ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if you suspect you be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also go over any medical history you have.
They will determine how your symptoms affect you in various situations, including at school, at home, and social situations. They will also consider the length of time you've had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you think your child may have ADHD, talk to your doctor. Your child's teacher and you can fill out questionnaires to determine signs. They could also ask them to take some tests. They could also take physical exams, including eye and hearing tests. They can also make use of the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves which are typically more frequent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present prior to the child reaching the age of 12. It must cause significant impairment in two main settings, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines utilized by doctors in diagnosing adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration and the level of impairment they cause.
Parents may miss some of the more typical ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behavior. Stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People with ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which may cause depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol or use drugs, which could be detrimental to their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's important for kids to receive a correct diagnosis to help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member has been struggling to get organized or is having trouble staying focused in class, are having difficulty following instructions at work, experience social issues, or other concerns that could be due to ADHD it is essential to consult a doctor for an evaluation. A mental health professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists can help make an assessment. Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve a lengthy interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical, mental and family history to identify other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. For example certain medical conditions like thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders can also be a result of ADHD and create 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. In addition to a thorough physical exam, the doctor will ask about the person's life at home and at school, such as how often the person misses class or fails to finish homework. The doctor may also want to talk to other people in the patient's life, including teachers and coaches, and may request that the patient bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be able and willing to talk about their feelings with the examiner. They shouldn't be afraid to be critiqued or criticized. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the chance that the diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
If you or your child has ADHD being diagnosed can be a source of relief. It can help you realize that it's not laziness or lack of intelligence hindering your success and it gives you ways to deal with your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. Other conditions, like a persistent headache or sleep disorder, can produce symptoms similar to ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient and their family. They will go over the person's life history back to childhood, and inquire about the person's school experience and how family members interact with one and with each. They will also employ standardized rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also take psychological tests that examine executive functioning, working memory spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people with ADHD discover that diet and exercise can aid in reducing their symptoms. They should stay clear of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also maintain a healthy diet, schedule meals and keep healthy snacks on hand so they don't miss meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you trust for recommendations. A teacher is a good example. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out who's licensed to evaluate adults, or call an area medical hospital or school. It is crucial to find a doctor with experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve functioning at home, school or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social settings. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD may also cause several adverse effects, including trouble sleeping, appetite changes, 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 read more beginning treatment doctors recommend that children and adolescents undergo a full physical examination, including eye and hearing tests. Health professionals should speak with patients about the advantages and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle habits, and prior medical problems.
The clinician must carefully examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms are ongoing and if they impact the patient's ability to function in more than one setting. 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 ADD/ADHD.
The clinician will examine the symptoms in order to determine their severity and to rule out any other conditions that might be causing them. People with learning disorders typically exhibit symptoms resembling those of ADHD. A person with anxiety disorder may be misdiagnosed. The physician will also consider whether the patient has an illness, such as thyroid disease, which may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician may suggest a battery tests, such a cognitive test or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an entire medical assessment and laboratory tests, which could include a complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your family physician. They can refer you to professionals who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also talk about how symptoms affect your or your child's daily routine and help you determine if medication is necessary. They can also explain alternative options for treatment, like the use of behavioral therapy.
If your family physician is unable to conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms you can search online for counselors who specialize in telemedicine. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed specialists who can address a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio or video chat and are private.
When selecting an online counseling specialist, it is important to feel at ease and trust with them. Ask them about their experiences and training with adults suffering from ADHD. Be sure that they can answer your questions in detail. If they're not willing to do so it could be a sign that they're not qualified or are not willing to work with adults with ADHD.
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD diagnosis but it's an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking control of your life. It will help you realize that your difficulties with focus and organization are not a result of inability to focus. It's also reassuring to know 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 suffering from ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can teach you how to deal with ADHD and other conditions.