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ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if think you might have ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review any medical history you have.
They will determine how your symptoms impact you in different settings, such as school, home, and social situations. They will also look at the length of time you've had these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your child's doctor If you think they may be suffering from ADHD. You and your child's teachers can fill out questionnaires to determine signs. They can also request that they take a few tests. They can also perform 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 non-invasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves which are typically more frequent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms have been present since before the age of 12 for the child. It has to cause significant impairment in two crucial 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 use mental health guidelines that provide 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 discerning between normal and unusual behavior. Stress mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could cause depression. They often have trouble getting sufficient sleep, and a lack of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which can have serious consequences for their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies because of the impulse-control issues. It is crucial for children to be diagnosed properly as it will aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been struggling to get organized or has trouble paying attention in class, have difficulty following instructions at work, have issues with social interaction, or other issues that could be related to ADHD it is essential to consult a doctor to get an assessment. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists can assist in determining the diagnosis. Certain primary care providers have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process involves a lengthy interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history in order to determine if there are any other factors that could be contributing to symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases or head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems such as mood disorders and anxiety can also occur 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 doctor will also inquire about the person's home and school activities, including the frequency they skip classes or do not finish their homework. The clinician may also ask to talk to any other individuals involved in the person's daily life, including teachers and coaches. They might request that the patient bring an account book.
The person being evaluated must be able and willing to discuss their opinions with the assessor. They shouldn't be scared of being critiqued or criticized. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
If you or your child is suffering from ADHD receiving a diagnosis can be a source of relief. It will help you realize that it is not lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence that is hindering your progress. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed up with treatment. Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Other diseases, like chronic headaches or sleep disorder, may be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will examine the person and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will ask about the person's childhood as well as their education and how their family interacts. They will also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standard rating scales. They will also perform psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Diet and exercise can lessen symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also follow an appropriate diet and make sure to schedule meal times and keep healthful snacks on hand so they don't miss meals.
You can locate an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your physician or therapist, or from other trusted professionals like teachers. You can also call your insurance provider to find out who is certified to assess adults or contact an area medical hospital or school. It's important to choose a doctor who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has experience in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder manage their symptoms and also improve their performance at work, school at home, 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 taken together with other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart problems. Health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo an entire physical examination, including eye and hearing tests prior to starting medication. Patients should be educated about the potential risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle and previous medical issues.
To establish a diagnosis, the clinician must examine the person closely to see whether the symptoms are persistent and substantially affect the person's ability to function in a variety of settings. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The clinician will review the symptoms to determine the severity and to rule out other disorders that could trigger them. For instance, those who suffer from a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and someone with an anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. The physician will also determine if the person has any medical issues such as thyroid issues which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, like a cognitive test or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical evaluation as well as lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They may refer you to specialists who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine whether medication is required by discussing how symptoms impact the daily lives of your child or you. They can also provide alternatives to treatment, such as behavior therapy.
If your family doctor isn't able to provide an exhaustive analysis of your symptoms, you can seek out online counselors who specialize in telemedicine. Amwell, for example connects patients to licensed professionals who can treat a range of mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions take place via video and audio chat and are private and secure.
When choosing an online counseling specialist, it is important to feel secure and confident with them. Ask them about their experiences and training with adults with ADHD. Be sure that they are able to answer all your questions thoroughly. If IamPsychiatry don't answer, it could indicate that they're not able or willing to be a professional in dealing with adults with ADHD.
It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis however it is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking control of your life. It can help you understand that your difficulties with organization and focus aren't the result of laziness. It's also reassuring to know that you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and a healthy lifestyle.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to understand how your ADHD and other disorders interact and assist you in learning to manage them.