ADHD Diagnosing
Many people diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved that finally there is a reason for why they struggle at work, at school or in their relationships. They can then begin to improve their life skills, such as paying attention, following directions and staying organized.
A professional who is conducting an assessment for ADHD will interview the person being evaluated and other people who know them, such as family members as well as teachers, coaches, or religious leaders. They can also look over previous records, like past report cards.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with your life in many ways. For instance, difficulty managing time can result in issues like missing appointments or deadlines. You may also have problems with budgeting or finances, which can lead to debt or overspending. You may also struggle with depression and low self-esteem. These symptoms can also affect your personal and professional life.
A doctor will ask you questions about your behavior and how it affects your daily activities. The doctor will also want to know about your history with the disorder. They will also need to determine if the symptoms have been present for at least six months to determine a diagnosis. In order for a diagnosis to be made, the symptoms must result in significant impairments in a variety of settings, including at work, at home, and during social interactions.
ADHD is usually first noticed in children through hyperactivity. Kids with this condition struggle to remain still, they flitter around their seats and often make mistakes that are not their fault in school or at work. These symptoms are not seen as often in adults, but those suffering from the disorder do have trouble remaining focused on tasks and may have trouble in their relationships.
People who suffer from ADHD have a higher chance of depression and anxiety. They may also be more susceptible than others to mood swings, and may feel disappointed and angry. They often blame themselves for their troubles and are afflicted with low self-esteem and confidence. Some might struggle to find a job or maintain one and might have problems with substance abuse or eating disorders.
The doctor will need evidence that the symptoms of adult ADHD have been present for a long period of time, that they interfere in daily functioning, and that they aren't caused by any other physical or mental disorder. The doctor may also interview you as well as your family members and other caregivers. They can also employ different scales and tests to determine the severity of the symptoms. A sample of your work might be examined. He or she will also need to evaluate your medical, family and educational records and conduct physical examination.
Evaluation
The diagnosis of ADHD is a complex procedure that involves a variety of steps and specific aspects. A qualified specialist can guide you through this process and help you get the treatment you require. You'll need to find someone who you are comfortable with. You can ask your family, friends and doctors for recommendations. Find out what the specialist charges, and what insurances they accept.
The evaluation process could take up to an hour or more. During the interview your health care professional will ask questions about the symptoms you or your child has been experiencing and what the effects they have had on your life. You will be asked about your child's behavior and performance at work and school. You will be asked about any medication you or your child currently taking.
Some doctors will also perform an assessment of the neuropsychological or psychological. These tests can determine if you have ADHD or a different mental disorder such as depression or anxiety. These tests will look at your or your child's reasoning skills, memory as well as spatial and visual skills. The evaluator will also read more ask for feedback from family members regarding the child's behavior.
A medical professional will employ a range of tools to evaluate ADHD, including standardized rating scales, a clinical interview and psychological testing. They will also go over your child's past, talk to babysitters, teachers, and other close relatives and friends.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, two or more people familiar with the person's behavior must be able to identify signs in at least two settings like school, home or at work. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning and aren't caused by a different issue like anxiety or depression.
A thorough ADHD evaluation will examine the person's mood medical history, mood and other factors that might influence the symptoms, like learning difficulties or other mental health issues. These issues can be in isolation or they may co-exist with ADHD. ADHD symptoms can also be masked by head injuries, thyroid disorders and medications, such as stimulants.
Treatment
An official diagnosis is the first step towards control over ADHD symptoms that can wreak havoc in daily life. A doctor will assess the overall health of a person as well as review personal and family history, and determine the severity of the symptoms. He will inquire about the age symptoms began and if they've affected life at the workplace, at home, or at school. He will also ask whether the person's condition has affected his ability to interact and communicate with friends and peers.
A medical exam can check for thyroid problems as well as other conditions that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. A test that is specifically designed for ADHD that is called the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) System, is an uninvasive test that analyzes brain wave patterns and is deemed appropriate for children ranging from six to 17.
Talk to your family doctor in case you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or suggest one. It is possible to find an specialist in ADHD through a professional group such as a university-based hospital, or an organization that provides support. Your health insurance provider can assist you in finding a qualified mental health professional too.
Psychotherapy and behavior therapy are options for treatment for adults, children and teens suffering from ADHD. They include psychoeducation, which helps patients learn about ADHD and how to deal with it, as well as behavior management, which employs positive reinforcement and rewards to help teach self-control.
For those with mild symptoms, medication can be prescribed to reduce their effects. Stimulants are the medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. They affect the brain and boost concentration while reducing impulsive behavior. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. They are available in tablet, capsule and liquid forms. It is typically combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.
It is essential to inform a healthcare professional about any other medications you are taking including supplements and other over-the counter drugs. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and other psychotherapy drugs are able to interact with ADHD medications. Herbal remedies and complementary health strategies have not been proved to help improve ADHD symptoms or impairments.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause issues at school or at work, as well as in relationships. Diagnoses are important because they can cause other problems like addiction to drugs and depression or anxiety. It may be difficult to get an appointment due to the costs or the lack of access. Online sites that offer rapid diagnosis (through telehealth consultations or evaluations) can help make it easier to get the treatment you require.
Telehealth platforms that specialize on ADHD diagnosis typically ask patients to fill out scales and questionnaires as well and explain their symptoms in detail. They will often request the contact information of caregivers, family members and teachers. This can help in diagnosing other conditions that can mimic ADHD like mood disorders or head injuries.
A telehealth provider will then be able to provide an ADHD assessment. This can include a description of the symptoms and a written history by patient and caregivers as well as a medical and psychiatric evaluation, and a referral for physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions. They may also conduct blood tests or an imaging test, and conduct an interview with the patient.
Following an ADHD assessment the patient could be prescribed medication and other treatment options. The most commonly used medications for ADHD are stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to decrease the tendency to be impulsive. Other treatments, including neurofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are also effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
For adults, a thorough examination is necessary because the symptoms of adult ADHD are different than those seen in children. It is also more difficult to determine the cause of adult ADHD, as the list of symptoms used for children may not be applicable in the case of adults.
In some instances the services like Done or Klarity can help diagnose ADHD for a minimal cost and prescribe medication when appropriate. Hafeez, who is sceptical of these services, admits that mental health services are in high demand and that a speedy diagnosis via telehealth is an excellent first step for anyone who suspects they might have ADHD.