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ADHD Diagnosis Consult a specialist if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. The specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also review your medical history. They will assess how your symptoms affect you in various environments, such as at school, at home, and social situations. They will also look at the length of time you've had these symptoms. Symptoms If you suspect your child might have ADHD Talk to their doctor. They can test for symptoms by asking you and their teachers to complete an assessment form and may ask them to do some tests. They can also conduct physical examinations, such as eye and hearing tests. They can also use FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) which is a non-invasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves, which are higher in children who suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD is a sign that the symptoms have been present since before 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. In order to diagnose adults, doctors use mental health guidelines that provide an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration, as well as the level of impairment. Parents might not be aware of the more typical ADHD symptoms because children have difficulty discerning between normal and unusual behavior. Stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which may cause depression. They are often unable to get good quality sleep, and sleeping insufficiently can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol or use drugs, which could be harmful to their health. The disorder can cause financial issues or even bankruptcies because of the insanity. It is crucial that children receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. This will allow them to manage their symptoms and live an enjoyable, productive life. Diagnosis If you or a family member have struggled to stay organized or has trouble paying attention in class, have difficulty following directions at work, have social issues, or other concerns that could be related to ADHD It is crucial to see a doctor to get an assessment. A mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, can help you make the diagnosis. Certain primary care providers are also trained to recognize ADHD. The evaluation process will involve a lengthy interview and a discussion of symptoms. The health professional will examine the patient's medical and mental history as well as family history to look for other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. For instance, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases, head injuries, and certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health issues, such as mood disorders and anxiety 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. Along with a thorough physical exam, the doctor will ask about the person's life at home and at school, including how often the person misses classes or fails to complete homework. The clinician may want to talk to 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 should be able to share their feelings freely with the examiner, and not hold back information in fear that they will be accused of being criticized or judged. This will increase the accuracy of the assessment and increase the likelihood that a diagnosis will be accurate. Treatment If you or your child suffers from ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a relief. It will help you understand that it's not just laziness or lack of intelligence hindering your success. It also gives you steps to take to manage your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Other conditions like sleep disorders or chronic headaches can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. To diagnose ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough exam of the patient and their family. They will ask about the child's life as well as their education and how their family interacts. They will also employ ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, visual and spatial abilities (related to spatial space) and reasoning skills. Diet and exercise can reduce symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. They should avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also follow an appropriate diet, plan their meals and keep healthy snacks on hand so they don't miss meals. Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you are comfortable with for recommendations. A teacher is an excellent example. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if they are certified to assess adults or contact a local medical school or hospital. It is essential to choose a doctor who is certified by the board in psychology or psychiatry and has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. Medication The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder manage their symptoms, as well as improve their performance at school, work as well as in social settings. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can cause several adverse effects, including difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss. They should not be used together with other medications, for example, those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart problems. Before starting a medication, health care professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo a complete physical examination, which includes eye and hearing tests. Patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking ADHD medications by their health care professionals. They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle and previous medical issues. The clinician must examine the patient closely to determine whether the symptoms persist and if they impact the person's ability to function in multiple environments. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD. The clinician will review the symptoms to determine the severity and to rule out other disorders that could trigger them. For instance, those who suffer from a learning disability frequently exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and someone with an anxiety disorder might be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The doctor will also look at whether the patient has any medical issues such as thyroid issues, that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The physician may suggest a battery of tests, like cognitive testing or brain imaging to determine how the symptoms are affecting the individual. He might also suggest a complete medical evaluation and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count and cholesterol test. Counseling If you suspect ADHD, talk to your family doctor. They can refer you to professionals who are trained 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 you. They can also provide other options for treatment like the use of behavioral therapy. If your family doctor isn't able to provide an exhaustive evaluation of your symptoms, you can find online counselors who specialize in the field of telemedicine. For instance, Amwell connects patients with licensed providers who can help manage various mental health issues, including ADHD. Sessions take place via audio and video chat, and are confidential and secure. It is crucial that you feel at ease and confident with the online counselor. Ask them about their experiences and training with adults suffering from ADHD. Make sure undiagnosed adhd in adults can answer your questions in detail. If they're not willing to do so, it may be an indicator that they are unqualified or are not willing to work with adults who suffer from ADHD. It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis but it's a crucial step in managing your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you understand that your issues in focusing and organization are not a result of lazyness. It's also a relief to be aware that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to maintain relationships, jobs and a healthy lifestyle. It is normal for people suffering from ADHD to have other psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can assist you to understand how your ADHD and other disorders interact and assist you in learning to manage them.