ADHD Diagnosis If you suspect you have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review any medical history you may have. They will also examine the way you feel in various situations, including at school, at home and in social situations. They will also assess the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. Signs and symptoms If you suspect your child may have ADHD, talk to their doctor. You and your child's teachers can fill out an assessment questionnaire to look for symptoms. They may also request that they take a few tests. They could also take a physical exam, including hearing and eye tests. They can also make use of the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be more frequent in children with ADHD. The symptoms must be present before the child reached the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two major settings, such as school and work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines used by doctors to diagnose adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration and the degree 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 commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. In addition, stress or other mental health issues or physical ailments can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also have problems with self-esteem and relationships, which can lead to depression. Sleep problems can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. They tend to drink more and take drugs, which could result in serious consequences for their health. The impulsiveness of the disorder can result in financial problems or even bankruptcy. It's crucial that kids get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This will help them manage their symptoms and lead an enjoyable, productive life. Diagnosis It is important to consult your doctor if someone in your family suffers from issues with social interaction, is having trouble organizing, has trouble paying attention at school, struggles with following instructions at work, or has other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help you make an assessment. Some primary care professionals are trained to diagnose ADHD. The evaluation process involves an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will examine the patient's medical, mental and family history to determine other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. Certain medical conditions like thyroid diseases or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders can also be a result of 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. In addition to a complete physical exam, the clinician will ask about the person's life at home and at school, including how often the person misses classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may want to speak with other people in the person's life, like coaches and teachers, and may request that the patient bring a journal. The person being evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings freely with the examiner and not keep the information from fear that they will be criticized or judged. This will enhance the accuracy of the assessment and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis will be exact. Treatment A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for your child or you. It can help you realize that it's not just laziness or lack of intelligence standing in the way of success and it gives you ways to deal with your symptoms. The diagnosis should be followed up by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other diseases, like a persistent headache or sleep disorder, could produce symptoms similar to ADHD. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the patient and their family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will review the person's past from birth to childhood, inquire about the person's education and how their family members interact with one other. They will also employ standard rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also take psychological tests that examine executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning abilities. Many people with ADHD discover that exercise and diet can help reduce their symptoms. They should stay clear of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also eat healthy food and make sure to schedule meals and keep healthy snacks on hand to ensure they don't miss meals. Ask your doctor, therapist or other professionals you trust for suggestions. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also ask the local hospital or medical school for an inventory of specialists who are qualified or call your insurance company to find an overview of the specialists who are certified to evaluate adults. It is essential to find a doctor with experience in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry. Medication The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder better manage their symptoms and also improve their functioning at school, work as well as in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also cause negative side effects like difficulties sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be combined in conjunction with other medications for depression, such as those used to treat or high blood pressure and heart problems. Health professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo an entire physical examination including hearing and eye tests, before beginning medication. Patients should be informed of the risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask about the history of their family and lifestyle habits as well as previous medical problems. To make a diagnosis, a clinician must closely examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly impact the person's performance in more than one setting. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The doctor will look at the symptoms to determine their severity, and to rule out any other conditions that may 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 doctor will also take into consideration whether the person has a medical condition like thyroid disorders, which might mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The doctor may suggest battery test, such as a cognitive test or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. He could also suggest an extensive medical evaluation as well as tests in the laboratory, such as a full blood test 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. https://www.adhddiagnosis.top/ can also talk about how the symptoms impact your or your child's daily life, and help you determine whether medication is needed. They can also provide alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy. If your family physician isn't able to provide an exhaustive assessment of your symptoms you can search online for specialists in Telemedicine. Amwell for instance, connects patients to licensed specialists who can address a range of mental health issues including ADHD. Sessions take place via audio and video chat, and are confidential and secure. When choosing a counselor online it is essential to feel at ease and trust with them. Ask them about their experience and training with adults with ADHD. Make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they're not willing to share their knowledge it could be a sign that they're not qualified or uninterested in working with adults with ADHD. Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge, but it's a vital step toward managing your symptoms and taking control of your life. It can help you understand that your issues with organization and focus aren't due to lazyness. It's also comforting to be aware that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, jobs and lives. It is common for people suffering from ADHD to have other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can guide you on how to cope with ADHD and other conditions.