ADHD Diagnosis
See a doctor if you suspect you have ADHD. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also go over any medical history you may have.
They will also look at how you feel in different situations, such as at school, at home and in social situations. They will also look at how long you've been experiencing these symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD discuss the possibility with your doctor. They can check for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to fill out a questionnaire and may ask them to perform some tests. They can also conduct physical exams, including eye and hearing tests. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be higher in kids with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs have been present since before the child reached the age of 12. It should cause significant impairment in two key environments, such as school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults, doctors use mental health guidelines that provide an extensive description of 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 may overlook some of the most typical symptoms of ADHD. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.
People with ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which can lead them to depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which can have serious consequences for their health. The disorder can lead to problems with finances or even bankruptcies due the impulse-control issues. It is essential for children to be diagnosed properly to aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member has been struggling to get organized or is having trouble staying focused in class, have trouble following instructions at work, suffer from social issues, or other concerns that could be caused by ADHD, it is important to see a doctor for an assessment. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist can help diagnose ADHD. Some primary care professionals are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extended interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical, mental and family history to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid diseases and head injuries as well as some medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health disorders 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. In addition to a thorough physical exam, the doctor will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, such as the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The doctor may also want to talk to other people in the patient's life, including coaches and teachers, and may request that the person bring an account of their lives.
The person being assessed should be able and willing to talk about their opinions with the assessor. They should not be scared of being criticised or judged. This will increase the accuracy of the assessment and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD being diagnosed is a great relief. It will help you realize that it is not lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis must be followed up with treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. adhd uk diagnosis like chronic headaches or sleep disorders can trigger symptoms that appear similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the patient and their family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will go over the person's life history back to childhood, ask about the person's experience at school and how their family members interact with one with each. They will also employ standard rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also take psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that exercising and diet reduce the symptoms. They should avoid the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. They should also follow an appropriate diet and ensure they plan meals at the right times and have healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't have to skip meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist or from other professionals you trust, such as teachers. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if they are certified to evaluate adults, or call a local medical school or hospital. It is essential to find a doctor with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help those with the disorder manage their symptoms, as well as improve their functioning at work, school, home and in social settings. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger negative side effects like difficulties sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be taken in conjunction with other medications such as those for depression or high blood pressure and heart conditions. Before beginning treatment doctors recommend that children and adolescents undergo a thorough physical examination that includes eye and hearing tests. Health professionals should speak with patients about the advantages and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask questions about the history of their family, lifestyle, and medical history.
In order to make a diagnosis, a clinician must closely examine the patient to see whether the symptoms persist and significantly affect the person's functioning in multiple settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.
The clinician will examine the symptoms to determine their severity, and also to rule out other conditions that may be causing them. People suffering from a learning disorder often show symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. An individual suffering from anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed. The physician will also examine whether the person has any medical issues, such as thyroid disorders, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician may suggest a battery test, such as an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. He might also suggest a complete medical evaluation and lab tests, such as a complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Talk to your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's daily routine, and help you determine whether medication is needed. They can also provide alternative treatment options, such as behavior therapy.
If your family doctor is unable conduct a detailed evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are available. Amwell for instance connects patients with licensed specialists who can address various mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat, and are confidential.
When selecting an online counselor it is essential to feel secure and confident with them. Find out about their education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD, and make sure they can answer your questions in depth. If they refuse to answer your questions, it could be a sign that they're not able or willing to be a professional in dealing with adults with ADHD.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult, but it's a vital step towards controlling your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It will help you realize that your difficulties with organization and focus aren't due to lazyness. It's also a relief to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help understand how your ADHD and other disorders interact, and help you learn to manage them.