ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also review your medical history.
They will also look at how you feel in different situations, like at school, home and in social settings. They will also determine the length of time you've had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you think your child may have ADHD, talk to your doctor. You and your child's teachers can fill out an assessment questionnaire to look for symptoms. They can also request that they take a few tests. They can also do a physical exam, including eye and hearing tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be more prominent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must be present before the child reaches the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two key 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 follow psychiatric guidelines that include specific information about the symptoms and their duration, as well as the degree of impairment.
Kids often have trouble telling the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, so parents might not be aware of the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. Stress and mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which can lead them to depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis are more likely than others to drink alcohol or use drugs, which could be harmful to their health. The disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcies because of the insanity. It is essential that children receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and lead an enjoyable, productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have been struggling to organize or has trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty adhering to instructions at work, have social problems, or have other issues that could be due to ADHD It is crucial to see a doctor to get an evaluation. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist could help diagnose ADHD. Certain primary care providers are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The process of evaluation involves a long interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will examine the patient's medical, mental and family history to look for other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. For example certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease and head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems like 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the clinician will inquire about the patient'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 may want to talk to other people in the person's life, such as coaches and teachers, and may request that the patient bring a journal.
The person being evaluated should be able and willing to freely discuss their opinions with the assessor. They should not be afraid of being criticised or judged. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child has ADHD being diagnosed is a great relief. It can help you realize that it's not just laziness or insanity standing in the way of success, and also provides ways to deal with your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, including anxiety or depression. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches can cause symptoms that look like ADHD.
To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough exam of the person and their family. They will go over the person's history going back to childhood, and inquire about the person's school experience and how their family members interact with one and with each. They will also use ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. 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 a lot of people with ADHD. They should avoid the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. They should also adhere to healthy food and make sure to schedule meal times and keep healthful snacks on hand to ensure they don't miss meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you are comfortable with for suggestions. Teachers are an excellent example. You can also ask an institution affiliated with a university or medical school for the names of qualified specialists or call your insurance provider to get the list of specialists who are licensed to assess adults. It is essential to find a doctor with experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
Treatments for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve functioning at school, at home, work, and in social settings. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can cause a number of side effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used with certain other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart-related conditions. Health professionals suggest that adolescents and children undergo an extensive physical exam including hearing and eye tests, before beginning medication. Patients should be educated about the risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle, and medical history.
To make a diagnosis, a clinician must carefully examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist and significantly affect the person's functioning in more than one setting. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria to make a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The clinician will review the symptoms to determine their severity and rule out other disorders that could trigger them. People with a learning disorder often show symptoms resembling those of ADHD. An individual with anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed. The clinician will also examine whether the patient suffers from any medical conditions like thyroid disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest a battery of tests, such as brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how the symptoms are impacting the patient. He may also suggest an extensive medical evaluation and tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Talk to your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They can refer you to experts who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also talk about how symptoms affect your or your child's daily routine and help you determine whether medication is needed. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment, such as 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 example, connects patients to licensed professionals who can treat a range of mental health issues including ADHD. Sessions take place via video and audio chats and are private and secure.
When choosing an online counseling specialist it is essential to feel secure and confident with them. Ask them about their experience and education with adults with ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer all your questions with precision. If they don't answer your questions, it could be a sign that they're not able or willing to be a professional working with adults suffering from ADHD.
It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis however it is an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It will help you realize that your struggles in focusing and organization are not a result of lazyness. It's also a comfort to be aware that you're not alone. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, careers and lifestyles.
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 manage ADHD and other conditions.