It's The ADHD Diagnosing Case Study You'll Never Forget
ADHD Diagnosing
When diagnosed with ADHD, many people are relieved to understand the cause of their struggles at school, at work or in relationships. They can then move forward to tackle life skills like paying attention, following directions and focusing.
A professional who conducts an ADHD assessment will interview the person being evaluated and others who are familiar with them, including family members, teachers, coaches or religious leaders. They may also review the previous records, including past report cards.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can impact your life in many ways. For instance, difficulty managing time can result in issues like missed appointments or deadlines. You may also experience difficulties with budgeting and finances, which can result in debt or excessive spending. You might also be struggling with depression and low self-esteem. These issues can affect your personal and professional life.
A health care provider will ask you questions about your behavior and how it affects your daily life. He or she will also want to know about your previous experiences with the disorder. They will also need to confirm that the symptoms have been present for at least six months to determine an assessment. To be able to make a diagnosis established, the symptoms must cause significant impairments in multiple settings, including at home, at work and in social interactions.
Hyperactivity is often the first sign of ADHD in children. Children who have ADHD have trouble sitting still, fidget and make a mess of mistakes at the classroom or at work. These symptoms are not seen as often in adults however, those with the disorder have difficulty remaining focused on tasks and may experience issues in their relationships.
People with ADHD are more likely to have depression and anxiety. They are also more susceptible to mood swings and find it difficult to deal with anger and sadness. They often blame themselves for their troubles and have low self-esteem and self-confidence. Some people may have difficulty finding work or keeping one, and could suffer from substance abuse or eating disorder issues.
If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD the doctor needs to confirm that the symptoms have been present for many years and that they are affecting daily functioning and that they are not the result of another mental or physical disorder. They may conduct interviews with you, your family members and other caregivers. They can also employ different scales and tests to assess the symptoms. You may be asked to provide a sample of your work. The examiner will need to evaluate your medical, family and education records and conduct a physical examination.
Evaluation
The diagnosis of ADHD is a complicated procedure that involves many steps and nuanced factors. A specialist can guide you through this process and assist you to get the treatment you need. You'll want to find a doctor who you are comfortable with. Ask your family, friends and doctors for recommendations. Find out how much the specialist charges and what type of insurance they accepts.
The evaluation process can last up to an hour. During the process, your health care provider may ask you questions about symptoms that you or your child has been experiencing and how they've affected your life. The health care provider will also inquire with you about your child's school and work performance and behavior. You will be asked if you or your child are currently taking any medications.
Certain doctors may also conduct a psycho or neuropsychological assessment. These tests can tell whether you have ADHD or a different mental disorder such as anxiety or depression. These tests will look at your your child's memory, reasoning skills and spatial and visual abilities. The examiner may also ask loved ones to provide feedback on your child's or your own issues.
A health professional employs a variety tools to evaluate ADHD. These include normed rating scales and a clinical interview. In addition they will review your child's medical history and talk to teachers, babysitters and other relatives and close friends.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, two or more people who are familiar with the person's behavior must identify symptoms in at least two environments, such as home, school, or work. These symptoms must interfere with daily functioning and cannot be caused by a different problem like depression or anxiety.
A thorough ADHD assessment will examine the person's mood, medical background as well as other factors that may affect the symptoms like learning disabilities or other mental health issues. These problems could be on their own or co-occur with ADHD. In addition certain head injuries, thyroid issues and medications, such as stimulants, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
Treatment
An official diagnosis is the first step toward control over ADHD symptoms that can wreak chaos in your daily life. A doctor will examine a person's overall health as well as review personal and family history and evaluate the severity of symptoms. The doctor will ask when symptoms began and if they have affected life at school, work or at home. He will also look at whether the person's symptoms hinder his ability to interact with his peers and friends.
ADHD Diagnosis will check for thyroid problems and other conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. A test that is specifically designed for ADHD, the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) System, is an non-invasive test that measures brain wave patterns and is approved for people from ages six to 17.
Speak to your family doctor If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or recommend one. You can locate an ADHD expert through an association for professionals and university-based hospitals as well as a support group. Your health insurance company can assist you in finding a certified mental health professional, too.
Adults as well as children and teens with ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy and behavior therapy. They offer psychoeducation, which helps patients learn about ADHD and how to cope with it, and behavior management, which employs positive reinforcement and rewards to teach self-control.
For those who have mild symptoms, medication can be prescribed to minimize their effects. The drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants, which influence the brain to increase concentration and decrease impulsive actions. The most common stimulants are methylphenidate (atomoxetine) dexamfetamine, dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These stimulants are offered in tablets, capsules and liquids. The medication is usually combined with counseling and other therapies for behavioral problems.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. This includes both prescription and supplements medications. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and other psychotherapy drugs may interact with ADHD medications. Additionally alternative health methods, such as herbal remedies have not been scientifically proved to improve symptoms or reduce impairments caused by ADHD.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause issues at school as well as at work and in relationships. They can also lead to problems with substance use and anxiety or depression, so getting a diagnosis is important. It can be difficult to obtain a diagnosis due to cost or lack of access. Online sites that offer rapid diagnosis (through telehealth consultations or evaluations) can make it easier to get the treatment you require.
The telehealth platforms that specialize in ADHD diagnoses typically ask patients to fill out questionnaires and scales and to explain their symptoms in detail. They might also request the contact details of caregivers parents, teachers and other family members. This can help in diagnosing other conditions that can mimic ADHD, such as head injuries or mood disorders.
A telehealth professional will be able to provide an ADHD assessment. This could include a description of symptoms and a written history by patient and caregivers as well as a medical and psychiatric evaluation and a recommendation for physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions. They may also conduct blood tests or an imaging test, or conduct an interview with the patient.
Following an ADHD evaluation the patient could be prescribed medication and other treatment options. The most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD include stimulants that increase the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. This reduces impulsivity. Other treatments, like neurofeedback, cognitive-behavioral treatment, and dialectical behavior therapy are also effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
For adults, a thorough evaluation is crucial because symptoms of adult ADHD are different from those seen in children. Adult ADHD is also harder to identify, as the list of symptoms that are common to children isn't always applicable to adults.
In some instances it is possible that a telehealth provider like Klarity or Done can offer an ADHD diagnosis for a one-time cost and prescribe medication when appropriate. Although Hafeez is skeptical of these services, she recognizes that the need for mental health treatment has increased, and an instant telehealth diagnosis could be a good first step for someone who suspects they have ADHD.