How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your previous experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A major event, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship is a trigger for awareness of the problem. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to receive an assessment.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting their turn, and paying attention at school or in other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues to the extent that impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity should have been present for at minimum six months and be more prominent than is normal for their age or developmental stage. Additionally, they should be causing significant suffering and problems at school, at home or at work, as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified health care professional. This could include a physical exam, and also examining for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like thyroid or depression. The health professional may also examine the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. In addition, he will talk to the patient about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents may be interviewed.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. diagnosing adhd are laid out in DSM-5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will look at the person's past and current behavior and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If possible the therapist will examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When looking at adults, the physician will consider whether they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition and will inquire whether the person has any family history of ADHD. Family members of those who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects someone has ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct an entire clinical examination. This involves examining the patient's symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms over the course of a few weeks. He or she will also ask about any other issues that the person may have and will consult the DSM-5 symptom guide to see if they have any of the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and physician assistants, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and might refer adults to specialists for a thorough assessment.
A thorough medical exam which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor may also recommend the use of a brain scanner, also known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine 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 and safe way.
In an interview with the person an examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric background dating back to childhood, as well as 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 will likely ask teachers and other people who spend a lot of time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. They might also ask parents to complete such forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close friends. They might 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. The doctor will determine the length of time that symptoms have been present and whether they cause 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 have symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for any physical causes of the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. A thorough examination will also take a look at 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 teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical activity and a healthy diet, which will improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks, which can make their symptoms worse. Also, they should ensure they get enough rest.
The signs of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties in their work or relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state, a physical examination, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents and spouses or partners and other people who are familiar with the person. The doctor may request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she will also collect a history of any medical problems that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They are able to cause adverse effects, so a person should only use them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD have to try different types and doses of medication before they find one that works.
The following is a list with preventions.
In certain cases the reduction of exposure to triggers from the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleep and diet and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can help you find ways to control these triggers and can refer you for additional support or to a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Children can also be helped by following the same routines, limiting caffeine and sugar, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid taking supplements that do not have research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should consult an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a thorough history, do a physical exam and look over medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, look at the patient's behavior in various environments and apply the standard rating scales. He or she will also consider the presence and duration of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they result in significant impairments in the life of a person.
A therapist may collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They may also train the patient in metacognitive skills, which involves the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of having fewer choices. Psychologists can prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can aid by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an excellent sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents should also encourage their child to be social and work to establish a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
The staff at the school can offer valuable information regarding issues with learning and behavior in the child, but they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. Parents and the student's healthcare provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.