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ADHD Diagnosis If you suspect you might have ADHD, you should consult a specialist. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review your medical background. They will also consider how you feel in various situations, including at school, at home and in social situations. They will also look at the length of time you've had these symptoms. Symptoms Talk to your child's doctor If you think they may be suffering from ADHD. They can look for signs by asking you and their teachers to complete an assessment form, and they might ask them to do some tests. They can also perform physical examinations, including eye and ear tests. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves that are higher in kids with ADHD. The symptoms must have been present before the child reaches the age of 12. It must cause significant disability in two key settings, such as at school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines that are used by doctors to diagnose adults contain a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration and the degree of impairment they cause. Parents may not notice some of the more common ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty distinguishing between normal and abnormal behavior. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also have problems with self-esteem and relationships which can cause depression. They often struggle to get adequate sleep. sleeping insufficiently can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely to drink and use drugs, which can cause serious harm to their health. The disorder can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcies due to the impulse-control issues. It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly as it will help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life. Diagnosis It is crucial to talk with your doctor if someone in your family suffers from difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty organizing their life, has trouble paying attention at school, has trouble following instructions at work or any other signs that may be due to ADHD. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care providers are also trained to diagnose ADHD. The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will examine the person's mental, medical and family history in order to determine if there are any other issues that may be causing symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as certain medications can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders can also be a result of 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 ask about the person’s home and school activities, including how often they are absent from school or fail to finish their homework. The doctor may also want to discuss other people in the patient's life, like coaches and teachers and may ask that the patient bring a journal. The person being evaluated should be able and willing to talk about their feelings with the examiner. They shouldn't be afraid of being judged or criticized. find out here will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the chance that the diagnosis will be accurate. Treatment If you or your child is suffering from ADHD being diagnosed is a great relief. It can help you understand that it's not lazyness, or a deficiency in intelligence that is making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also provides the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed up by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. Other illnesses, such as a persistent headache or sleep disorder, could be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD. To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the person and their family. They will ask about the person's childhood, their schooling and how their family interacts. They will also employ the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct psychological tests that examine executive functioning, working memory spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities. Many people with ADHD find that exercising and diet help reduce their symptoms. They should avoid the use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also eat a healthy diet and make sure to schedule meals and keep healthy snacks on hand so they don't miss meals. Ask your doctor, therapist or any other professional you are comfortable with for recommendations. Teachers are a good example. You can also contact the local hospital or medical school to get an inventory of specialists who are qualified or call your insurance provider to obtain the list of specialists who are licensed to assess adults. It is essential to find a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. Medication The use of ADHD medications can help those with the disorder better manage their symptoms as well as enhance their performance at work, school as well as in social settings. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also cause negative side effects like problems sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be taken in conjunction with other medications such as those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart-related conditions. Before beginning treatment health professionals suggest that adolescents and children undergo a full physical examination, which includes eye and hearing tests. 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 any medical issues that have occurred previously. To make a diagnosis, a clinician must examine the person closely to see whether the symptoms persist or significantly affect the person's functioning in multiple settings. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD. The physician will assess the symptoms in order to determine their severity, and to rule out other conditions that could be the cause. For example, people who suffer from a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder could be mistakenly identified as having ADHD. The doctor will also take into consideration whether the person has a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder, that could be akin to 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 might also suggest an extensive medical examination and laboratory tests, which could include an entire blood count and cholesterol test. Counseling If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family physician. They can refer you to experts who are skilled in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine the need for medication by discussing how the symptoms affect the daily lives of your child or yourself. They can also provide alternative treatment options, such as behavior therapy. If your family doctor isn't able to conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine can be found. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can help manage a variety of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted via audio and video chat, and are confidential and secure. It is essential to feel comfortable and confident with your online counselor. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience with adults with ADHD and ensure that they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they refuse to do so, this could indicate that they're not qualified or unwilling to be a professional in dealing with adults with ADHD. Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult however it's an essential step towards controlling your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It can help you realize that your issues in focusing and organization aren't a sign of inattention or lack of intelligence. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs, and healthy lifestyles. People with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to comprehend how your ADHD and other conditions interact and assist you in learning to cope with them.