ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also look over any medical history you may have.
They will also consider how you feel in different situations, such as at home, school and in social situations. They will also check how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
Talk to your child's doctor If you think they may be suffering from ADHD. They can check for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to fill out questionnaires, and they might ask them to perform certain tests. They can also perform physical examinations, such as tests for the ear and eyes. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves that are more frequent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms have been present since before the age of 12 for the child. It must cause significant disability in two crucial situations, like at school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults, doctors use the psychiatric guidelines, which include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration as well as the level of impairment.
Children often struggle to tell the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, which is why parents may overlook some of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People with ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which can lead them to depression. They often have trouble getting adequate sleep. sleeping insufficiently can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and take drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is essential for children to receive a correct diagnosis as it will aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult an expert if you or someone in your family suffers from issues with social interaction, is having trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention at school, has trouble following instructions at work or any other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists, can help make the diagnosis. Certain primary care providers are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include a lengthy interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history in order to determine if there are any other factors that could be contributing to symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems 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. The doctor will also inquire about the person's family and school life, including how often they are absent from school or fail to finish their homework. The doctor may also want to discuss other people in the patient's life, like teachers and coaches and may also request that the person bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings openly with the examiner and not keep back information out of fear of being accused of being criticized or judged. This can improve the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for your child or yourself. It can help you realize that it's not a lack of effort or insanity that is preventing your success, and also provides steps to take to control your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed up by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. Other diseases, such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches may cause symptoms like ADHD.
A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the person and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will inquire about the person’s childhood, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also employ ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Many people with ADHD discover that diet and exercise can help reduce their symptoms. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also maintain a healthy diet, schedule meals and have healthy snacks available so that they don't have to miss meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist, or from other professionals you trust like a teacher. You can also contact your insurance company to find out who's certified to assess adults, or visit a local medical hospital or school. 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 their performance at home, school, work, and in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger side effects such as difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be taken with certain other medications, for example, those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart problems. Health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo a complete physical exam, including eye and hearing tests prior to starting medication. Patients should be informed about the risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask questions about the history of their family, lifestyle, and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
To establish a diagnosis, a clinician must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly affect the person's functioning in a variety of settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine their severity and also to rule out any other disorders that might cause them. For instance, those with a learning impairment often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person with an anxiety disorder may be mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. The doctor will also examine whether the person has any medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician might suggest a series of tests, like brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how symptoms are impacting the patient. He could also suggest a full medical evaluation, as well as lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your family doctor. They can refer you to professionals who are certified in ADHD screening. how to get diagnosed with adhd can also discuss how the symptoms impact your or your child's daily life and help you determine if medication is necessary. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment, such as behavior therapy.
If your family physician isn't able to conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who are specialists in telemedicine are readily available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can help manage a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video and audio chat, and are confidential and secure.
It is crucial to feel comfortable and confident in your online counselor. Ask about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they are reluctant to answer your questions this could be an indicator that they are unqualified or are not willing to work with adults suffering from ADHD.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge however it's an essential step in controlling your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It can help you understand that your struggles with organization and focus are not a result of lazyness. It's also comforting to be aware that you're not alone. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
It is common for people suffering from ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to understand how your ADHD and other disorders interact and assist you in learning how to deal with them.