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ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review any medical history you may have.
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 been experiencing these symptoms.
Symptoms
Talk to your child's doctor should you suspect that they may be suffering from ADHD. They can check for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to complete an assessment form and may ask them to do some tests. They can also conduct a physical examination, including tests for the ear and eyes. 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 that are more prominent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present prior to the child reaching the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two crucial situations, like at school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD doctors employ psychiatric guidelines that include specific information about the symptoms and their duration, as and the degree of impairment.
Parents may not notice some of the more typical ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress and mental health issues and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD are also prone to problems with relationships and self-esteem which can lead to depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol or use drugs, which are detrimental to their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is essential for children to get a proper diagnosis to help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is essential to speak with an expert if you or someone in your family is suffering from difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing, has trouble paying attention at school, has trouble following instructions at work, or has other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist can help identify ADHD. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health professional will review the person's medical and mental history as well as family history to determine other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems like anxiety and mood disorders, 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 life, such as how frequently they miss class or fail to finish their homework. The doctor will also request to speak to other people who are involved in the person's daily life, such as coaches and teachers. They might also request that the person bring a journal.
The person who is being evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings openly with the examiner and not hold the information from fear of being criticised or criticized. This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the chances that a diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a great relief. It will help you realize that it is not inattention, or a deficit in intelligence, that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, including anxiety or depression. Other conditions, like a chronic headache or sleep disorder, can produce symptoms 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 person’s childhood, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also use the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests that assess working memory, executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to spatial space) and reasoning skills.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for many people with ADHD. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also eat a healthy diet and plan their meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you trust for recommendations. Teachers are a good example. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if they are licensed to evaluate adults or contact an area medical hospital or school. It is essential to find a doctor who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help those who suffer from the disorder to manage their symptoms and enhance their performance at work, school as well as in social situations. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD may also cause a number of side effects, including difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be taken with certain other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. Before starting medication, health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo a complete physical examination, which includes eye and hearing tests. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also ask about family history as well as lifestyle habits and prior medical problems.
The physician must closely examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms are ongoing and if they hinder the person's ability 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 for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The physician will assess the symptoms in order to determine their severity and also to rule out other conditions that could be responsible for them. People with learning disorders often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. A person with anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed. The physician will also determine if the person has any medical conditions such as thyroid issues that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The physician may suggest a battery of tests, such as brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how the symptoms are impacting the patient. The doctor may also recommend an entire medical examination, along with laboratory tests such a complete blood test and cholesterol panel.
getting a diagnosis for adhd
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They can recommend professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how symptoms affect your or your child's daily life, and help you determine if medication is necessary. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct an exhaustive analysis of your symptoms, you can seek out online specialists in Telemedicine. Amwell for instance connects patients to licensed specialists who can address various mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video and audio chat and are private and secure.
When choosing an online counseling specialist it is essential to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Find out about their education and experience working with adults with ADHD and make sure they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they are hesitant to answer your questions it could be a sign that they're not qualified or are not willing to work with adults who suffer from ADHD.
It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis, but it is an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking charge of your own life. It can help you understand that your issues with focus and organization aren't a sign of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and a healthy lifestyle.
People with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to learn how your ADHD and other conditions interact and assist you in learning to manage them.