ADHD Diagnosing
Many people diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved that finally there is a reason for the reasons they struggle at work, in school or in their relationships. They are now able to improve their life skills, such as paying attention to directions, following instructions and being organized.
A professional who conducts an assessment for ADHD will interview the person being evaluated, as well as those who know them, such as family members, teachers, coaches or religious leaders. They may also review previous records, such as previous report cards.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can impact your life in many ways. Inability to manage time can cause problems like missed appointments or deadlines. You may also experience difficulties with budgeting and finances, which can result in debt or excessive spending. You might also be struggling with depression and low self-esteem. These symptoms can also affect your professional and personal life.
You will be asked about your behavior, and how it affects you on a regular basis. He or she will be interested in knowing your past with this disorder. To determine if you have a diagnosis, he or she must see that symptoms have been present at least six months. In order for a diagnosis to be made, symptoms must cause significant impairments in multiple settings, including at work, at home, and during social interactions.
ADHD is often first detected in children by hyperactivity. Children with ADHD have difficulty being still, fidgeting and make mistakes in the classroom or at work. Adults who suffer from the disorder may not exhibit these symptoms as often however they may struggle to concentrate on their work and may have issues with their relationships.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to have depression and anxiety. They can also be more prone than others to mood swings and feel frustrated and disappointed. They often blame themselves for their problems and have low self-esteem and confidence. Some may struggle to find work or maintain their job and might have problems with eating disorders or substance abuse.
If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD the doctor will need to determine that the symptoms have been around for an extended period of time and that they affect everyday functioning and are not caused by another physical or mental disorder. The doctor will interview you, your parents, and other caregivers, and may employ a variety of tests and scales to determine the severity of symptoms. A sample of your work may be reviewed. The examiner will also look over your medical and family histories and conduct physical examination.
Evaluation
The diagnosis of ADHD is a complicated procedure that involves a variety of steps and nuanced factors. A qualified professional can help you navigate this process and help you get the treatment you need. You should locate a person with whom you feel comfortable. Ask friends, family members and doctors for suggestions. Find out what the specialist charges and what type of insurance he accepts.
The evaluation process may take several hours. During the evaluation, your health care provider will ask questions about the symptoms that you or your child is experiencing and the impact of these symptoms has been on your life. The doctor will also ask you about your child's school, work performance and behavior. You will be asked about any medications you or your child currently taking.
Certain doctors may also conduct a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests will determine whether you have ADHD or a different mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. These tests will assess your your child's memory, reasoning skills and spatial and visual abilities. The examiner may also ask loved ones to provide feedback on your child's or personal symptoms.
A health care professional will employ a variety of tools to evaluate ADHD and other disorders, such as normed rating scales, a medical interview and psychological test. He or she will also review your child's history, interview teachers, babysitters and other family members and friends.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, at least two people familiar with the person's behavior must be able to identify signs in at least two settings, such as school, home, or work. These symptoms must interfere with the daily activities of the person and not be caused by a separate issue such as depression or anxiety.
A complete ADHD assessment will look at the person's mood, medical history as well as other factors that can influence the symptoms such as learning disabilities or other mental health issues. These problems could be on their own or in conjunction with ADHD. ADHD symptoms can also be masked by certain head injuries, thyroid disorders, and medications, like stimulants.
Treatment
An official diagnosis is the first step toward taking control of ADHD symptoms that can wreak chaos in your daily life. A doctor will assess the overall health of a person, review their personal and family background, and evaluate the severity of symptoms. The doctor will ask when symptoms started and if they have affected life at school, work or home. He will also inquire if the person's symptoms have affected his ability to communicate and interact with friends and peers.
A medical examination can test for thyroid issues and other ailments that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A specific test for ADHD that is called the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) System, is a noninvasive scan that measures brain wave patterns and is approved for children ranging from six to 17.
If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that it is the case, talk to your family physician about an assessment. Your doctor can recommend a specialist or refer you to one. You can locate an ADHD expert through a professional association and university-based hospitals as well as support groups. You can also get help from your health insurance company to locate a certified mental health professional.
Psychotherapy and behavior therapy are options for treatment for adults, children and teenagers with ADHD. They offer psychoeducation, which educates patients about ADHD and how to cope with it, and behavior management, which makes use of positive reinforcement and rewards to help teach self-control.
People who have mild symptoms might be prescribed medication to lessen the effects. The medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants that influence the brain to improve concentration and reduce impulsive actions. The most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate (also known as atomoxetine) and dexamfetamine. These stimulants are offered in tablets, capsules and liquids. It is common to combine medication with counseling and other behavioral therapy.
It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking including supplements and other over-the counter medications. Certain medications, like antidepressants or psychotherapy drugs, can interact with ADHD medications. Additionally complementary health treatments like herbal remedies, have not been scientifically proven to reduce symptoms or improve the impairments caused by ADHD.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause issues at school as well as at work and in relationships. They can also trigger other issues like substance misuse and anxiety or depression, so getting a diagnosis is important. However, getting a diagnosis may be difficult due to a lack of accessibility or the cost. Online sites that offer rapid diagnosis (through evaluations or consultations via telehealth) can help in getting the treatment you require.
Telehealth platforms that specialize in ADHD diagnoses typically require patients to fill out questionnaires and scales, as well as to describe their symptoms in detail. They will often request website the contact information of caregivers, family members and teachers. This can help in identifying other conditions that can mimic ADHD such as mood disorders and head injuries.
A telehealth provider can then provide an ADHD evaluation. This could include a patient's explanation of symptoms along with a psychiatric and medical evaluation, and a referral to an examination to determine if there are any other medical issues. They may also conduct blood tests, an routine imaging exam, and even interview the patient.
After an ADHD evaluation the patient could be given medication or other treatment options. Some of the most popular medications for ADHD are stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to decrease the tendency to be impulsive. Other treatments such as neurofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy can also be effective at treating ADHD symptoms.
For adults, a thorough assessment is crucial because symptoms of adult ADHD are different from those of children. Adult ADHD is also harder to recognize, as the list of symptoms for children isn't always applicable to adults.
In some cases, a telehealth service like Klarity or Done can provide an ADHD diagnosis for a one-time fee and prescribe medication if appropriate. Hafeez, who is sceptical of these services admits that the treatment for mental illness is in high demand and that a fast diagnosis via telehealth can be an excellent first step for anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD.