ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD it is recommended that you consult an expert. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review any medical history you have.
They will check how your symptoms affect you in various environments, such as at school, at home and social situations. They will also assess the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you think your child may have ADHD discuss the possibility with their doctor. They can test for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to complete an assessment form, and they might ask them to perform some tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, including eye and ear tests. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves that are more prominent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms have been present for a long time 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. To determine if an adult has ADHD, doctors use the psychiatric guidelines, which include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration as well as the degree of impairment.
Parents may miss some of the more common ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which may lead them to depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to drink and use drugs, which can result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It is crucial for children to get a proper diagnosis as it will assist 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 or has trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty adhering to instructions at work, suffer from social issues, or other concerns that could be related to ADHD, it is important to consult with a physician to get an evaluation. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist can help identify ADHD. Some primary care professionals have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process consists of an extended interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health care professional will examine the patient's medical, mental and family history to determine other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health problems like mood disorders and anxiety may also be present 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 often they are absent from school or do not finish their homework. The doctor may also want to talk to other people in the person's life, such as teachers and coaches and may ask that the person bring journals.
The person being assessed should be willing and able to talk about their feelings with the examiner. They shouldn't be scared of being judged or criticized. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the chances that the diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD being diagnosed is a great relief. It will help you realize that it's not just lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence, that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed up by treatment. Adults with ADHD frequently have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Other illnesses, such as chronic headaches or sleep disorder, may be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the individual and their family. They will inquire about the child's life, their schooling and how their family interacts. They will also use ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, visual and spatial skills (related to space) and reasoning skills.
Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also eat healthy food and make sure to schedule meals at the right times and have healthy snacks in their fridge so that they don't have to skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or other professionals you are comfortable with for suggestions. A teacher is a good example. You can also ask a local university-based hospital or medical school to get an inventory of specialists who are qualified or call your insurance company to get an overview of the 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
Treatments for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at school, at home, work, and in social situations. The stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can also trigger adverse effects, such as difficulties sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other drugs for depression, such as those used to treat, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Before starting a medication, health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo a thorough physical examination that includes eye and hearing tests. adult adhd diagnosis uk should be informed about the risks and advantages of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle and medical history.
The doctor must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and if they impact the person's ability to function in more than one environment. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The physician will look over the symptoms to determine the severity and to rule out other disorders that might cause them. For instance, people who have a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder might be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The physician will also look at whether the patient suffers from any medical issues, such as thyroid disorders, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may suggest battery test, like an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical examination and laboratory tests, which could include an entire blood count and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your family physician. They can refer you to professionals who are skilled in ADHD screening. They can also talk about how symptoms affect your or your child's everyday life and help you determine whether medication is required. They can also provide other options for treatment, like behavioral therapy.
If your family physician cannot conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who are experts in telemedicine can be found. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can assist in managing various mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video or audio chat, and are completely confidential.
When choosing an online counseling specialist, it is important to feel at ease and trust with them. Find out about their education and experience working with adults with ADHD and ensure that they are able to answer your questions in depth. If they are reluctant to share their knowledge it could be a sign that they are unqualified or are not willing to work with adults with ADHD.
It can be challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, but it is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking charge of your life. It can help you understand that your struggles in focusing and organization aren't the result of inability to focus. It's also reassuring to know that you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to cope with ADHD and other conditions.