ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also review any medical history you may have.
They will assess how your symptoms impact you in various situations, including at school, at home and social settings. They will also determine how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD Talk to your doctor. They can test for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out an assessment form and ask them to do some tests. They can also conduct a physical examination, including eye and ear 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 who suffer from ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms have been present since before the child reached age 12. It must cause significant disability in two crucial environments, such as school and 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 an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration, as well as the level of impairment.
Parents may not notice some of the more common ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress and mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which may cause depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and use drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly, because it can aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have struggled to stay organized, have trouble paying attention in class, have difficulty following instructions at work, have social issues, or other concerns that could be due to ADHD, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation. A mental health professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists, can help you make the diagnosis. Certain primary care providers are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health care professional will examine the person's medical, mental, and family history in order to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, head injuries and certain drugs can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health issues such as anxiety and mood disorders, can also occur 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 doctor will also inquire about the person's family and school life, including the frequency they skip classes or fail to finish their homework. The clinician may want to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as coaches and teachers and may ask that the person bring journals.
www.iampsychiatry.com being evaluated must be willing to discuss their feelings openly with the examiner and not keep back information out of fear of being criticized or judged. This will improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the chances that the diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a relief. It will help you understand that it's not a lack of effort or lack of intelligence hindering your success. It also gives you steps to take to control your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other diseases, such as chronic headaches or sleep disorders can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the person and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will ask about the child's life, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also use ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to evaluate executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also adhere to a healthy diet, schedule meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your physician or therapist or other professionals you trust, such as a teacher. You can also call your insurance provider to find out if they are certified to evaluate adults, or call an area medical school or hospital. It is essential to choose a doctor who is certified by the board in psychology or psychiatry and has experience in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of ADHD medication can help those with the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at school, work as well as in social settings. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger negative side effects like difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be taken with certain other drugs for depression, such as those used to treat, high blood pressure, and heart issues. Health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo a complete physical exam, including eye and hearing tests prior to beginning treatment. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also ask questions about the history of their family, lifestyle, and previous medical issues.
The physician must examine the patient closely to determine whether the symptoms are ongoing, and if they affect the person's ability to function in more than one setting. 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 ADD/ADHD.
The doctor will examine the symptoms to determine the severity and rule out other disorders that might cause them. For example, people who suffer from a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and someone with an anxiety disorder might be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The physician will also determine if the patient has any medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest a variety of tests, like brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how the symptoms are impacting the patient. He may also suggest an extensive medical examination and lab tests, such as a complete blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family physician. They can provide referrals to specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also assist you in determining whether medication is required by discussing how symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also explain other options for treatment, like therapy for behavior.
If your family doctor isn't able to provide an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms, you can search online for counselors who specialize in Telemedicine. Amwell, for example connects patients to licensed professionals who can treat a range of mental health issues, including ADHD. Session take place via audio or video chat and are confidential.
It is crucial to feel comfortable and confident with the online counselor. Ask about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and ensure that they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they are unable to answer, it could indicate that they're not qualified or unwilling to work as a professional with adults with ADHD.
It can be a challenge to get an ADHD diagnosis, but it is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking control of your life. It can help you realize that the difficulties you have with organization and focus aren't the result of inattention or lack of intelligence. It's also comforting to know you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and healthy 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 help you learn how to manage ADHD and other conditions.