ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to an expert. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also go over any medical history you have.
They will assess the impact of your symptoms in various environments, such as at school, home and social situations. They will also check how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for.
Symptoms
If you think your child may have ADHD discuss the possibility with their doctor. They can check for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to complete a questionnaire, and they might ask them to perform some tests. They could also take physical examinations, such as eye and hearing tests. adhd uk diagnosis can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves that are more frequent in children with ADHD.
The symptoms must have been present prior to the child reaching the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two primary environments, like school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To diagnose adults, doctors use psychiatric guidelines that include specific information about the symptoms and their duration as and the degree of impairment.
Parents may not notice some of the more common 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 suffering from ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which may cause depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to drink and use drugs, which can cause serious harm to their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies due the impulse-control issues. It is crucial for children to receive a correct diagnosis, because it can 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 get organized or is having trouble staying focused in class, have trouble adhering to instructions at work, experience social problems, or have other issues that could be due to ADHD, it is important to see a doctor to get an assessment. A mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist can assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD.
The process of evaluation involves a long interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will look over the patient's medical, mental and family history to identify other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health disorders, 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. In addition to a complete physical exam, 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 may want to speak with other people in the person's life, like teachers and coaches and may ask that the person bring an account of their lives.
The person being assessed should be able and willing to freely talk about their feelings with the assessor. They shouldn't be afraid of being judged or criticized. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the probability that the diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for you or your child. It will help you understand that it's not laziness or lack of intelligence hindering your success. It also gives you steps to take to manage your symptoms. However, the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches may cause symptoms like ADHD.
A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the patient and their family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will ask about the person’s childhood, their schooling and how their family interacts. They will also use ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that evaluate executive function, visual and spatial skills (related to spatial space) and reasoning abilities.
Diet and exercise can lessen symptoms for a lot of people with ADHD. They should stay away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also adhere to a healthy diet and plan their meals at the right times and have healthy snacks on hand so they don't skip meals.
Ask your doctor, therapist or other professionals you trust for suggestions. Teachers are a good example. You can also reach out to the local hospital or medical school for a list of qualified specialists or contact your insurance company to obtain a list of those who are certified to evaluate adults. It is important to choose a doctor who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has experience in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder manage their symptoms, and improve their functioning at work, school as well as in social settings. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD may also cause a number of side effects, including trouble sleeping, appetite changes, and weight loss. They should not be used together with other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure, and heart conditions. Health professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo a complete physical exam that includes hearing and eye tests prior to beginning treatment. Health care professionals should discuss with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle and medical history.
The physician must closely examine the patient to determine if the symptoms are persistent, and if they affect the person's ability in more than one setting. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The clinician will examine the symptoms to determine their severity, and also to rule out other conditions that might be responsible for them. For example, people who suffer from a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and someone with an anxiety disorder may be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The physician will also look at whether the patient suffers from any medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The clinician might suggest a series of tests, like brain imaging or cognitive testing, to assess how the symptoms are affecting the individual. The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical evaluation along with laboratory tests such a complete blood test and cholesterol panel.
Counseling
Talk to your doctor if you think that you might be suffering from ADHD. They can provide referrals to specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. 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 discuss other options for treatment, for example, therapy for behavior.
If your family physician is unable conduct a detailed evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are readily available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can assist in managing a range of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted via audio or video chat and are confidential.
It is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your online counselor. Ask about their training and experience with adults with ADHD and ensure that they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they don't do so, this could be a sign they're not competent or able to work as a professional with adults with ADHD.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge but it's an essential step in controlling your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It can help you understand that the issues you face with focus and organization aren't a sign of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also reassuring to know that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and a healthy lifestyle.
People with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric issues like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help learn how your ADHD and other disorders interact and assist you in learning to cope with them.