ADHD Diagnosis Wollongong
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Caring for a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most challenging situations that some parents must endure. ADHD is a medical condition that commonly starts in childhood and lasts up to adulthood. Since this condition can affect an individual's overall wellbeing, it is best to recognise the symptoms early to acquire the proper diagnosis and necessary treatments. Nonetheless, many have grown up without having a diagnosis, resulting in difficulties in managing behaviours and self-isolation. Thus, the citizens and residents of Wollongong are encouraged to get an ADHD Diagnosis from Positive Moods and other ADHD services they offer.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects school-aged children 6 to 12 years old. This medical condition has a different impact on an individual’s brain development and brain activity. Some of the most evident symptoms of ADHD can be difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling impulsive behaviours. According to studies, ADHD was found to be more common in boys than girls. For this reason, children with ADHD will experience a delay in progress with their mental and functional capacity. By acquiring an ADHD Diagnosis from Positive Moods, the citizens and residents of Wollongong can have an accurate diagnosis and get access to the treatments necessary in managing ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD
To help your child or other adults to assess if they need an ADHD Diagnosis, here are the following symptoms of ADHD to watch out for, divided into three categories:
Inattention
Struggles on sustaining focus or staying in plays
Makes careless mistakes during activities in school, work, or other activities
Inability to follow through instructions and often experience difficulties in completing tasks in school, work, or other chores
Struggles to organise tasks and activities
Does not listen even when spoken to directly
Easily gets distracted
Avoids or dislikes doing tasks and activities that require the use of mental work
Misplace things that are necessary for an activity or task
Forgets activities and things to do
Often experiences daydreaming
Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with their hands and feet
Squirms in their seat
Experience difficulties sitting in place
Often runs or climbs in inappropriate places or circumstances
Experiences difficulties playing silently or joining leisure activities
Always in motion
Talks excessively
Often and easily agitated and restless
Impulsivity
Abruptly answers questions without waiting for the questions to be completed
Struggles to wait in line or wait for their turn
Often interrupts the conversation or cuts in on other’s activities
Since ADHD starts in childhood, adults who have ADHD will have different and developed symptoms as they grow older. Moreover, the ADHD symptoms above are more evident in children, making it challenging to assess ADHD in adults. The ADHD symptoms adults display are most likely perceived as daily life hardships and often ignored, resulting in not acquiring an ADHD diagnosis. So to assess if an adult has ADHD, pay attention to the following symptoms:
Forgetfulness
Tardiness
Anxiety
Self-esteem issues
Inability to control anger
Substance abuse
Easily gets frustrated
Mood swings
Depression
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty relating to others
Types of ADHD
When administering the ADHD diagnosis, mental health professionals of Positive Moods will utilise the DSM-5 criteria based on the symptoms stated above to determine the type of ADHD an individual display. The types of ADHD are as follows:
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type. Under this type, the child should display the symptoms of inattention for at least 6 months, and not display symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. Under this type, the child should display the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least 6 months, and not display symptoms of inattention.
ADHD Combined Type. Under this type, the child should display the following symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for at least 6 months.
Causes of ADHD
Although experts have been studying ADHD for decades, there is no relevant result to determine the specific cause of the condition. On the contrary, there is a theory stating that genetics may be one of the contributing factors associated with ADHD if at least one family member has behavioural issues and other family members may also inherit. The following may also contribute to ADHD, including:
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
Diagnosing ADHD
For parents who would like to acquire an ADHD diagnosis for their children, first consult your general physician (GP) and get a referral to a child doctor or psychologist. During the diagnosis, mental health professionals will use the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM), a standard assessment to assess individuals suspected of ADHD. They will use a standard rating scale to determine the type of ADHD the participant display. Furthermore, mental health professionals will require the participant to undergo physical examinations such as vision screening, hearing screening, and electroencephalogram (EEG).
However, although participants will take several tests, there is no single test used to determine ADHD. So participants are advised to be honest and cooperate during the assessment. It is also best to bring necessary information to help with an accurate diagnosis, including:
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
In addition, mental health professionals will assess the following information:
The Severity of the Symptoms. Since ADHD diagnosis is determined if the participants display symptoms that negatively affect their lives such as careers, finances, or family responsibilities, mental health professionals will assess the severity of symptoms.
The Appearance of the Symptoms. ADHD usually starts as early as childhood. So the participants will be asked how early the symptoms appeared. For adult participants, they must recall when their symptoms started.
Duration of Symptoms. Apart from the appearance of the symptoms, mental health professionals will assess how long the symptoms occur. It is due to ADHD diagnosis is determined if the symptoms were at least 6 months.
Areas Triggering the Symptoms. To ensure an accurate ADHD diagnosis, mental health professionals will assess if the participants display the symptoms in varying environments. If the participants show the symptoms in one setting, then ADHD may not be the cause.
Managing ADHD
At present, there is no specific cure to treat ADHD. But acquiring an ADHD diagnosis can help in managing the symptoms. Thus, the citizens and residents of Wollongong are advised to get the ADHD Diagnosis from Positive Moods and relevant services to manage ADHD. After getting an ADHD diagnosis, the participants can use stimulant medications, psychotherapies, family counselling, and treatment sessions to manage 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.