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ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult an expert. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over your medical history.
They will also look at the way you feel in various situations, like at school, home and in social situations. They will also determine the length of time you've had these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you think your child might have ADHD, talk to their doctor. They can look for signs by asking you and your teachers to complete questionnaires and may request them to take certain tests. They can also do physical exams, including hearing and eye tests. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves which are more prevalent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. It must cause significant impairment in two primary situations, such as school and work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines utilized by doctors in diagnosing adults include a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration and the degree of impairment they cause.
Parents may not notice some of the more common ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behavior. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD.
People with ADHD can also have problems with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to drink and use drugs, which could cause serious harm to their health. The disorder could cause financial issues or even bankruptcies due to the impulsiveness. It is crucial for children to be diagnosed properly to aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is important to consult an expert if you or someone in your family has social problems, has trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention in school, struggles with following instructions at work or other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist can help identify ADHD. Some primary care professionals are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include an extensive interview and discussion of the symptoms. diagnosed with adhd will examine the patient's medical, mental and family history to look for other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health issues like mood disorders and anxiety can also be associated 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 clinician will also ask about the person's home and school life, such as how often they are absent from school or fail to complete their homework. The clinician may also ask to speak to other people who are part of the person's everyday life, such as coaches and teachers. They might also ask the person to bring a journal.
The person who is being evaluated should be able to share their feelings with the examiner and not hold back information in fear of being accused of being criticized or judged. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be exact.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a relief for your child or yourself. It will help you realize that it's not just laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that's preventing you from achieving success. It also provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis should be followed up with treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the patient and their family members thoroughly to determine ADHD. They will look over the person's past from birth to childhood, and inquire about the person's experience at school and how their family members interact with one and with each. They will also use standard rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests to test executive function, spatial and visual skills (related to spatial space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people with ADHD find that diet and exercise can reduce the symptoms. They should avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also follow a healthy diet and ensure they plan meal times and keep healthful snacks in their fridge so that they don't have to skip meals.
Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you trust for suggestions. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also call your insurance provider to find out who is licensed to evaluate adults or contact the nearest medical hospital or school. It is essential to locate a specialist who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has experience in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of ADHD medication can help those with the disorder better manage their symptoms and improve their performance at work, school as well as in social settings. However, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD may also cause several adverse effects, including trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used with certain other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure, and heart conditions. Health professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo an entire physical examination that includes hearing and eye tests, before beginning medication. Patients should be informed of the risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also ask about the history of their family and lifestyle habits as well as any medical issues that have occurred previously.
The physician must carefully examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and if they impact the patient's ability to function in more than one setting. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The physician will assess the symptoms to determine the severity of the symptoms, and also to rule out other conditions that could be the cause. For example, people with a learning impairment frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder might be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the person has an illness such as thyroid disorders, which might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician might suggest a variety of tests, such as cognitive testing or brain imaging to determine how symptoms affect the person. He may also suggest a full medical evaluation, along with laboratory tests such a complete blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect you have ADHD Talk to your family physician. They can recommend professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also help you determine the need for medication by discussing how the symptoms impact the daily lives of your child or you. They can also provide other options for treatment like the use of behavioral therapy.
If your family doctor is unable conduct a detailed evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who are specialists in telemedicine are available. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed providers who can manage a variety of mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio or video chat and are private.
It is important that you feel at ease and confident with your online counselor. Ask about their training and experience working with adults with ADHD, and make sure they are able to answer your questions in depth. If they are hesitant to do so this could be an indicator that they are unqualified or are not willing to work with adults who suffer from ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult, but it's a vital step in managing your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It will help you realize that your issues in focusing and organization aren't the result of lazyness. It's also reassuring to know that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs and healthy lifestyles.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help learn how your ADHD and other conditions interact and can help you learn how to deal with them.