ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also review your medical history.
They will also consider how you feel in different situations, including at school, home and in social situations. They will also check how long you've had these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD discuss the possibility with their doctor. They can look for signs by asking you and your teachers to fill out an assessment form, and they might ask them to do some tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, such as eye and ear tests. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be more prominent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must be present before the child reaches the age of 12. It should cause significant impairment in two crucial environments, such as school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD doctors follow the psychiatric guidelines, which include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration, as well as the degree of impairment.
Parents might not be aware of the more frequent ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD can also have problems with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. They often have trouble getting good quality sleep, and an absence of sleep can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and take drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The disorder can lead to problems with finances or even bankruptcies because of the impulse-control issues. It is essential that children receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have struggled to stay organized or has trouble paying attention in class, have trouble adhering to instructions at work, experience social issues, or other issues that could be related to ADHD It is crucial to consult a doctor for an evaluation. A mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist can help identify ADHD. Certain primary care providers have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve a lengthy interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will examine the patient's medical, mental and family history to look for other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease, head injuries, and some drugs can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders can also occur 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. In addition to a complete physical examination, the clinician will ask about the person's life at home and at school, including how often the person misses classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may want to discuss other people in the patient's life, including teachers and coaches and may also request that the person bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be able to share their feelings openly with the examiner and not hold back information in fear of being criticized or judged. This will enhance the quality of the evaluation and increase the chances that the diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for you or your child. It can help you understand that it's not laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that is hindering your progress. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other conditions like chronic headaches or sleep disorders can trigger symptoms that appear similar to ADHD.
A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the patient and their family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will review the person's life history back to childhood, and inquire about the person's experience at school and how family members interact with each other. They will also employ ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, visual and spatial abilities (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Many people suffering from ADHD find that exercising and diet reduce the symptoms. They should avoid the use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also adhere to a healthy diet and make sure to schedule meal times and keep healthful snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you trust for recommendations. Teachers are a good example. You can also call your insurance provider to find out who's certified to evaluate adults, or call an area medical school or hospital. It is important to locate a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve their performance at school, at home, work, and in social situations. The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also cause adverse effects, such as problems sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be combined alongside other medications, including those for depression or high blood pressure and heart problems. Health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents receive an extensive physical exam that includes hearing and eye tests prior to starting medication. Health care professionals should discuss with patients about the advantages and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle habits, and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must closely examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist and significantly impact the person's performance in more than one setting. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine the severity and rule out other disorders that might cause them. For instance, those who suffer from a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder could be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The physician will also determine if the person has any medical conditions such as thyroid issues that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, such as a cognitive testing or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He may also suggest an extensive medical examination and lab tests, such as the complete blood count and cholesterol test.
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If you suspect you have ADHD Talk to your family doctor. They may refer you to specialists who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine the need for medication by discussing how the symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also provide alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct an in-depth analysis of your symptoms, you can search online for counselors who specialize in the field of telemedicine. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed professionals who can help manage a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat and are confidential.
When selecting a counselor online it is essential to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Ask them about their experiences and training for adults with ADHD. Be sure that they can answer your questions thoroughly. If they are hesitant to do so it could be a sign that they are not qualified or unwilling to work with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge however it's an essential step toward managing your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It can help you understand that your difficulties in focusing and organization aren't the result of inability to focus. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs and healthy lifestyles.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to manage ADHD and other conditions.