How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and history with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A major event such as a pregnancy or relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain an assessment.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble staying still, waiting their turn, and paying attention at school or in other settings, kids who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues to the extent that affects their functioning at home, school or work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least six months and be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age and development level. They should be causing major problems at school, work and at home as well as in relationships.
A qualified health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a physical exam, and checking for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or thyroid disease. The health professional will also look at the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric 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 provider will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's present symptoms and past behavior, and look at how they impact their family, social, and professional life. If possible, the therapist will also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will determine if they suffer from a mental health condition that is co-occurring, and whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. People who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects someone has ADHD the doctor will conduct an entire clinical examination. This will include analyzing the patient's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues the patient has, and will use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can perform screening and make a diagnosis of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all certified to recognize ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They might refer adults for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is an extensive medical examination that includes an evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist may also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a safe, noninvasive method to screen people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the person's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric background that goes back to childhood. The examiner will also review the individual's current symptoms as well as coping mechanisms. 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).
The doctor may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a lot of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may also ask parents complete such forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close family members. 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. He or she will determine how long symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in school, at work, or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They must also determine any physical causes for the individual's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. A thorough screening will also examine the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging the school staff to monitor the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming such as yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet which can improve their ability to focus and concentrate. Sugary foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will perform an evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. This usually involves an assessment of mental health along with a physical exam, and interviews with the person, his or her parents, a spouse or partner and other people who know the person well. The doctor may request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to confirm whether the person meets the the standard criteria for ADHD. They can inquire about medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, such as seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is typically prescribed to treat the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medications used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These medications have the potential to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to try a variety of types and dosages of medication before settling on the one that is right for him or her.
The following is a list of preventions.
In certain cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include diet and sleep habits, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers, and then refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid dietary supplements that do not have a scientific backing or interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should consult a mental health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, for diagnosis. The doctor will go through 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, look at the person's behavior in different environments and apply standardized rating scales. He or she will also look at the presence and duration of core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect a person's life.
adult diagnosis of adhd may collaborate with a patient as well as their family members to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities which includes identifying and changing "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of a lack of options. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can help by offering a safe and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an appropriate sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should also encourage their children to be social and make an effort to build a healthy bond with their spouse.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the learning and behavior of the student However, they are not able to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions are taken by the student's parents, health care provider and teacher with the cooperation of all three.