ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review your medical background.
They will also consider how you feel in various situations, like at school, home and in social situations. They will also look at how long you have had these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD discuss the possibility with their doctor. They can check for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out a questionnaire and request them to take certain tests. They can also do a physical exam, including eye and hearing tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that detects beta- and theta waves, which are higher in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD is a sign that the symptoms have been present since before the child reached age 12. It should cause significant impairment in two primary environments, like school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults doctors employ the psychiatric guidelines, which include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration, as well as the degree of impairment.
Parents might not be aware of the more frequent ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behavior. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which could cause depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and use drugs, which can have serious consequences for their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies because of the impulsiveness. It's crucial that kids get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have been struggling to organize, have trouble paying attention in class, have trouble adhering to instructions at work, suffer from social problems, or have other issues that could be due to ADHD, it is important to see a doctor for an assessment. A mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist can help diagnose ADHD. Certain primary care providers are also trained to diagnose ADHD.
The process of evaluation involves a long interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health professional will examine the patient's medical and mental health history as well as their family history to identify other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders, can also occur 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. In addition to a complete physical exam, the doctor will inquire about the patient's life at home and at school, focusing on the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The clinician may want to discuss other people in the patient's life, including teachers and coaches, and may request that the patient bring an account of their lives.
The person being assessed should be able and willing to openly discuss their feelings with the examiner. They shouldn't be afraid to be critiqued or criticized. This will enhance the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the chance that a diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child is suffering from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a great relief. It will help you understand that it's not just laziness or a lack of intelligence hindering your success, and also provides steps to take to control your symptoms. The diagnosis should be followed up by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches may cause symptoms like ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the person and their family. They will ask about the child's life and their schooling, as well as how their family interacts. They will also employ standard rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Diet and exercise can lessen symptoms for many people with ADHD. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also follow healthy food and ensure they plan meal times and keep healthful snacks in their fridge so that they don't miss meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you are comfortable with for suggestions. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also contact an institution affiliated with a university or medical school to get the names of qualified specialists or call your insurance company to find a list of those who are licensed to evaluate adults. It is important to choose a doctor who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, school, work, and in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also cause adverse effects, such as problems sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be combined in conjunction with other medications for example, those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart problems. Before beginning treatment, health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo a full physical examination, which includes hearing and eye tests. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle, and medical history.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms persist or significantly impact the person's performance in a variety of settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an official diagnostic manual released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other disorders that might cause them. For instance, people who have a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person with an anxiety disorder could be mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. The physician will also adhd diagnosis uk adults consider whether the person has an illness, such as a thyroid disorder, that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery tests, such an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. He could also suggest a full medical evaluation, and tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your family physician. They may refer you to specialists who are skilled in ADHD screening. They can also talk about how the symptoms impact your or your child's everyday life and help you decide if medication is necessary. They can also discuss alternative treatment options like behavior therapy.
If your family physician isn't able to provide an exhaustive evaluation of your symptoms, you can find online specialists in telemedicine. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can help manage various mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio or video chat and are private.
It is crucial that you feel at ease and confident with the online counselor. Ask them about their experiences and training 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're not qualified or unwilling to work with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis however it is an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking charge of your life. It can help you realize that your struggles in focusing and organization are not a result of lazyness. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to manage ADHD and other conditions.