Ten Things You Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With ADHD Diagnose
ADHD Diagnosis
Consult a specialist if think you might have ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also look over your medical background.
They will determine how your symptoms impact you in different situations, including at school, at home, and social situations. They will also assess the length of time you've experienced these symptoms.
Symptoms
If you think your child may be suffering from ADHD, talk to your doctor. Your child's teacher and you can fill out an assessment questionnaire to look for signs. They may also ask them to take some tests. They could also take a physical exam, including hearing and eye tests. They can also utilize the FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) system which is a non-invasive scan that measures beta and theta brain waves, which tend to be more prominent in children with ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the signs have been present for a long time before the age of 12 for the child. It has to cause significant impairment in two crucial environments, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines that are used by doctors in diagnosing adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration, and the degree of impairment they cause.
Parents may miss some of the more common ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behavior. Stress and mental health issues and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD may also have issues with relationships and self-esteem which can cause depression. They are often unable to get sufficient sleep, and an absence of sleep can cause the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and take drugs, which can be detrimental to their health. The disorder can cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies because of the impulse-control issues. It is essential for children to get a proper diagnosis as it will help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life.
Diagnosis
If you or a family member have struggled to stay organized or is having trouble staying focused in class, are having difficulty following instructions at work, experience social issues, or other issues that could be due to ADHD It is crucial to consult a doctor to get an assessment. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists can help make an assessment. Some primary care professionals are also trained to recognize ADHD.
The process of evaluation involves an extended interview and discussion of the symptoms. The health care professional will look into the patient's medical, mental and family history to determine if there are any other conditions that could be causing symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease or head injuries, as well as some drugs can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. Other mental health disorders like 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 thorough physical exam, the doctor will inquire about the person's life at home and at school, including the frequency at which the person is absent from class or fails to finish homework. The clinician may want to talk to other people in the person's life, like teachers and coaches and may also request that the patient bring journals.
The person being evaluated should be able to share their feelings with the examiner and not keep back information out of fear of being criticized or judged. This can improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the probability that a diagnosis is accurate.
Treatment
If you or your child is suffering from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a relief. It will help you realize that it is not laziness, or a lack in intelligence, that's preventing you from achieving success. It also gives you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed-up by treatment. Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Other diseases, like chronic headaches or sleep disorder, can produce symptoms similar to ADHD.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the person and their family thoroughly to diagnose ADHD. They will go over the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's school experience and how family members interact with one other. They will also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, visual and spatial skills (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that diet and exercise can help reduce their symptoms. They should stay clear of the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. IamPsychiatry should also maintain a healthy diet, set a schedule for meals and have healthy snacks readily available so that they don't have to miss meals.
You can find an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your personal doctor or therapist, or from other reputable professionals like an educator. You can also call your insurance provider to find out who is certified to assess adults, or visit an area medical hospital or school. It is important to locate a specialist who is certified by a board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD.
Medication
Medications for ADHD can help those suffering from the disorder control their symptoms and improve their performance at school, at home or at work, as well as in social situations. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can also have negative side effects like difficulties sleeping and eating, and weight loss. They should not be taken in conjunction with other medications for depression, such as those used to treat, high blood pressure, and heart issues. Before starting medication, health care professionals recommend that adolescents and children undergo a complete physical examination that includes eye and hearing tests. Patients should be informed of the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care providers. They should also inquire about family history, lifestyle and previous medical issues.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must examine the person closely to determine if the symptoms are persistent and significantly affect the person's functioning in a variety of settings. The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are established by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The physician will assess the symptoms in order to determine the severity of the symptoms, and also to rule out other disorders that could be causing them. People who suffer from learning disorders typically exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. An individual with anxiety disorder could be incorrectly diagnosed. The physician will also look at whether the patient suffers from any medical issues such as thyroid issues which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
The physician may suggest a variety of tests, such as brain imaging or cognitive testing, to assess how the symptoms are impacting the patient. He may also suggest a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count and cholesterol test.
Counseling
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can refer you to professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also talk about how symptoms affect your or your child's daily life and help you decide whether medication is required. They can also provide alternatives to treatment, such as behavior therapy.
If your family physician is unable to conduct an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms, you can seek out online specialists in telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed specialists who can help manage a range of mental health issues, such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted through video or audio chat, and are confidential.
When choosing a counselor online, it is important to feel comfortable and trusting with them. Ask them about their experience and education with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure they are able to answer your questions in detail. If they don't answer, it could be a sign they're not qualified or unwilling to be a professional working with adults with ADHD.
It can be a challenge to obtain an ADHD diagnosis however it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and taking charge of your own life. It can help you realize that your issues with organization and focus aren't a sign of a lack of motivation or insanity. It's also comforting to know you're not the only one. Many people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and healthy lifestyles.
It is common for people with ADHD to have other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to deal with ADHD and other conditions.