ADHD Diagnosis

If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should consult an expert. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also review any medical history you have.

They will assess how your symptoms impact you in various settings, such as school, at home and social situations. They will also look at how long you have had these symptoms for.

Signs and symptoms

Consult your child's physician If you think you suspect that your child has ADHD. They can check for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out questionnaires, and they might ask them to perform certain tests. They can also conduct physical exams, including eye and hearing tests. They can also make use of the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves, which tend to be more prominent in children with ADHD.

A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms were present prior to the time the age of 12 for the child. It must cause significant disability in two key settings, such as at school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines used by doctors when diagnosing adults contain a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration and the level of impairment they cause.

Kids often have trouble telling the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, which is why parents may overlook some of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Stress, 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. They often have trouble getting sufficient sleep, and sleeping insufficiently can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They tend to drink more and use drugs, which can cause serious harm to their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies because of the insanity. It is crucial that children receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and live an enjoyable, productive life.

Diagnosis

It is important to consult a doctor if you or someone in your family suffers from difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing their life, has trouble paying attention in school, has trouble following instructions at work or any other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist can help diagnose ADHD. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD.

The evaluation process involves an extended interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history to determine if there are other issues that may be causing symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, head injuries and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the clinician will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, such as the frequency with which they miss classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may also ask to speak to other people involved in the person's daily life, including 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 freely with the examiner and not keep back information in fear of being criticized or judged. This can improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the probability that the diagnosis is accurate.

Treatment

If you or your child is suffering from ADHD receiving a diagnosis can be a source of relief. It will help you realize that it's not laziness, or a lack in intelligence that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed with treatment. Adults with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Other conditions, like chronic headaches or sleep disorder, could cause symptoms that look like ADHD.

To determine if someone has ADHD, an audiologist or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the individual and their family. They will ask about the person's childhood, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also use standard rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also take psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills.

Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for many people with ADHD. They should avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They should also eat a healthy diet and make sure to schedule meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't skip meals.

You can locate an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your physician or therapist or other professionals you trust like an educator. You can also call your insurance company to find out who is certified to assess adults, or call a local medical institution or hospital. It is crucial to find a doctor who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.

Medication

Treatments for ADHD can help people with the disorder control their symptoms and improve their performance at school, at home, work, and in social situations. However, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger several adverse effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used alongside other medications, including those for depression, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. Before beginning treatment doctors recommend that adolescents and children undergo a full physical examination that includes eye and hearing tests. Health care professionals should discuss with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle, and medical history.

The physician must examine the patient closely to determine whether the symptoms persist 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 to make a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD.

The physician will assess the symptoms to determine the severity of the symptoms, and also to rule out other disorders that could be causing them. People suffering from learning disorders typically exhibit symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. An individual with anxiety disorder may be incorrectly diagnosed. The physician will also look at whether the patient has any medical issues, such as thyroid disorders which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.

The physician may suggest a battery of tests, like brain imaging or cognitive testing, to assess how the read more symptoms affect the person. The doctor may also recommend a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count and cholesterol panel.

Counseling

If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family physician. They may refer you to specialists who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also talk about how symptoms affect you or your child's daily life and help you determine whether medication is needed. They can also provide other options for treatment for example, behavioral therapy.

If your family physician isn't able to provide an exhaustive evaluation of your symptoms, you can search online for counselors who specialize in Telemedicine. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed professionals who can treat various mental health issues like ADHD. Sessions take place via video and audio chats and are private and secure.

It is crucial to feel comfortable and confident with the online counselor. Ask them about their experience and education with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer all your questions in detail. If they are unable to answer your questions, it could indicate that they're not qualified or unwilling to work as a professional with adults with ADHD.

It can be challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis however it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and taking charge of your life. It can help you realize that the difficulties you have with organization and focus aren't the result of laziness or low intelligence. It's also comforting to know you're not alone. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and healthy lifestyles.

It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to deal with ADHD and other conditions.