ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to an expert. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review your medical history.
They will assess how your symptoms impact you in various settings, such as home, school and social situations. They will also determine the length of time you've had these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your child's physician should you suspect that he or she may have ADHD. They can look for signs by asking you and your teachers to fill out an assessment form, and they might request them to take certain tests. They can also perform a physical examination, including eye and ear tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves that are more frequent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs have been present for a long time before the child reached the age of 12. It must cause significant impairment in two major situations, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults doctors employ the psychiatric guidelines, which include an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration as and the degree of impairment.
Children often struggle to discern the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, and parents may overlook some of the most typical symptoms of ADHD. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.
People with ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships which can cause depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and take drugs, which could be harmful to their health. The disorder could cause financial problems or even bankruptcies due to the impulse-control issues. It is essential that children receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and live more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult an expert if you or someone in your family is suffering from issues with social interaction, is having trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention in school, struggles to follow instructions at work or any other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist can help diagnose ADHD. Some primary care providers are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will look into the patient's mental, medical and family history in order to determine if there are other issues that may be causing symptoms. For example certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health issues such as anxiety and mood disorders, can also occur in conjunction with ADHD.
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 inquire about the person's life at home and at school, including the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The doctor will also request to talk to any other individuals who are part of the person's everyday life, including coaches and teachers. They might also ask the person to bring a journal.
The person being evaluated must be able and willing to openly discuss their thoughts with the assessor. They should not be afraid to be judged or criticized. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the probability that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for your child or yourself. It can help you understand that it's not inattention, or a deficit in intelligence, that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. However, the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the patient and their family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will ask about the person's childhood, their schooling and how their family interacts. They will also employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standard rating scales. They will also perform psychological tests that examine executive functioning, working memory spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Many people suffering from ADHD find that diet and exercise can reduce the symptoms. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also adhere to a healthy diet, schedule meals and keep healthy snacks on hand so that they don't have to miss meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your doctor or therapist, or from other reputable professionals like teachers. You can also call your insurance provider to find out if they are certified to evaluate adults or contact an area medical school or hospital. It is important to find a specialist who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Treatments for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, school or at work, as well as in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger adverse effects, such as problems sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be taken together with other medications, for example, those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. Before beginning treatment, health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo a complete physical examination that includes hearing and eye tests. Patients should be educated about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their healthcare providers. They should also ask about the history of their family as well as lifestyle habits and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
In order to make a diagnosis, the clinician must carefully examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist or significantly affect the person's functioning in a variety of settings. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine the severity and also to rule out any other conditions that could cause them. People who suffer from a learning disorder often show symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. A person with anxiety disorder may be mistakenly diagnosed. The doctor will also look at whether the patient has any medical issues like thyroid disorders, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest battery test, like a cognitive testing or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He may also suggest an entire medical assessment and lab tests, such as a complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Consult 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 talk about how symptoms affect you or your child's daily routine and help you decide whether medication is needed. They can also provide alternative treatment options, such as behavior therapy.
If your family physician isn't able to provide an exhaustive assessment of your symptoms you can find online specialists in telemedicine. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed professionals who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video and audio chat, and are confidential and secure.
It is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your online counselor. Ask about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD, and make sure they can answer your questions in depth. If they don't answer, it could be a sign that they're not competent or able to work as a professional with adults with ADHD.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge but it's an essential step in managing your symptoms and taking control of your life. It can help you realize that your issues in focusing and organization aren't the result 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 relationships, jobs and website a healthy lifestyle.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you understand how your ADHD and other disorders interact, and help you learn to cope with them.