How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your history 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 relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the problem. Recognizing the issue is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children struggle with sitting still, waiting their turn, and paying attention at schools or in other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues to the extent that hinders their performance at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must have been present for at least six months and be more prominent than is normal for their age or development level. In addition, they must be causing significant pain and issues at school, home, work, and in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a certified health care provider. This could include a physical exam and also examining for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The doctor will also review the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For adhd diagnosis adult are generally targeted towards their age, and parents can be interviewed too.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will examine the person's current symptoms and previous behavior, focusing on how they interfere with their family, social, and professional lives. If possible, he will examine the person's childhood behavior and school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will determine if they suffer from a mental health condition that co-occurs, and whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will give the person an extensive clinical assessment which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a diary of their symptoms for several weeks. They will also ask about any other conditions that the person may have and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all able to identify ADHD. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They can send adults to a full evaluation.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of sight and hearing is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may recommend a brain scan known as an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to measure the amount of beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scanning can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive, safe manner.
In an interview with the person the examiner will review the person's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, as well as his current symptoms and coping strategies. 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 fill out questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may also ask parents to complete such forms. For adults, they is likely to talk to spouses and other close friends as well as colleagues and may also interview a family member who knows the person from 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 how long the symptoms have been present for, and whether they are causing difficulties at home, school, work or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional should also search for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. Additionally, a thorough screening will also look at the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging the school staff to monitor their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patience. They can also instruct relaxation techniques and methods for calming like yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD can benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet, which can improve their ability to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
The symptoms of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest as difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes a mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and other family members who know the person well. The provider may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they impact them. The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to determine that the person is in compliance with the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she will also conduct a medical note of any medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is identified as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to control symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children as well as adults. These medications can trigger side effects. A person should only take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants, causing dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try various types and dosages of medication before they can find one that works.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include diet and sleep habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in finding ways to manage triggers and recommend an dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines by limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of dietary supplements that do not have a scientific backing or be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they be suffering from ADHD should seek out a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will take a detailed history, conduct a physical exam and review medical records to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the patient's behavior in various environments and apply standard rating scales. The therapist will take into consideration the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms, as being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's everyday life.
Usually, a therapist will collaborate with the patient and family to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other strategies for organization, and train the patient in metacognitive techniques that involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of options. Psychologists can prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
get diagnosed with adhd can assist by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should encourage their child to be social and develop a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about the behavior and learning challenges of the child however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The student's parents and health care provider have to make these decisions, with the assistance of the teacher.