ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if suspect you be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you may have.
They will assess how your symptoms impact you in various situations, including at home, school and social settings. They will also determine how long you've had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
Speak to your child's doctor should you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. They can look for signs by asking you and your teachers to complete an assessment form and ask them to perform certain tests. They can also perform a physical examination, including eye and ear 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs were present prior to the time the child reached age 12. It must cause significant disability in two key environments, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines that are used by doctors when diagnosing adults include a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration and the level of impairment they cause.
Parents may not notice some of the more common ADHD symptoms due to children's difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which may lead them to depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol or use drugs, which are harmful to their health. The disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcies due to the insanity. It is crucial that children receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
It is essential to speak with an expert if you or someone in your family has social problems, has trouble organizing, has trouble paying attention in school, struggles with following instructions at work or any other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help make a diagnosis. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will look into the patient's medical, mental, and family history to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health issues like mood disorders and anxiety, are also a possibility with ADHD and create 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 how frequently they miss class or do not finish their homework. how to diagnose adhd in adults may also ask to talk to any other individuals who are part of the person's everyday life, such as teachers and coaches. They might also request that the person bring journals.
The person being evaluated must be able to share their feelings with the examiner and not hold back information out of fear of being accused of being criticized or judged. This will enhance the quality of the assessment and increase the chance that a diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for you or your child. It can help you realize that it's not laziness or lack of intelligence standing in the way of success, and also provides steps to take to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis should be followed up by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. Other illnesses such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches may cause symptoms like ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the person and their family. They will inquire about the person's childhood and their schooling, as well as how their family interacts. They will also utilize the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also take psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also maintain an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks readily available so they don't miss meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you trust for recommendations. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also contact an institution affiliated with a university or medical school for the names of qualified specialists or call your insurance company to find a list of those who are licensed to assess adults. It is crucial to find a doctor who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve functioning at school, at home or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also have negative side effects like problems sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other medications, like those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart problems. Before starting a medication doctors recommend that adolescents and children undergo a thorough physical examination, including eye and hearing tests. Patients should be informed of the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle, and medical history.
The doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms are ongoing and if they hinder the person's ability in multiple environments. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an official diagnostic manual released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria to make a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The physician will assess the symptoms in order to determine their severity, and to rule out any other conditions that might be the cause. People with learning disorders often exhibit symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. An individual with anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed. The doctor will also determine if the person has any medical issues such as thyroid issues that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, like a cognitive testing or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, including an entire blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They can refer you to experts who are skilled in ADHD screening. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's daily routine and help you decide whether medication is required. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.
If your family physician isn't able to conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are available. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed specialists who can address a range of mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat and are confidential.
It is crucial to feel comfortable and confident with your online counselor. Ask them about their experience and education for adults with ADHD. Make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they are reluctant to share their knowledge, it may be an indicator that they are not qualified or are not willing to work with adults who suffer from ADHD.
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, but it is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you realize that the difficulties you have in focusing and organization aren't a sign of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and a healthy lifestyle.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to cope with ADHD and other disorders.