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ADHD Diagnosis Consult a specialist if you suspect you have ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your life. They will also review your medical history. They will assess the impact of your symptoms in various environments, such as at school, at home and social settings. They will also consider how long you have had these symptoms for. Signs and symptoms Talk to your child's doctor If you think they may be suffering from ADHD. They can check for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to fill out an assessment form and ask them to do some tests. They can also conduct a physical exam, including eye and hearing 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. A diagnosis of ADHD requires that the symptoms were present prior to the time the age of 12 for the child. It has to cause significant impairment in two important environments, such as school and at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. The psychiatric guidelines utilized by doctors when diagnosing adults provide a thorough description of the symptoms, their duration, and the degree of impairment they cause. Parents might not be aware of the more typical ADHD symptoms since children have difficulty discerning between normal and abnormal behaviors. Stress, mental health issues, and physical illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also have issues with self-esteem and relationships, which may cause depression. They often have trouble getting adequate sleep. an absence of sleep can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. They are more likely than other people to drink alcohol and use drugs, which could be detrimental to their health. The disorder can cause financial problems or even bankruptcies because of the impulsiveness. It is crucial for children to receive a correct diagnosis to help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life. Diagnosis It is essential to speak with an expert if you or someone in your family is suffering from social problems, has trouble organizing, has trouble paying attention at school, struggles with following instructions at work or other symptoms that could be due to ADHD. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist in diagnosing ADHD. Some primary care providers also are trained to diagnose ADHD. The process of evaluation involves an extensive interview and discussion of symptoms. The health care professional will look into the patient's medical, mental, and family history to determine if there are other factors that could be contributing to symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, head injuries and certain medications can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Other mental health issues like mood disorders and anxiety can also be associated 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 inquire about the person's life at home and at school, including the frequency with which they miss class or fails to finish homework. The clinician may want to speak with other people in the person's life, including teachers and coaches, and may request that the person bring an account of their lives. The person being assessed should be willing and able to openly talk about their thoughts with the assessor. They should not be scared of being judged or criticized. This will enhance the accuracy of the assessment and increase the chance that the diagnosis will be precise. Treatment If you or your child suffers from ADHD being diagnosed can be a source of relief. It can help you understand that it's not inattention, or a deficit in intelligence, that's making it difficult for you to achieve success. It also teaches you the steps to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. Other diseases, like a persistent headache or sleep disorder, can produce symptoms similar to ADHD. To diagnose ADHD, a health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough exam of the individual and their family. They will look over the person's history going back to childhood, ask about the person's education and how family members interact with each with each. They will also utilize the standard rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists. They will also perform psychological tests that examine executive functioning, working memory spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning skills. Diet and exercise can lessen symptoms for many people with ADHD. They should stay away from the use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. They should also adhere to a healthy diet, schedule meals and have healthy snacks readily available 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 your insurance provider to find out if they are certified to evaluate adults, or visit an area medical institution or hospital. It's important to find a specialist who is board-certified in psychology or psychiatry and has experience diagnosing ADHD. Medication The use of ADHD medications can help those with the disorder better manage their symptoms and enhance their performance at school, work at home, and in social settings. However, stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD can cause several adverse effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and weight loss. They should not be used with certain other medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. Health professionals suggest that children and adolescents undergo an entire physical examination including hearing and eye tests prior to beginning treatment. Health professionals should speak with patients about the benefits and dangers of taking ADHD medication. They should also ask questions about the history of their family, lifestyle, and medical history. The physician must carefully examine the patient to determine whether the symptoms persist, and if they affect the person's ability in more than one environment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria to make a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. The clinician will review the symptoms to determine their severity and also to rule out any other disorders that could trigger them. People suffering from learning disorders typically exhibit symptoms resembling those of ADHD. An individual with anxiety disorder may be mistakenly diagnosed. The doctor will also determine if the patient suffers from any medical conditions like thyroid disorders which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD. The doctor may suggest battery test, such as a cognitive testing or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. He may also suggest an entire medical assessment and lab tests, such as an entire blood count and cholesterol panel. Counseling If you suspect you have ADHD Talk to your family physician. They may refer you to specialists who are certified in ADHD screening. They can also help you determine whether medication is needed by discussing how symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also discuss alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy. If your family physician is unable conduct a detailed evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who are experts in telemedicine are readily available. Amwell, for example connects patients to licensed specialists who can address various mental health issues including ADHD. Sessions are conducted via video and audio chats, and are confidential and secure. It is important that you feel at ease and confident with your online counselor. Ask them about their experience 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 uninterested in working with adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis however it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and taking control of your own life. It can help you realize that the issues you face with focus and organization aren't a sign of inattention or lack of intelligence. diagnosing adhd in adults 's also comforting to be aware that you're not alone. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to keep their jobs, relationships, and healthy lifestyles. People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from other psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you learn how to manage ADHD and other disorders.