ADHD Diagnosis
See a doctor if you suspect you have ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you have.
They will check how your symptoms impact you in various situations, including at home, school and social situations. They will also assess how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Symptoms
Consult your child's physician if you suspect that you suspect that your child has ADHD. Your child's teacher and you can fill out a questionnaire to check for signs. They can also ask them to take some tests. They can also conduct a physical exam, including hearing and eye tests. They can also use 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 have been present since before the age of 12 for the child. It has to cause significant impairment in two main settings, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults, doctors use mental health guidelines that provide specific information about the symptoms and their duration as well as the degree of impairment.
Children often struggle to discern the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, which is why parents may overlook some of the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. Stress mental health issues and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD are also prone to problems with self-esteem and relationships, which can lead to depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which can have serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is crucial that children receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and lead a happier, more productive life.
adhd in adults diagnosis is crucial to talk with an expert if you or someone in your family suffers from difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing their life, has trouble paying attention at school, struggles with following instructions at work, or has other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, can help make the diagnosis. Some primary care professionals have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extended interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical, mental, and family history to determine if there are any other conditions that could be causing symptoms. Some medical conditions such as thyroid diseases and head injuries as well as some medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health problems like anxiety and mood disorders, can also be associated 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 clinician will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, including how often the person misses class or fails to finish homework. The doctor will also request to speak to other people who are part of the person's everyday life, such as teachers and coaches. They might request that the patient bring journals.
The person being assessed should be able and willing to talk about their feelings with the assessor. They should not be afraid of being judged or criticized. This can improve the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the chances that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child is suffering from ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a great relief. It will help you realize that it's not just lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence that is hindering your progress. It also provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed with treatment. Adults with ADHD often suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses, such as a persistent headache or sleep disorder, could be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.
A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the patient and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will go over the person's past from birth to childhood, inquire about the person's school experience and how family members interact with one with each. They will also utilize the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to space), and reasoning abilities.
Many people with ADHD discover that exercise and diet can reduce the symptoms. They should avoid the use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also adhere to an appropriate diet and plan their meals at the right times and have healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or other professionals you are comfortable with for recommendations. Teachers are an excellent example. You can also ask the local hospital or medical school to get a list of qualified specialists or call your insurance company to obtain an overview of the specialists who are licensed to assess adults. It is essential to choose a doctor who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has experience in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of medications for ADHD can help people with the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at school, at home or at work, as well as in social situations. However, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD may also cause various side effects, including trouble sleeping, appetite changes, and weight loss. They should not be taken with certain other medications, like those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure, and heart conditions. Health professionals recommend that children and adolescents receive an entire physical examination that includes hearing and eye tests prior to starting medication. Health care providers should talk with patients about the advantages and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle, and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
The physician must examine the patient closely to determine if the symptoms are persistent, and if they affect the person's ability in more than one environment. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The clinician will examine the symptoms to determine their severity, and to rule out other conditions that might be responsible for them. For example, people with a learning impairment often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and someone with an anxiety disorder could be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The physician will also examine whether the person has any medical conditions like thyroid disorders which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest a series of tests, such as brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how symptoms are impacting the patient. He might also suggest an extensive medical examination and lab tests, such as the complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to professionals 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 alternative treatment options like behavior therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms, you can seek out online counselors who specialize in telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat, and are confidential.
It is essential to feel comfortable and confident in your online counselor. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience with adults with ADHD and make sure they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they refuse to answer, it could be a sign they're not qualified or unwilling to work as a professional with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis but it's an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you realize that the issues you face in focusing and organization are not a sign of laziness or low intelligence. It's also reassuring to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, jobs and lives.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to cope with ADHD and other disorders.