https://www.adhddiagnosis.top/ Consult a specialist if think you might have ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you may have. They will check how your symptoms impact you in various situations, including at school, at home and social settings. They will also determine how long you've been experiencing these symptoms. Symptoms If you suspect your child might have ADHD Talk to your doctor. They can look for signs by asking you and their teachers to fill out an assessment form, and they might request them to take certain tests. They can also conduct a physical examination, including tests for the ear and eyes. They can also make use of FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a non-invasive scanner that measures theta- and beta-waves, which are higher in children suffering from ADHD. The symptoms must have been present before the child reaches the age of 12. It must cause significant disability in two important 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 to diagnose 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 typical ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behavior. In addition, stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses may trigger similar symptoms as ADHD. People with ADHD are also prone to problems with relationships and self-esteem which can lead to depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and use drugs, which could be detrimental to their health. The impulsiveness that is associated with the disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcy. It is essential for children to receive a correct diagnosis as it will help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier 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, have issues with social interaction, or other issues that could be due to ADHD, it is important to consult with a physician to get an assessment. A mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help make an assessment. Certain primary care providers are also trained to diagnose ADHD. The process of evaluation involves an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will examine the person's mental, medical and family history to determine if there are any other issues that may be causing symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, head injuries, and some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health conditions such as mood disorders and anxiety, can also occur with ADHD and create 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 doctor will also inquire about the person's family and school life, such as how often they are absent from school or do not finish their homework. The clinician will also ask to talk to any other individuals who are part of the person's everyday life, including teachers and coaches. They might request that the patient bring a journal. The person being assessed should be able and willing to freely discuss their thoughts with the examiner. They should not be afraid to be critiqued or criticized. This will increase the quality of the assessment and increase the chance that a diagnosis will be exact. Treatment A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for your child or yourself. It will help you realize that it's not lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence, that's preventing you from achieving success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the individual and their family. They will inquire about the child's life, their schooling and how the family interacts. They will also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standard rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities. Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should stay clear of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also maintain an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks available so they don't miss meals. You can find an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your physician or therapist or from other reputable professionals like teachers. You can also ask an institution affiliated with a university or medical school to get an inventory of specialists who are qualified or call your insurance company to find an overview of the specialists who are licensed to evaluate adults. It's important to find a specialist who is certified by the board in psychology or psychiatry and has experience in diagnosing ADHD. Medication Treatments for ADHD can help people with 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 have negative side effects like problems sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be taken with certain other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart-related conditions. Health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents receive an entire physical examination including hearing and eye tests, before beginning medication. Health professionals should speak with patients about the benefits and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle and previous medical issues. To make a diagnosis, the clinician must closely examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly affect the person's functioning in more than one setting. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The doctor will look at the symptoms to determine the severity of the symptoms, and to rule out other conditions that might be causing them. For instance, people with a learning impairment often have symptoms reminiscent of ADHD and a person with an anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The physician will also consider whether the patient has an illness like thyroid disease, which may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. The doctor may suggest battery tests, such an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He may also suggest an extensive medical examination and lab tests, such as a complete blood count and cholesterol test. Counseling If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family physician. They can recommend specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how symptoms affect your or your child's everyday life, and help you determine whether medication is needed. They can also discuss other options for treatment, like therapy for behavior. If your family physician is unable conduct a detailed assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who are experts in telemedicine can be found. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can help manage various mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat, and are private. It is crucial that you feel at ease and confident with the online counselor. Ask them about their experience and education with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure they can answer your questions with precision. If they are unable to do so, this could be a sign they're not able or willing to work as a professional with adults suffering from ADHD. Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge however it's an essential step in managing your symptoms and taking control of your life. It can help you understand that your struggles with focus and organization are not a result of laziness. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and a healthy lifestyle. It is common for people suffering from ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to cope with ADHD and other conditions.