ADHD Diagnosis If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life They will also go over any medical history you have They will also examine how you feel in different situations, like at school, at home and in social situations They will also determine how long you've been experiencing these symptoms Symptoms If you think your ***** may be suffering from ADHD discuss the possibility with your doctor They can test for symptoms by asking you and your teachers to complete an assessment form and may ask them to perform some tests They can also do physical examinations, such as hearing and eye tests They can also use FDA-approved Neuropsychiatric EEG Based Assessment Aid NEBA which is a non-invasive scanner that detects beta- and theta waves that are more prominent in children suffering from ADHD The symptoms must have been present before the ***** reaches the age of 12 It has to cause significant impairment in two primary situations, such as school and work There are three presentations of ADHD predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined To diagnose adults doctors follow mental health guidelines that provide an extensive description of the symptoms and their duration, as well as the level of impairment Kids often have trouble telling the difference between normal and abnormal behavior, which is why parents might overlook some of the most typical symptoms of ADHD Stress or other mental health issues or physical illnesses can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD People who suffer from ADHD may also experience problems with self-esteem and relationships, which could lead them to depression Sleep problems can cause ADHD symptoms They are more likely than others to drink alcohol or use drugs, which can be detrimental to their health The disorder can lead to problems with finances or even bankruptcies due the impulse-control issues It's important for kids to be diagnosed properly to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms and lead a more pleasant and more productive life Diagnosis If you or a family member have struggled to stay organized or has trouble paying attention in class, are having difficulty adhering to instructions at work, suffer from social issues, or other concerns that could be related to ADHD, it is important to see a doctor to get an assessment A mental health professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists can help you make the diagnosis Some primary care providers also have training in diagnosing ADHD The evaluation process involves a lengthy interview and discussion of the symptoms The health care professional will review the person's medical, mental and family history to determine other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms For example certain medical conditions like thyroid disease and head injuries, as well as certain drugs can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD https//wwwadhddiagnosistop/ as anxiety disorders and mood disorders can also be a result of ADHD and cause 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 ask about the person's life at home and at school, such as the frequency with which they miss classes or fails to complete homework The clinician may also ask to talk to any other individuals who are involved in the person's daily life, including coaches and teachers They might request that the patient bring a journal The person being evaluated should be willing to discuss their feelings freely with the examiner, and not hold back information out of fear that they will be criticized or judged This will improve the quality of the evaluation and increase the chance that a diagnosis will be exact Treatment A diagnosis of ADHD is a great relief for your ***** or you It can help you realize that it's not just laziness or a lack of intelligence standing in the way of success It also gives you steps to take to manage your symptoms The diagnosis should be followed by treatment Adults suffering from ADHD are often also suffering from other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression Other illnesses, such as a chronic headache or sleep disorder, can cause symptoms that look like ADHD To determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider or mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination of the individual and their family They will ask about the person's childhood, their schooling and how their family interacts They will also utilize standardized rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists They will also conduct psychological tests to test executive function, spatial and visual abilities related to spatial space, and reasoning abilities Exercise and diet can help reduce symptoms for many people with ADHD They should stay clear of the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol They should also follow a healthy diet, set a schedule for meals and have healthy snacks available to ensure they don't skip meals You can locate an ADHD specialist by seeking recommendations from your physician or therapist or other trusted professionals like teachers You can also contact your insurance company to find out if they are certified to assess adults, or call the nearest medical school or hospital It is essential to find a specialist with expertise in diagnosing ADHD and who is board certified in psychology or psychiatry Medication Treatments for ADHD can help people with the disorder control their symptoms and improve their functioning at school, at home or at work They can also help improve their performance in social situations However, stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can cause a number of side effects, such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and weight loss They should not be combined with certain other medications, for example, those used to treat depression, high blood-pressure and heart problems Health professionals recommend that children and adolescents receive a complete physical exam including hearing and eye tests prior to beginning treatment Health care providers should talk with patients about the benefits and dangers of taking ADHD medication They should also ask questions about family history, lifestyle, and medical history The clinician must examine the patient closely to determine whether the symptoms persist and if they hinder the patient's ability to function in more than one setting The criteria for making a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its diagnostic manual, called 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 to rule out other disorders that could be responsible for them For instance, those who have a learning disability often exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, and a person suffering from an anxiety disorder may be mistakenly identified as having ADHD The doctor will also determine if the patient suffers from any medical conditions such as thyroid issues which could resemble the symptoms of ADHD The clinician may suggest a battery test, such as an assessment of cognitive function or brain imaging to assess the severity of the symptoms The doctor may also recommend an extensive medical examination and laboratory tests, including the complete blood count and cholesterol panel Counseling If you suspect ADHD, talk to your family physician They can refer you to professionals who specialize in screening for ADHD They can also help you determine whether medication is required by discussing how symptoms affect the daily life of your ***** or yourself They can also provide alternatives to treatment like behavior therapy If your family doctor isn't able to conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms online counselors who specialize in telemedicine are available Amwell, for example, connects patients to licensed providers who can manage various mental health issues like ADHD Sessions are conducted via video or audio chat, and are private It is essential to feel comfortable and confident with your online counselor Find out about their education and experience with adults with ADHD and make sure they can answer your questions in detail If they are hesitant to answer your questions it could be a sign 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 however it is essential to be aware of your symptoms and taking charge of your own life It can help you understand that your struggles with focus and organization aren't the result of inability to focus 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 a healthy lifestyle People with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from other psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder A therapist can help you comprehend how your ADHD and other disorders interact and can help you learn how to deal with them