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 affect your life. They will also review your medical history.
They will also look at how you feel in different situations, including at home, school and in social situations. They will also look at the length of time you've had these symptoms for.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD, talk to their doctor. They can test for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to complete a questionnaire, and they might ask them to perform certain tests. They can also do a physical exam, including eye and hearing tests. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA), a noninvasive scanner that measures theta- and beta-waves, which are higher in children suffering from ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present before the child reached the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two important settings, such as at school and 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 and the degree of impairment.
Kids often have trouble telling the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, so parents might overlook some of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Stress and mental health issues and physical illnesses can also cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People with ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could lead them to depression. They often struggle to get good quality sleep, and an absence of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and use drugs, which can be detrimental to their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is essential that children receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilled, happier life.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to talk with your doctor if someone in your family is suffering from difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing, has trouble paying attention at school, struggles with following instructions at work or other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care providers are also trained to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation process consists of a long interview and a discussion of the symptoms. The health care professional will examine the patient's medical and mental history as well as family history to identify other conditions that could be causing the symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, head injuries, and certain medications can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health disorders like mood disorders and anxiety, can also occur with ADHD and cause problems.
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 inquire 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 want to discuss other people in the person's life, such as teachers and coaches and may also request that the person bring an account of their lives.
The person being evaluated must be able to share their feelings openly with the examiner, and not hold back information in fear of being criticized or judged. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the chances that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD being diagnosed is a great relief. It will help you realize that it's not laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that's hindering your progress. It also provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed-up by treatment. Adults with ADHD frequently have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches can trigger symptoms that appear like ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough exam of the person and their family. They will look over the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's experience at school and how family members interact with each other. They will also use ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also perform psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should stay away from the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. 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.
Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you are comfortable with for recommendations. Teachers are 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 contact your insurance company to obtain a list of those who are certified to evaluate adults. It's crucial to find a specialist with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology.
Medication
The use of medications for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve functioning at home, school or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social settings. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also cause negative side effects like difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other medications, for example, those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart problems. Before starting medication doctors recommend that children and adolescents undergo a complete physical examination that includes hearing and eye tests. Health care providers should talk with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask about family history, lifestyle habits, and prior medical problems.
In order to make a diagnosis, the clinician must closely examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and substantially affect the person's ability to function in multiple settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an official diagnostic manual released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria to make a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The physician will look over the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other conditions that could cause them. For instance, people who have a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and a person with an anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. The physician will also determine if the person has any medical conditions like thyroid disorders which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
The physician may suggest a series of tests, like cognitive testing or brain imaging to determine how symptoms are impacting the patient. He may also suggest an entire medical assessment and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can recommend professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also help you determine the need for medication by discussing how symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also provide alternative options for treatment, for example, therapy for behavior.
If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine can be found. Amwell, for example connects patients to licensed specialists who can address a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat and are private.
It is important that you feel at ease and confident with your online counselor. Ask them about their experience and education with adults with ADHD. Make sure they can answer your questions thoroughly. If they don't answer, it could be a sign they're not able or willing to be a professional working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge however it's an essential step toward managing your symptoms and taking control over your life. It can help you understand that your issues with organization and focus aren't a sign of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles.
It is common for people with ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you comprehend how your ADHD and other disorders interact, and help you learn how to deal with them.