-esteem and relationships which can cause depression. They often struggle to get sufficient sleep, and a lack of sleep can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's crucial that kids get a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and live an enjoyable, productive life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult a doctor if you or someone in your family is suffering from social problems, has trouble organizing their life, has trouble paying attention in school, struggles with following instructions at work, or has other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist can help diagnose ADHD. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The process of evaluation involves an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will review the person's medical, mental, and family history to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease, head injuries, and certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, are also a possibility with ADHD and lead to 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the clinician will ask about the person's life at home and at school, such as the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The clinician may want to talk to other people in the person's life, like coaches and teachers and may ask that the person bring journals.
The person being assessed should be willing and able to openly talk about their thoughts with the assessor. They shouldn't be afraid of being judged or criticized. This will increase the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the chances that the diagnosis will be precise.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a great relief. diagnose adhd in adults will help you understand that it's not just laziness or insanity standing in the way of success and it gives you steps to take to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. Other diseases, like chronic headaches or sleep disorder, may cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the patient and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will go over the person's past from birth to childhood, and inquire about the person's school experience and how family members interact with one and with each. They will also use standard rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also adhere to a healthy diet and ensure they plan meal times and keep healthful snacks in their fridge so that they don't miss meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist or other trusted professionals, such as teachers. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if they are certified to assess adults, or visit a local medical hospital or school. 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 medications for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve functioning at school, at home, work, and in social settings. The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also trigger side effects such as difficulty sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be taken together with other medications, like those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure, and heart conditions. Before starting a medication doctors recommend that adolescents and children undergo a thorough physical examination, including hearing and eye tests. Patients should be educated about the potential risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask about family history as well as lifestyle habits and previous medical problems.
The doctor must closely examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms persist and if they hinder the patient's ability to function in more than one environment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The clinician will examine the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other disorders that may be the cause. For instance, people who suffer from a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder may be mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. The physician will also examine whether the patient has any medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest a variety of tests, including cognitive testing or brain imaging to determine how the symptoms affect the person. He may also suggest an entire medical examination, along with tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to professionals who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also assist you in determining whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also discuss alternative options for treatment, for example, therapy for behavior.
If your family doctor is unable conduct a detailed analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are readily available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio or video chat and are private.
It is crucial that you feel comfortable and confident with the online counselor. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience with adults with ADHD, and make sure they are able to answer your questions in depth. If they are hesitant to do so this could be an indicator that they're not qualified or unwilling to work with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD diagnosis however it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you understand that your issues with organization and focus aren't a sign of laziness or low intelligence. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
It is normal for people suffering from ADHD to suffer from other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can teach you how to deal with ADHD and other disorders.