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 have on your life. They will also review any medical history you have.
They will check how your symptoms impact you in different settings, such as school, at home, and social situations. They will also check the length of time you've experienced these symptoms.
Symptoms
Consult your child's physician if you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. They can check for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to fill out an assessment form, and they might ask them to perform some tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, including eye and ear tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a noninvasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves which are more prevalent in children suffering from ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms were present prior to the time the child reached age 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two key settings, such as at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults doctors employ the psychiatric guidelines, which include specific information about the symptoms and their duration as well as the degree of impairment.
Parents might not be aware of the more common ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behavior. Stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which may lead them to depression. They often struggle to get sufficient sleep, and sleeping insufficiently can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and use drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly, because it can aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been struggling to organize or is having trouble staying focused in class, are having difficulty adhering to instructions at work, suffer from social problems, or have other concerns that could be due to ADHD, it is important to consult with a physician for an assessment. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists can help make a diagnosis. Certain primary care providers have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health professional will look over the patient's medical and mental history as well as family history to look for other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and head injuries as well as some medications can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health problems like 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. The clinician will also inquire about the person's family and school life, such as how frequently they miss class or fail to finish their homework. The doctor may also want to talk to other people in the patient's life, including teachers and coaches, and may request that the person bring journals.
The person being evaluated should be willing and able to freely discuss their thoughts with the examiner. They shouldn't be afraid to be judged or criticized. This can improve the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for your child or you. It can help you understand that it's not just inattention, or a deficit 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 are often suffering from other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. Other conditions, like chronic headaches or sleep disorder, could be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the person and their family. 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 take psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Diet and exercise can lessen symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also adhere to a healthy diet and make sure to schedule meals and keep healthy snacks on hand so they don't skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or other professionals you trust for suggestions. Teachers are a good example. You can also ask an institution affiliated with a university or medical school to get the names of qualified specialists or call your insurance company to obtain a list of those who are licensed to evaluate adults. It's important to find a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has experience diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people with the disorder control their symptoms and improve their performance at home, school, work, and in social settings. The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also have negative side effects like problems sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be taken alongside other medications such as those for depression or high blood pressure and heart conditions. Before beginning treatment, health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo a thorough physical examination, including eye and hearing tests. Health professionals should speak with patients about the benefits and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle, and medical history.
The physician must closely examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and if they hinder the person's ability in more than one environment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria to make a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The physician will assess the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other disorders that could be the cause. For example, people who have a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person with an anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The physician will also consider whether the patient suffers from an illness such as thyroid disorders, which might 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 could also suggest a full medical evaluation, as well as tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect you have ADHD Talk to your family doctor. They can refer you to professionals 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 determine whether medication is needed. They can also discuss other options for treatment for example, behavioral therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are readily available. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video or audio chat, and are private.
It is important that you more info feel comfortable and confident with your online counselor. Find out about their education and experience working with adults with ADHD, and make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they are unable to answer your questions, it could be a sign that they're not able or willing to be a professional working with adults with ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult however it's an essential step towards managing your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It can help you realize that your issues with focus and organization are not a sign of laziness or low intelligence. It's also comforting to be aware that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and healthy lifestyles.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to learn how your ADHD and other conditions interact, and help you learn how to deal with them.