How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your background with ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. A major event such as pregnancy or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. Finding a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty staying still, waiting for their turn, and paying attention at schools and other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to the extent that impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. adults diagnosed with adhd of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have to be present for at minimum six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. In addition, they must be causing significant pain and issues at school, at home or at work, as well as in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care provider. This may include a physical exam and a look at other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid or depression. The doctor will also review the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually targeted towards their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will analyze the person's past and current behavior and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If it is possible, the therapist will also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will consider whether they have a mental health issue that is co-occurring, as well as the presence of ADHD in the family. Family members of those with the disorder are more prone to develop it.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone has ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This will include analyzing the patient's symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily log of their symptoms over the course of several weeks. He or she may also inquire about any other medical conditions they suffer from, and refer them to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
The first step in identifying ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and vision. A specialist might also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive and secure method.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his medical and psychiatric background that goes back to childhood. The examiner will also review the person's current symptoms and ways of 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 teens and children being screened for ADHD the doctor may have teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of time with the child to complete checklists or questionnaires. He or she might request parents to fill out these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, coworkers, and other close friends. They may also want to interview someone who has known the person since 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 length of time that symptoms have been present and if they result in problems at home, at school, at work, or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. Additionally an extensive screening will also check the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can help with this by encouraging school staff to monitor the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation and calming techniques, such as yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, which can increase their ability to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of problems at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will perform an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an examination of the mind as well as a physical exam and interviews with the person and his or her parents or spouses, and others who are familiar with him or her. The doctor may request a list of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. He or she can also use rating scales and other tests to confirm whether the person meets the the standard criteria for ADHD. They can also ask about any medical conditions that can be similar to ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD A medication is typically prescribed to treat the symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. These medications can trigger adverse effects. One should only take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with prescription. Inform your doctor about the medications you take. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants, causing dangerous adverse effects. Many individuals with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages of medication before settling on one that works for him or her.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In some cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include eating habits, sleeping habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you in finding ways to control triggers and recommend a dietitian for nutritional advice or additional support.
Children can also be assisted by maintaining their routines by limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid taking supplements that do not have research-based backing or that might be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, perform an examination of the body and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe their behavior, and utilize standard ratings scales. He or she will also examine the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect the person's life.
A therapist may collaborate with a patient and their family members to improve parenting skills, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities that include the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of having fewer alternatives. Psychologists can prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a secure, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. They should also encourage their children to interact with others, and make an effort to build a healthy bond with their partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about issues with learning and behavior in the child however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. These decisions must be made by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with support of each other.