ADHD Diagnosis

Consult a specialist if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review your medical background.

They will also examine how you feel in various situations, like at school, at home and in social situations. They will also determine how long you've had these symptoms for.

Symptoms

Consult your child's physician If you think you suspect that your child has ADHD. They can test for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out a questionnaire and ask them to perform some tests. They could also take a physical exam, including hearing and eye tests. 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 tend to be more frequent in children with ADHD.

A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs were present prior to the time the child reached the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two main environments, like school and work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines used by doctors to diagnose adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration, and the degree of impairment they cause.

Parents might not be aware of the more common ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behaviors. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.

People with ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. They often struggle to get sufficient sleep, and an absence of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol or use drugs, which can be harmful to their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies due to the impulse-control issues. It is essential that children receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and lead a happier, more productive life.

Diagnosis

If you or a family member has been struggling to organize, have trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty following instructions at work, experience social issues, or other issues that could be related to ADHD, it is important to see a doctor to get an assessment. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, can help you make the diagnosis. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.

The evaluation process consists of an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will examine the person's mental, medical and family history to determine if there are other factors that could be contributing to symptoms. Some medical conditions such as thyroid diseases and head injuries as well as some medications can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Other mental health issues, such as mood disorders and anxiety, 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 thorough physical examination, the clinician will inquire about the person'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 doctor will also request to speak with other people involved in the person's daily life, such as teachers and coaches. They may also request that the person bring an account book.

The person being evaluated must be willing to discuss their feelings openly with the examiner, and not hold back information out of fear of being criticised or criticized. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is accurate.

Treatment

If you or your child suffers from ADHD, getting a diagnosis can be a source of relief. It can help you understand that it's not laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that's preventing you from achieving success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health problems like depression or anxiety. Other diseases, like a persistent headache or sleep disorder, can be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.

To determine if someone has ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the patient and their family. They will inquire about the person’s childhood, their schooling and how their family interacts. They will also employ ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also take psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning abilities.

Many people suffering from ADHD discover that diet and exercise can reduce the symptoms. They should avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also adhere to an appropriate diet and make sure to schedule meal times and keep healthful snacks on hand so they don't have to skip meals.

Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you trust for suggestions. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also contact a local university-based hospital or medical school for an inventory of specialists who are qualified or call your insurance provider to obtain the list of specialists who are licensed to assess adults. It is essential to find a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD.

Medication

Medications for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, school or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social situations. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also have adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be combined in conjunction with other medications, including those for depression or high blood pressure and heart issues. Health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents receive an extensive physical exam that includes hearing and eye tests prior to beginning treatment. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle habits, and previous medical problems.

To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly impact the person's performance in multiple settings. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

The physician will assess the symptoms in order to determine their severity and to rule out other conditions that could be responsible for them. People who suffer from learning disorders often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. An individual suffering from anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed. The physician will also consider whether the patient has a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder, that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.

The doctor may suggest a series of tests, like cognitive testing or brain imaging, to assess how the symptoms affect the person. He may also suggest an extensive medical evaluation and laboratory tests such a complete blood test and cholesterol test.

Counseling

Consult your doctor if you believe that you might be suffering from 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 life and help you determine if medication is necessary. They can also provide alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.

If your family physician is unable to conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms you can search online for specialists in the field of telemedicine. Amwell, for example connects patients with licensed professionals who can treat a variety of mental health issues including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video and audio chat and are private and secure.

It is essential that you feel at ease and confident in your online website counselor. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they don't do so, this could indicate that they're not qualified or unwilling to be a professional in dealing with adults with ADHD.

It can be challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis however it is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking charge of your life. It can help you realize that the issues you face with focus and organization aren't the result of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also comforting to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and healthy lifestyles.

It is not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to cope with ADHD and other disorders.