ADHD Diagnosis
See a doctor if you think you might have ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also look over any medical history you have.
They will check how your symptoms impact you in different settings, such as school, at home and social settings. They will also look at the length of time you've had these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
Talk to your child's doctor If you think you suspect that your child has ADHD. You and your child's teachers can complete a questionnaire to check for symptoms. They could also ask them to take some tests. They can also perform physical examinations, such as eye and ear tests. They can also make use of the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves which are typically more frequent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms were present prior to the time the age of 12 for the child. It must cause significant impairment in two major situations, such as work and school. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines utilized by doctors when diagnosing adults contain a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration and the degree of impairment they cause.
Parents may not notice some of the more frequent ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behavior. Stress mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People with ADHD can also have problems with relationships and self-esteem, which can lead to depression. They are often unable to get sufficient sleep, and a lack of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which could have serious consequences for their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies due the impulse-control issues. It's important for kids to get a proper diagnosis to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult an expert if you or someone in your family suffers from difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing, has trouble paying attention in school, struggles to follow instructions at work or other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists can assist in determining a diagnosis. Some primary care providers are also trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will examine the person's mental, medical and family history in order to determine if there are other issues that may be causing symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health issues such as mood disorders and anxiety may also be present 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the clinician will inquire about the patient's life at home and at school, focusing on the frequency with which they miss class or fails to finish homework. The clinician may want to speak with other people in the person's life, including teachers and coaches, and may request that the patient bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be willing and able to discuss their thoughts with the examiner. They should not be afraid to be criticised or judged. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the chances that the diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for you or your child. It can help you understand that it's not just laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that's making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed with treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches can cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the person and their family. They will look over the person's history going back to childhood, and inquire about the person's school experience and how family members interact with each with each. They will also employ standard rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to evaluate executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to space), and reasoning abilities.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also eat a healthy diet and plan their meals and keep healthy snacks on hand so they don't miss meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your physician or therapist or from other professionals you trust, such as a teacher. You can also ask a local university-based hospital or medical school to get a list of qualified specialists or call your insurance provider to obtain a list of those who are licensed to assess adults. I Am Psychiatry to find a specialist who is certified by the board in psychology or psychiatry and has experience diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder manage their symptoms, as well as improve their functioning at school, work as well as in social settings. However, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause various side effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used in conjunction with other medications such as those for depression, high blood pressure, and heart issues. Before beginning treatment doctors recommend that adolescents and children undergo a complete 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 providers. They should also ask about the history of their family, lifestyle habits, and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
The doctor must examine the patient closely to determine whether the symptoms persist and if they impact the person's ability in more than one setting. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The doctor will look at the symptoms in order to determine their severity, and also to rule out other disorders that could be the cause. People with learning disorders typically exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. An individual with anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed. The clinician will also consider whether the patient suffers from an illness, such as thyroid disease, which could be akin to symptoms of ADHD.
The physician may suggest a variety of tests, like brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how symptoms are affecting the individual. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical examination and laboratory tests, including the complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect you have ADHD Talk to your family physician. They can refer you to professionals who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also assist you in determining whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also provide alternative options for treatment, such as therapy for behavior.
If your family doctor isn't able to provide an exhaustive analysis of your symptoms, you can find online counselors who specialize in telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can help manage a variety of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat, and are completely confidential.
It is essential that you feel comfortable and confident in your online counselor. Ask them about their experience and training with adults suffering from ADHD. Be sure that they are able to answer all your questions thoroughly. If they are hesitant to answer your questions it could be an indicator that they are unqualified or uninterested in working with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge, but it's a vital step towards managing your symptoms and taking control over your life. It can help you understand that the issues you face in focusing and organization aren't the result of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
It is common for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to understand how your ADHD and other disorders interact, and help you learn to manage them.