ADHD Diagnosis

Consult a specialist if suspect that you may have ADHD. The specialist will inquire 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 home, school and in social situations. They will also check how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.

Signs and symptoms

If you suspect your child may have ADHD discuss the possibility with your doctor. You and your child's teachers can fill out questionnaires to determine symptoms. They may also ask them to take some tests. They can also perform physical examinations, such as tests for the ear and eyes. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that measures theta- and beta-waves, which are higher in children with ADHD.

The symptoms must have been present before the child reaches the age of 12. It must cause significant disability in two important situations, like at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults doctors follow the psychiatric guidelines, which include specific information about the symptoms and their duration, as well as the level of impairment.

Parents may not notice some of the more common ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. In addition, stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.

People suffering from ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem, which can lead to depression. They often struggle to get good quality sleep, and an absence of sleep can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and take drugs, which can cause serious harm to their health. The disorder could cause financial problems or even bankruptcies due to the insanity. It's important for kids to get a proper diagnosis as it will aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.

Diagnosis

If you or a loved one has been struggling to organize, have trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty following instructions at work, suffer from social problems, or have other issues that could be due to ADHD It is crucial to consult with a physician for an evaluation. A mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help make a diagnosis. Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD.

The evaluation process will involve a lengthy interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health care provider will look over the patient's medical and mental history as well as family history to identify other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid diseases and head injuries as well as some medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders, 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the doctor will inquire about the patient's life at home and at school, including the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The clinician might also speak with other people in the person's life, like coaches and teachers, and may request that the patient bring a journal.

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 criticized or judged. This can improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is accurate.

Treatment

If you or your child has ADHD being diagnosed can be a source of relief. It can help you understand that it is not inattention, or a deficit in intelligence, that is preventing you from achieving success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. However, 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 chronic headaches or sleep disorders can trigger symptoms that appear similar to ADHD.

A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the patient and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will inquire about the person's childhood, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, spatial and visual abilities (related to spatial space), and reasoning abilities.

Many people suffering from ADHD discover that diet and exercise can aid in reducing their symptoms. They should stay away from the use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also adhere to a healthy diet, set a schedule for meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.

You can locate an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist or from other professionals you trust like teachers. You can also call your insurance provider to find out if they are licensed to evaluate adults, or visit the nearest medical institution or hospital. It's important to choose a doctor who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has experience in diagnosing adhd in adults ADHD.

Medication

Medications for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve functioning at school, at home or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger side effects such as problems sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be taken in conjunction with other medications, including those for depression or high blood pressure and heart problems. Health professionals suggest that adolescents and children undergo an extensive physical exam including hearing and eye tests prior to starting medication. Health care providers should talk with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask about family history as well as lifestyle habits and prior medical problems.

In order to make a diagnosis, the clinician must examine the person closely to see whether the symptoms persist and substantially affect the person's ability to function in more than one setting. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria to make a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.

The doctor will look at the symptoms in order to determine their severity and to rule out any other disorders that could be causing them. People with learning disorders often exhibit symptoms resembling those of ADHD. A person with anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed. The clinician will also examine whether the patient has any medical issues like thyroid disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.

The physician may suggest a variety of tests, including brain imaging or cognitive testing to determine how the symptoms are impacting the patient. He may also suggest an entire medical assessment and laboratory tests, nearest including the complete blood count and cholesterol panel.

Counseling

Speak to your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They can recommend professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also assist you in determining the need for medication by discussing how the symptoms affect the daily life of your child or you. They can also provide alternative treatment options like behavior therapy.

If your family physician cannot conduct an exhaustive assessment of your symptoms you can find online counselors who specialize in telemedicine. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed professionals who can treat various mental health issues including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video and audio chats and are private and secure.

It is essential that you feel comfortable and confident with your online counselor. Ask them about their experience and training with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they refuse to do so, this could indicate that they're not competent or able to be a professional in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD.

It can be a challenge to receive an ADHD diagnosis however it is an essential step to manage your symptoms and nearest taking charge of your own life. It can help you understand that your difficulties in focusing and organization aren't due to inability to focus. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not the only one. 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 disorders like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to deal with ADHD and other disorders.