ADHD Diagnosis If you suspect you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult an expert. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review any medical history you have. They will also consider how you feel in various situations, including at home, school and in social settings. They will also check how long you've been experiencing these symptoms for. Signs and symptoms If you suspect your child may be suffering from ADHD discuss the possibility with your doctor. Your child's teacher and you can fill out questionnaires to determine signs. They could also ask them to take some tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, such as eye and ear tests. They can also use the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves, which tend to be more frequent in children with ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs were present prior to the time the child reached age 12. It should cause significant impairment in two major situations, such as school and work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines used by doctors in diagnosing adults include a detailed description of the symptoms, their duration and the level of impairment they cause. Parents may not notice some of the more typical ADHD symptoms due to children's difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress and mental health issues and physical ailments can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and take drugs, which can be detrimental to their health. The impulsiveness of ADHD can lead to financial issues or even bankruptcy. It is crucial for children to be diagnosed properly, because it can aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier and more productive life. Diagnosis It is crucial to talk with a doctor if you or someone in your family has social problems, has trouble getting organized, has difficulty paying attention at school, struggles to follow instructions at work or other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, can assist in determining a diagnosis. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD. The evaluation process will involve an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health professional will examine the patient's medical, mental and family history to look for other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or head injuries, as well as certain drugs can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders, can also occur 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 doctor will ask about the person's life at home and at school, focusing on the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The doctor may also want to speak with other people in the person's life, like coaches and teachers and may also request that the person bring journals. The person being evaluated must be able and willing to openly talk about their opinions with the assessor. They shouldn't be afraid to be criticised or judged. This will improve the accuracy of the evaluation and increase the chance that the diagnosis will be accurate. Treatment A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief for you or your child. It will help you understand that it's not just laziness or a lack of intelligence standing in the way of success, and also provides ways to deal with your symptoms. The diagnosis should be followed up by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often suffering from other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. Other illnesses, such as a persistent headache or sleep disorder, can be the cause of symptoms that resemble ADHD. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will examine the person and their family members thoroughly to determine ADHD. They will go over the person's life history back to childhood, inquire about the person's experience at school and how family members interact with one with each. They will also utilize standardized rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also perform psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial (related to space) and reasoning skills. Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. They should also adhere to an appropriate diet and ensure they plan meal times and keep healthful snacks in their fridge so that they don't miss meals. You can locate an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist or other reputable professionals like a teacher. You can also reach out to an institution affiliated with a university or medical school for an inventory of specialists who are qualified or call your insurance company to find a list of those who are licensed to assess 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 Medications for ADHD can help people suffering from the disorder manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, school or at work. They can also help improve their performance in social situations. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD may also cause various side effects, such as trouble sleeping, appetite changes, and weight loss. They should not be used in conjunction with other medications for depression, such as those used to treat and high blood pressure and heart problems. Before starting a medication, health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo a thorough physical examination that includes hearing and eye tests. Health care providers should talk with patients about the advantages and dangers of taking ADHD medication. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ should also inquire about the history of their family as well as lifestyle habits and prior medical problems. The physician must closely examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms persist, and if they affect the patient's ability to function in more than one environment. The criteria for making 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 examine the symptoms to determine the severity and rule out other conditions that could cause them. For instance, those who suffer from a learning disability often have symptoms reminiscent of ADHD and a person with an anxiety disorder may be mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. The physician will also consider whether the patient suffers from a medical condition such as a thyroid disorder, that could be akin to symptoms of ADHD. The clinician may suggest a battery tests, such a cognitive testing or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He may also suggest an entire medical examination, and lab tests like a comprehensive blood test and cholesterol panel. Counseling If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your family doctor. They can provide referrals to specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also discuss how symptoms affect you or your child's daily life and help you determine if medication is necessary. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy. If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are available. For example, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can help manage a variety of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video or audio chat, and are completely confidential. When choosing an online counselor, it is important to feel secure and confident with them. Be sure to inquire about their training and experience with adults with ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in detail. If they are unable to answer your questions, it 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, but it's a vital step in controlling your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It will help you realize that your difficulties with focus and organization are not a result of inability to focus. It's also reassuring to know that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships, jobs and lives. It is normal for people suffering from ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can teach you how to cope with ADHD and other disorders.