How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms as well as your history with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A major event, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship can trigger awareness of the issue. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, those who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to the extent that impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age and development level. They must also be causing significant problems at work, school, home and in relationships.
A qualified health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a thorough physical exam and a review of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The doctor will also review the person's family history as well as review medical, psychiatric, and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents can be interviewed.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will review the person's present symptoms and previous behavior, focusing on how they impact their family, social, and professional lives. If possible the therapist will look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a provider will look into whether they have a mental health issue that co-occurs, and if there is a history of ADHD in the family. People with family members who have the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a health professional suspects that someone has ADHD the doctor will provide the patient with an exhaustive clinical evaluation that includes a review of their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms for some weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues that the person may have and will refer to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all certified to recognize ADHD. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They can send adults to a full evaluation.
A thorough medical exam that includes an evaluation of hearing and sight, is the first step to 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 scanning can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive, safe way.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental history dating back to childhood, and also the present 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 adolescents and children who are being assessed 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. He or she might ask parents to fill out the forms. For adults, he or she will often discuss marriage with spouses and other close friends as well as co-workers and might also interview someone from the family 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. He or she will determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and if they result in impairment at home, in school, at work, or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional must also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. They should also look for physical causes like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. In addition an extensive screening will also look at the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging the school staff to observe the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming, such as yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD can benefit from regular exercise and a balanced diet, which can increase their ability to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, which can make their symptoms worse. Also, they should ensure they get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the adolescent years, and into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest as difficulties at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state, a physical examination, and interviews with the individual, his or parents or spouses, and other people who are familiar with him or her. The healthcare provider might ask the person to list their symptoms and how they impact them. Our Site may also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm whether the person meets the the standard criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a medical history of any medical issues which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD A medication will usually be prescribed to control the symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both 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 patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or are taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages before settling on one that works for them.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some cases the reduction of exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleep and diet, family structure and medication. A GP can assist you in finding ways to deal with these triggers, and then refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid taking supplements that do not have scientific backing or that may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may have ADHD should see a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist to get a diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe their behavior and use standardized ratings scales. He or she will also look at the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they result in significant impairments in the life of a person.
A therapist can work with a patient and their family members to improve parenting, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills that include the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of limited choices. Psychologists are able to prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a stable, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, promoting an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to interact with others and develop a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information on issues with learning and behavior in a child however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. These decisions must be taken by the child's parents, health provider and teacher with the cooperation of all three.