ADHD Diagnosis Toowoomba
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One of the most challenging circumstances that some parents go through is managing and caring for their children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This type of medical condition comes with many restrictions and requires professional care to ensure that the symptoms are determined as early as possible, and the recommended management is administered. However, many individuals are still undiagnosed with ADHD, with some reaching adulthood without getting adequate treatment. As a result, undiagnosed individuals will have difficulties understanding their problematic behaviours and will most likely isolate themselves. Citizens and residents of Toowoomba are encouraged to obtain the ADHD Diagnosis from Positive Moods and other services they offer relating to addressing ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with differences in brain development and brain activity. It commonly affects school-aged children between 6 to 12 years old, causing a delay in their functional and mental capacity. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with ADHD show behavioural issues such as being hyperactive, impulsive behaviours, or difficulty paying attention. As stated in other studies, ADHD was more common in boys than girls, with boys exhibiting extreme and concerning symptoms while girls display subtle symptoms. Through partaking in the ADHD Diagnosis of Positive Moods, the citizens and residents of Toowoomba can acquire a proper diagnosis and necessary treatments to manage ADHD.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
To determine if ADHD Diagnosis is needed, carers can investigate the three categories and their corresponding behaviours:
Inattention
Has difficulty concentrating on details
Often makes reckless mistakes during activities in school, work, or other activities
Has difficulty following instructions
Has difficulty accomplishing tasks in school, work, or other chores
Inability to organise activities and tasks
Not listening even if spoken directly
Gets easily distracted
Dislikes or avoids doing activities and tasks requiring continuous mental effort
Misplaces things needed for tasks and activities
Forgetful of daily activities and tasks
Often daydreams
Hyperactivity
Fidgets with their hands and feet
Squirms in their seat
Struggles to stay seated
Excessive running or climbing inappropriate places or events
Difficulty to play silently or join leisure activities
Always on the go
Excessive talking
Often restless and easily distressed
Impulsivity
Blurts out answers without waiting for the complete question
Has difficulty waiting or taking turns
Interrupts into conversations or activities
The stated symptoms above are the symptoms exhibited by children diagnosed with ADHD. However, for adults with ADHD, it is more difficult to give a diagnosis since the symptoms develop as they grow older. Also, some of the symptoms adults may exhibit are commonly associated with daily life struggles, resulting in misdiagnosis. Thus, to determine ADHD in adults, here are the following symptoms to watch for, such as:
Forgetfulness
Tardiness
Anxiety
Self-esteem issues
Inability to control anger
Substance abuse
Gets easily frustrated
Mood swings
Depression
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty relating to others
What are the Types of ADHD?
To determine which type of ADHD an individual exhibits, Positive Moods mental health professionals use the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 criteria to provide the diagnosis. The following types of AHD are based on the symptoms above, including:
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type. To be given a diagnosis of this type, a child should exhibit the symptoms of inattention for at least 6 months and should not exhibit any symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. To be given a diagnosis of this type, a child should exhibit the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least 6 months and should not exhibit any symptoms of inattention.
ADHD Combined Type. To be given a diagnosis of this type, a child should exhibit the following symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for at least 6 months.
What Causes ADHD?
Experts have long been studying ADHD and findings show that genetics play a role in the condition. In addition, the following factors may contribute to ADHD:
Premature at birth
Underweight at birth
Mothers taking alcohol or drugs during pregnancy
Neurophysiology
Lead exposure
Lack of parental attachment for children
Any traumatic events children have experienced
How is ADHD diagnosed?
If you are concerned if your child may be showing symptoms of ADHD, consult your general physician (GP) and obtain a referral to a psychologist or child doctor to be able to undergo an ADHD diagnosis. During the diagnosis, healthcare professionals will use the DSM-5, a standardised assessment used to test individuals with suspected mental health issues like ADHD. Additionally, a standard rating scale is used to identify the type of ADHD a person has. Participants are also required to undergo physical examinations such as vision screening, hearing screening, and electroencephalogram (EEG).
There is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. Participants are advised to be honest and cooperate during the initial evaluation. Also, vital pieces of information are required to bring during the diagnosis to help experts such as:
Complete medical records
History of behaviours
Evident symptoms of ADHD negatively affect most areas of the child's life
Any trauma or illness
Child’s relationship and family
During the diagnosis, mental health professionals will also evaluate the following:
The Severity of the Symptoms. ADHD diagnosis is given if the participant exhibit symptoms that harm their lives such as their careers, finances, or family responsibilities.
The Appearance of the Symptoms. During the process, mental health professionals will also ask when the participants started experiencing the symptoms. For adults, they will be asked to recall how early they experienced their symptoms.
Duration of Symptoms. Once the appearance of the symptoms is determined, mental health professionals will also evaluate if the symptoms exhibited by the participants are present for at least 6 months to provide a diagnosis.
Areas Triggering the Symptoms. Lastly, to ensure that ADHD is the cause, mental health professionals will evaluate if the participant is exhibiting the symptoms in different settings and not just in one environment.
How to Manage ADHD?
As of today, experts haven't found out a specific cure for ADHD. However, obtaining an ADHD Diagnosis can assist in managing the symptoms. The citizens and residents of Toowoomba are advised to get ADHD Diagnosis from Positive Moods and other related ADHD services they offer. Once an individual is diagnosed with ADHD, they can use stimulant medications, family counselling, psychotherapies, and other therapy sessions for ADHD.
For more details, may call Positive Moods on 1300 001 470, email at ndis@positivemoods.com.au, or fill in the contact form on https://www.positivemoods.com.au/contactus.