ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, you should consult a specialist. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also go over your medical history.
They will check how your symptoms affect you in different settings, such as school, at home and social situations. They will also look at how long you have had these symptoms.
Symptoms
Speak to your child's doctor If you think you suspect that your child has ADHD. They can test for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to complete an assessment form and may ask them to perform certain tests. They can also perform physical examinations, such as tests for the ear and eyes. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves that are more frequent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs have been present since before the age of 12 for the child. It must cause significant impairment in two major settings, such as work and school. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. In order to diagnose adults, doctors use the psychiatric guidelines, which include a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration, as well as the level of impairment.
Parents may not notice some of the more common ADHD symptoms due to children's difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress and mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. adhd diagnosis uk adults have trouble getting sufficient sleep, and sleeping insufficiently can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and use drugs, which can be harmful 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 live a happier, more productive life.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to talk with an expert if you or someone in your family has social problems, has trouble organizing, has trouble paying attention in school, struggles to follow instructions at work or other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist could help identify ADHD. Certain primary care providers are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation will include a lengthy interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will examine the person's medical, mental and family history in order to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid diseases, head injuries and certain drugs can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Other mental health problems such as 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. Along with a thorough physical examination, the clinician will ask about the person's life at home and at school, including the frequency with which they miss class or fails to finish homework. The clinician will also ask to speak to other people who are involved in the person's daily life, such as teachers and coaches. They might also ask the person to bring journals.
The person being assessed should be able and willing to freely talk about their feelings with the assessor. They should not be scared of being judged or criticized. This will enhance the quality of the evaluation and increase the probability that the diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child suffers from ADHD being diagnosed is a relief. It will help you realize that it is not lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence, that is hindering your progress. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed up by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. Other diseases, such as chronic headaches or sleep disorders can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will examine the person and family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will look over the person's history going back to childhood, inquire about the person's experience at school and how their family members interact with one other. They will also employ the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also perform psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people with ADHD discover that exercising and diet reduce the symptoms. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also maintain an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks available to ensure they don't skip meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by asking for recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist, or from other reputable professionals, such as teachers. You can also call your insurance company to find out if they are licensed to evaluate adults, or visit the nearest medical school or hospital. It is important to locate a specialist who is certified by the board in psychology or psychiatry and has experience diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve their performance at school, at home, work, and in social settings. However, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can cause a number of side effects, including trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be taken in conjunction with other medications like those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. Health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo an extensive physical exam including hearing and eye tests prior to beginning treatment. Patients should be informed of the risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their healthcare providers. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle and medical history.
The clinician must closely examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms persist, and if they affect the person's ability in multiple environments. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
The clinician will review the symptoms to determine their severity and rule out other conditions that could cause them. People who suffer from learning disorders often exhibit symptoms that resemble those of ADHD. A person with anxiety disorder might be mistakenly diagnosed. The clinician will also consider whether the patient suffers from an illness such as thyroid disorders, which could be akin to symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor might suggest battery test, like a cognitive testing or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He could also suggest an entire medical examination, and lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol test.
Counseling
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your family doctor. They may refer you to specialists who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also talk about how the symptoms impact your or your child's everyday life and help you decide whether medication is needed. They can also provide alternative options for treatment, for example, therapy for behavior.
If your family doctor is unable to conduct an exhaustive analysis of your symptoms, you can find online specialists in telemedicine. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed specialists who can address a variety of mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video and audio chats and are private and secure.
When selecting a counselor online, it is important to feel at ease and trust with them. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience working with adults with ADHD and ensure that they can answer your questions in detail. If they are hesitant to do so this could be a sign that they are unqualified or uninterested in working with adults with ADHD.
It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis but it's an essential step to manage your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you realize that your difficulties with focus and organization are not a result of 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 keep their jobs, relationships, and a healthy lifestyle.
It is not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to suffer from other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help comprehend how your ADHD and other disorders interact, and help you learn to manage them.