ADHD Diagnosis If you suspect you have ADHD, you should consult an expert. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also look over your medical history. They will also look at how you feel in various situations, including at school, home and in social settings. They will also consider how long you've been experiencing these symptoms. Symptoms Talk to your child's doctor if you suspect that you suspect that your child has ADHD. They can test for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out questionnaires, and they might request them to take certain tests. They can also do a physical exam, including hearing and eye tests. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system, a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be higher in kids with ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD is a sign that the symptoms have been present for a long time before the child reached age 12. It must cause significant impairment in two primary situations, such as work and school. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD doctors employ psychiatric guidelines that include an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration as well as the level of impairment. Parents may not notice some of the more frequent ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behaviors. Stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which could lead them to depression. They are often unable to get good quality sleep, and an absence of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and take drugs, which can 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 to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life. Diagnosis If you or a family member have been struggling to get organized, have trouble paying attention in class, have difficulty following directions at work, suffer from social issues, or other issues that could be related to ADHD It is crucial to see a doctor for an evaluation. A mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help make the diagnosis. Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ involves an extensive interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health care provider will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history in order to determine if there are any other factors that could be contributing to symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases or head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those experienced by ADHD. Other mental health issues like anxiety and mood disorders, 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. In addition to a complete physical exam, the clinician will inquire about the patient's life at home and at school, focusing on the frequency with which they miss classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician might also discuss other people in the patient's life, like teachers and coaches and may also request that the patient bring an account of their lives. The person being evaluated must be able to share their feelings freely with the examiner, and not hold back information out of fear of being accused of being criticized or judged. This will improve the quality of the assessment and increase the probability that the diagnosis is accurate. Treatment If you or your child has ADHD being diagnosed can be a source of relief. It can help you realize that it's not a lack of effort or lack of intelligence standing in the way of success and it gives you ways to deal with your symptoms. However, the diagnosis must be followed by treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Other conditions like chronic headaches or sleep disorders may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the person and their family members thoroughly to determine ADHD. They will go over the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's education and how their family members interact with one and with each. They will also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests to assess executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning skills. 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 maintain a healthy diet, schedule meals and have healthy snacks readily available so they don't miss meals. Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you are comfortable with for suggestions. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also ask the local hospital or medical school for the names of qualified specialists or call your insurance company to get the list of specialists who are certified to evaluate adults. It is essential to find a doctor with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry. Medication The use of ADHD medications can help those with the disorder manage their symptoms, and improve their functioning at school, work as well as in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also trigger side effects such as difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be combined in conjunction with other medications such as those for depression or high blood pressure and heart conditions. Health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo an extensive physical exam that includes hearing and eye tests, before beginning medication. Health professionals should speak with patients about the benefits and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle, and medical history. The doctor must examine the patient closely to determine if the symptoms are persistent and if they impact the patient's ability to function in more than one setting. The criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is 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 the severity of the symptoms, and to rule out any other disorders that could be responsible for them. For instance, those who suffer from a learning disability often have symptoms reminiscent of ADHD and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The clinician will also consider whether the person has a medical condition such as thyroid disorders, which might mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The doctor may suggest battery tests, such an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend an entire medical assessment and lab tests, such as the complete blood count and cholesterol panel. Counseling If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family doctor. They can refer you to experts who are trained in ADHD screening. They can also assist you in determining whether medication is needed by discussing how the symptoms affect the daily life of your child or you. They can also provide alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy. If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are readily available. Amwell, for example, connects patients to licensed professionals who can treat a variety of mental health issues including ADHD. Sessions are conducted through audio and video chat, and are confidential and secure. When selecting an online counselor it is crucial to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Ask them about their experiences and training with adults with ADHD. Be sure that they can answer your questions with precision. If they are hesitant to share their knowledge this could be a sign that they are unqualified or are not willing to work with adults suffering from ADHD. The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge however it's an essential step toward managing your symptoms and gaining control over your life. It can help you realize that the issues you face with focus and organization are not 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 healthy relationships, jobs and lifestyles. It is not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you understand how your ADHD and other conditions interact and assist you in learning to manage them.