ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to an expert. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over your medical background.
They will also consider how you feel in various situations, such as at school, at home and in social situations. They will also determine how long you've been experiencing these symptoms.
Symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD Talk to their doctor. Your child's teacher and you can fill out an assessment questionnaire to look for signs. They can also request that they take a few tests. They can also conduct a physical examination, including tests for the ear and eyes. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be higher in kids with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two major situations, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD, doctors use psychiatric guidelines that include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration as and the degree of impairment.
Parents might not be aware of the more common ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress and mental health issues and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD are also prone to problems with relationships and self-esteem, which can lead to depression. They often have trouble getting adequate sleep. sleeping insufficiently can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol or use drugs, which could be detrimental to their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's important for kids to receive a correct diagnosis to assist 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 is suffering from social problems, has trouble organizing their life, has trouble paying attention in school, has trouble following instructions at work, or has other signs that may be due to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists can assist in determining a diagnosis. Some primary care professionals have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical and mental history as well as family history to determine other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health problems like anxiety and mood disorders, 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. In addition to a complete physical exam, the clinician will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, focusing on the frequency at which the person is absent from classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician might also talk to other people in the person's life, like coaches and teachers and may also request that the patient bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be able to share their feelings freely with the examiner, and not hold the information from fear that they will be accused of being criticized or judged. This will enhance the quality of the assessment and increase the probability that the diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for your child or you. 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 provides the steps to manage your symptoms. However, the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses, such as a chronic headache or sleep disorder, may be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough exam of the person and their family. They will inquire about the child's life as well as their education and how the family interacts. They will also employ the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also follow an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks readily available to ensure they don't skip meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your doctor or therapist, or from other reputable professionals like a teacher. You can also ask the local hospital 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 assess adults. It's important to locate a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Treatments 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 situations. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also have side effects such as difficulty sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be taken in conjunction with other medications such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart problems. Before starting a medication, health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo a thorough physical examination, which includes hearing and eye tests. Patients should be informed about the risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle habits, and prior medical problems.
In order to make a diagnosis, a clinician must closely examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist or substantially affect the person's ability to function in a variety of settings. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The physician will assess the symptoms in order to determine their severity, and to rule out any other disorders that could be the cause. For instance, people with a learning impairment often have symptoms reminiscent of ADHD and someone with an anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the person has an illness like a thyroid disorder, that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, such as a cognitive test or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He might also suggest a complete medical evaluation and lab tests, such as a complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They may refer you to specialists who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also talk about how the symptoms impact your or your child's daily routine, and help you determine whether medication is required. They can also provide alternative treatment options like behavior therapy.
If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are readily available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio or video chat and are confidential.
It is important to feel comfortable and confident in your online counselor. Ask them about their experience and education with adults with ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer all your questions in detail. If they are reluctant to answer your questions it could be an indicator that they are not qualified or are not willing to work with adults with ADHD.
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, but it is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking charge of your own life. It can help you understand that your difficulties in focusing and organization aren't due to inability to focus. It's also a comfort to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to deal with ADHD and other disorders.