ADHD Diagnosis
See a doctor if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also review any medical history you may have.
They will check the impact of your symptoms in different settings, such as home, school and social situations. They will also determine how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
If you think your child might have ADHD Talk to your doctor. They can check for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to fill out an assessment form and may request them to take certain tests. They can also do physical exams, including hearing and eye tests. They can also use FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a noninvasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves that are more prominent in children who suffer from ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two important environments, such as school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults, doctors use the psychiatric guidelines, which 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 due to children's difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.
People with ADHD are also prone to problems with self-esteem and relationships which can cause depression. They often have trouble getting sufficient sleep, and an absence of sleep can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and take drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The disorder could cause financial issues or even bankruptcies due the insanity. It is essential for children to receive a correct diagnosis, because it can assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member has struggled to stay organized or has trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty following directions at work, suffer from social problems, or have other issues that could be due to ADHD, it is important to consult with a physician to get an evaluation. A mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist can help diagnose ADHD. Certain primary care providers have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will review the person's mental, medical and family history to determine if there are any other conditions that could be causing symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health disorders like mood disorders and anxiety, are also a possibility 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. The clinician will also inquire about the person’s home and school life, such as the frequency they skip classes or fail to finish their homework. The clinician will also ask to talk to any other individuals who are part of the person's everyday life, such as coaches and teachers. They might request that the patient bring a journal.
how are adults diagnosed with adhd ADHD Diagnosis being evaluated must be able to share their feelings openly with the examiner, and not hold back information in fear of being criticized or judged. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the chances that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a relief. It can help you understand that it's not laziness, or a lack in intelligence that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have other mental health problems like depression or anxiety. Other illnesses 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 go over the person's past from birth to childhood, ask about the person's school experience and how family members interact with each and with each. They will also use ADHD symptoms checklists and standard rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to test executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to space), and reasoning abilities.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for many people with ADHD. They should avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They should also maintain a healthy diet, set a schedule for meals and have healthy snacks readily available so that they don't have to miss meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your doctor or therapist, or from other reputable professionals like teachers. You can also call your insurance company to find out who is certified to assess adults, or visit a local medical school or hospital. It is crucial to find a doctor who has experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
Treatments for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve functioning at school, at home or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social settings. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also trigger various side effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart-related conditions. Health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo an entire physical examination including hearing and eye tests, before beginning medication. Patients should be educated about the potential risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also ask about family history as well as lifestyle habits and any medical issues that have occurred previously.
The clinician must closely examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms are ongoing and if they hinder the patient's ability to function in more than one setting. The criteria for making 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 doctor will look at the symptoms in order to determine their severity, and also to rule out other disorders that may be responsible for them. People who suffer from learning disorders typically exhibit symptoms resembling those of ADHD. A person with anxiety disorder could be mistakenly diagnosed. The clinician will also look at whether the patient has any medical conditions like thyroid disorders which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest battery test, like a cognitive test or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical examination and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family doctor. They may refer you to specialists who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's everyday life, and help you determine whether medication is required. They can also provide alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.
If your family doctor is unable conduct a detailed analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are readily available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via audio or video chat and are confidential.
When choosing a counselor online it is crucial to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Ask them about their experience and education for adults with ADHD. Be sure that they can answer your questions thoroughly. If they are unable to answer your questions, it could indicate that they're not qualified or unwilling to be a professional working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge but it's an essential step toward controlling your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It will help you realize that your issues with organization and focus aren't due to laziness. It's also a relief 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 lives.
It is normal for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to comprehend how your ADHD and other disorders interact, and help you learn to manage them.