ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to an expert. 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 also look at how you feel in various situations, like at home, school and in social situations. They will also look at how long you have had these symptoms.
Symptoms
Speak to your child's doctor should you suspect that he or she may have ADHD. Your child's teacher and you can fill out questionnaires to determine signs. They could also request that they take a few tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, including eye and ear tests. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a noninvasive scanner that detects beta- and theta waves which are more prevalent in children suffering from ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a sign that the symptoms have been present for a long time before the child reached age 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two key situations, like at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines used by doctors when diagnosing adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration, and the degree of impairment they cause.
Parents might not be aware of the more frequent ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behavior. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. They often have trouble getting adequate sleep. sleeping insufficiently can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and take drugs, which can be harmful to their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It's crucial that kids get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and lead an enjoyable, productive life.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to talk with an expert if you or someone in your family suffers from issues with social interaction, is having trouble organizing, has trouble paying attention at school, struggles with following instructions at work, or has other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help you make the diagnosis. Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve a lengthy interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health professional will examine the patient's medical and mental history as well as family history to determine other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis as thyroid disorders, head injuries and certain medications can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health issues like mood disorders and anxiety, can also occur with ADHD and cause 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the clinician will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, such as how often the person misses classes or fails to complete homework. The doctor may also want to talk to other people in the patient's life, including coaches and teachers, and may request that the person bring a journal.
The person being assessed should be willing and able to discuss their thoughts with the examiner. They shouldn't be afraid of being critiqued or criticized. This can improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the probability that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a great relief. It can help you understand that it is not laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis should be followed-up with treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Other illnesses, such as a persistent headache or sleep disorder, can cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough exam of the patient and their family. They will ask about the person's childhood as well as their education and how their family interacts. They will also employ ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function, visual and spatial skills (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should stay clear of the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. They should also maintain a healthy diet, set a schedule for meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or other professionals you trust for recommendations. Teachers are an excellent example. You can also call your insurance company to find out who's certified to assess adults, or visit an area medical school or hospital. It's crucial to find a doctor with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
The use of medications for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve functioning at home, school or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social settings. However, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can cause a number of side effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be combined in conjunction with other medications for depression, such as those used to treat or high blood pressure and heart conditions. Health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo an extensive physical exam including hearing and eye tests prior to starting medication. Patients should be educated about the risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle and medical history.
The clinician must carefully examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms persist and if they impact the person's ability in more than one setting. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The clinician will review the symptoms to determine the severity and rule out other disorders that could trigger them. People suffering from learning disorders typically exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. A person with anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the patient suffers from a medical condition such as a thyroid disorder, that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician might suggest a battery of tests, including cognitive testing or brain imaging, to assess how the symptoms are affecting the individual. He could also suggest a full medical evaluation, as well as laboratory tests such a complete blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family physician. They can refer you to specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also talk about how the symptoms impact your or your child's daily routine and help you decide whether medication is required. They can also explain alternatives to treatment, such as behavior therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine can be found. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed professionals who can help manage a range of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio or video chat and are completely confidential.
It is important to feel comfortable and confident in your online counselor. Ask about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and ensure that they can answer your questions in detail. If they refuse to do so, this could be a sign they're not able or willing to be a professional working with adults suffering from ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge but it's an essential step toward managing your symptoms and taking control of your life. It can help you understand that the issues you face with focus and organization are not a sign of laziness or low intelligence. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you understand how your ADHD and other disorders interact, and help you learn to manage them.