How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your background with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event, like pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship is a trigger for awareness of the problem. Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble being seated, waiting to be called, and paying attention at school or other situations. These problems can significantly impact their performance at work, at home, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must have been present for at minimum six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental level. They must also be causing significant issues at school, work or at home, as well as in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a thorough physical exam and a check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider may also look over the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents are also able to be interviewed.
The physician will follow the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults that are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). He or she will analyze the person's past and current behavior and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If possible, the therapist will also review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, the provider will consider whether or not they have a co-occurring mental health condition and ask whether the patient has an ancestral history of ADHD. People with family members with the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct a full clinical evaluation. This includes reviewing the patient's symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a time of a few weeks. adult diagnosis of adhd or she will also ask about any other medical conditions the person has and will consult the DSM-5 symptom guide to see whether they meet the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can perform screening and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough assessment.
A thorough medical examination that includes an evaluation of hearing and sight, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. A doctor may also recommend the use of a brain scanner, also known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
In an interview with the person, the examiner reviews the person's medical and psychiatric background dating back to childhood, in addition to his current symptoms and strategies for coping. The doctor checks to see if the person meets the diagnostic criteria for either inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined ADHD presentations as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
For adolescents and children who are being assessed for ADHD, the doctor will likely request teachers and other individuals who spend much time with the child to complete questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may ask parents to fill out such forms. For adults, they will often speak to spouses and close friends, as well as co-workers and may also interview someone from the family who knows the person from their childhood.
During the diagnostic process, the mental health professional looks for signs that indicate whether the person is experiencing predominantly inattentive or primarily hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. They will also determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they cause problems at home, at the workplace, at school, or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also check for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough screening will also take a look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging the school staff to monitor their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and showing flexible and patience. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques, such as yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can enhance the ability of many children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also ensure they sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the adolescent years, and into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an examination of the mind and physical examination and interviews with the individual, his or parents and spouses or partners and other people who are familiar with him or her. The healthcare provider might request a list of the person's symptoms and how they affect him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to determine if the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also take a history of any medical issues that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD A medication is typically prescribed to manage the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medicines used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They are able to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD need to test different dosages and types of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers may aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers can be related to eating habits, routines for sleeping, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can guide you on how to control triggers, and can suggest a dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific backing or interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should visit a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will take a detailed history, do a physical exam and look over medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the patient's behavior in various situations and employ the standard rating scales. He or she will also examine the presence and duration of core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect the life of a person.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient as well as their family members to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive abilities which includes identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of having fewer options. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can help by providing a stable family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging a good sleep hygiene, and avoid stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to interact with others and build a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information about the behavior and learning issues of the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. These decisions must be taken by the child's parents, health care provider and teacher with the support of each other.