How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and any history of ADHD. He will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship problems can prompt awareness of the problem. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble staying still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to a degree that significantly affects their functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should be present for a minimum of 6 months and be significantly higher than what is normal for the child's age or developmental level. In addition, they must be causing significant pain and issues at home, school or work, and in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care professional. This could include a thorough physical examination and a review of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also look at the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents may be interviewed.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children as laid out 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 the ways they affect their family, social, and professional life. If it is possible, the therapist will also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor will look into whether they have mental health issues that is co-occurring, and if 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 the health care provider suspects someone is suffering from ADHD, he or she will provide the patient with a complete clinical evaluation, including reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms for a few weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues the person has, and will use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They can send adults to a full evaluation.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, a doctor may recommend a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA to determine the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a non-invasive, safe method for screening individuals for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental history dating 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).
The doctor may ask teachers and others who spend a lot of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents complete such forms. For adults, he or she will often talk to spouses and other close friends as well as colleagues and might also interview relatives who know 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. The doctor will determine how long symptoms have been present and if they result in impairment at home, in the workplace, at school, or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. They should also check for physical causes for the individual's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep disorders. Additionally the thorough examination will also look at the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging school staff to monitor their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also instruct relaxation techniques and methods for calming such as yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can boost the ability of children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods high in sugar can worsen symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the adolescent years, and into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state as well as a physical exam and interviews with the individual as well as his or her parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with the person. The doctor may ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they affect them. They could also use rating scales and other tests to confirm that the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. They can inquire about medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, such as seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medications used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These medications can trigger adverse effects. A person should only use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with prescription. Discuss with your doctor the medications you take. Certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try several different types and dosages of medication before settling on the one that is right for him or her.
The following is a list with preventions.
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleeping and eating habits, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers, and then refer you for additional support or a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
adult adhd diagnoses can also be helped by following the same routines, limiting caffeine and sugar, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may have ADHD should see an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist to get an assessment. The doctor will go through medical records, perform physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the person's behavior in different environments and apply standardized rating scales. He or she will consider the severity and duration of core ADHD-related symptoms as well in determining whether they have an impact on a person's everyday life.
Often, a therapist will work with the family and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other strategies for organization, and train the patient on metacognitive techniques, which involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that lead to negative moods and perceptions of a lack of alternatives. Psychologists may prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also help by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep habits and avoid stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to be social and establish a healthy bond with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on the learning and behavior of the student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. These decisions are taken by the child's parents, health provider, and teacher with the assistance of the other.