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ADHD Diagnosis See a doctor if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also go over your medical history. They will check how your symptoms impact you in different environments, such as at school, home and social situations. They will also determine the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. Symptoms Consult your child's physician If you think he or she may have ADHD. You and your child's teachers can complete a questionnaire to check for symptoms. They may also ask them to take some tests. They can also perform physical examinations, such as eye and ear tests. They can also utilize FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) that is a noninvasive scanner that analyzes beta- and theta-waves which are more prevalent in children with ADHD. The symptoms must be present before the child reached the age of 12. It has to cause significant impairment in two key environments, such as school or at work. There are three presentations of ADHD: predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To determine if an adult has ADHD doctors employ mental health guidelines that provide a detailed description about the symptoms and their duration as well as the level of impairment. Kids often have trouble telling the distinction between normal and abnormal behavior, which is why parents might overlook some of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which may lead them to depression. Sleep issues can worsen ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than others to drink alcohol and take drugs, which are harmful to their health. The disorder could cause problems with finances or even bankruptcies due to the impulsiveness. It is essential for children to get a proper diagnosis to help them manage their ADHD symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life. Diagnosis It is important to consult your doctor if someone in your family has difficulties with social interactions, has difficulty getting organized, has difficulty paying attention at school, struggles to follow instructions at work or any other symptoms that could be related to ADHD. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help make a diagnosis. Some primary care professionals 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, mental and family history to look for other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. For example, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases, head injuries, and some drugs can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Other mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders are also a possibility 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. The doctor will also inquire about the person's family and school activities, including the frequency they skip classes or do not finish their homework. The doctor may also want to talk to other people in the patient's life, including coaches and teachers and may also request that the patient bring journals. The person being evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings openly with the examiner and not keep back information out of fear of being accused of being criticized or judged. This can improve the accuracy of the assessment and increase the likelihood that the diagnosis is accurate. Treatment If you or your child has ADHD receiving a diagnosis is a relief. It will help you understand that it's not laziness or insanity that is preventing your success and it gives you steps to take to control your symptoms. But the diagnosis needs to be followed by treatment. Adults with ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. Other illnesses such as sleep disorders or chronic headaches can trigger symptoms that appear like ADHD. To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the person and their family. 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 with each. They will also employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales. They will also conduct psychological tests that test executive function, visual and spatial abilities (related to space) and reasoning abilities. 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 maintain an appropriate diet, plan their meals and have healthy snacks readily available so they don't miss meals. Ask your therapist, doctor or any other professional you trust for recommendations. Teachers are an excellent example. You can also reach out to an institution affiliated with a university or medical school for the names of qualified specialists or contact your insurance company to get the list of specialists who are certified to evaluate adults. It's crucial to find a doctor who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychiatry or psychology. Medication The use of ADHD medications can help people with the disorder manage their symptoms, and also improve their functioning at work, school, home and in social settings. However, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can cause several adverse effects, including trouble sleeping, appetite changes, and weight loss. They should not be combined with certain other drugs, including those for depression and high blood pressure and heart problems. Health professionals recommend that children and adolescents undergo an extensive physical exam that includes hearing and eye tests prior to beginning treatment. Health care providers should talk with patients about the advantages and risks of taking ADHD medication. They should also inquire about the history of their family, lifestyle, and medical history. The doctor must examine the patient closely to determine whether the symptoms persist and if they hinder the person's ability to function in more than one environment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an official diagnostic manual released by the American Psychiatric Association, contains the criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. The clinician will examine the symptoms to determine their severity and to rule out other disorders that might be causing them. For instance, those who have a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person with an anxiety disorder could be misdiagnosed as having ADHD. The clinician will also consider whether the patient suffers from an illness such as thyroid disease, which might mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The doctor might suggest battery test, such as a cognitive test or brain imaging to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend a full medical evaluation, as well as laboratory tests such a complete blood test and cholesterol panel. Counseling Consult your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They can recommend specialists who specialize in screening for ADHD. They can also assist you in determining whether medication is required by discussing how symptoms affect the daily life of your child or yourself. They can also provide alternative treatment options like behavior therapy. If your family doctor cannot conduct a thorough analysis of your symptoms, online counselors who are experts in telemedicine can be found. Amwell for instance connects patients with licensed professionals who can treat a range of mental health issues including ADHD. Session take place via video or audio chat, and are private. When selecting an online counselor it is essential to feel secure and confident with them. Find out about their education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and make sure they are able to answer your questions in depth. If they are hesitant to answer your questions, it may be a sign that they are unqualified or unwilling to work with adults with ADHD. Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be difficult however it's an essential step in controlling your symptoms and gaining control of your life. It will help you realize that your issues with organization and focus aren't the result of lazyness. It's also reassuring to know that you're not the only one. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, jobs and lives. It is common for people with ADHD to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. A therapist can teach you how to manage ADHD and other disorders.