How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship is a trigger for awareness of the issue. Recognizing the issue is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with being seated, waiting to be called, and paying attention at school or other environments. These problems can significantly impact their performance at work, at home or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should be present for at least six months and be significantly higher than what is normal for the child's age and development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant distress and issues at home, school or work, and also in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care professional. This may include a thorough physical examination and a check for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also review the family history of the patient and review medical, psychiatric, and academic records. In addition, the doctor will ask the patient questions about their symptoms. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents may be interviewed.
get diagnosed with adhd will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will review the patient's current symptoms as well as past behavior, looking at the ways they affect their family, social, and professional lives. If possible the therapist may also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a provider will determine if they suffer from a mental health issue that co-occurs, and whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. People who have family members with ADHD are more likely to have 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 requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for a few weeks. They will also ask about any other conditions the person has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine if they have any of the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is a thorough medical exam that includes an assessment of hearing and vision. A specialist may also suggest the use of a brain scanner, also known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the 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 secure method.
In an interview with the individual the examiner will review the person's medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, as well as his present symptoms and strategies for coping. 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 will ask teachers and others who spend a lot of time with children to complete questionnaires or checklists. They may also ask parents to fill out the forms. For adults, they is likely to speak to spouses and close friends, and also co-workers and may also interview relatives who know the person from their 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 for how long the symptoms have been present, and whether they cause impairment at home, school, work or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional should also look for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also examine the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging school staff to monitor their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and showing flexible and patience. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can enhance the ability of a lot of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms. They should also ensure they sleep enough.
The symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties at work or with relationships. A health care provider will perform an evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD and how severe it is. The evaluation typically includes an examination of the mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the person, his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and other people who know him or her well. The doctor may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they impact them. They can also use rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with typical criteria for ADHD. They can also ask about any medical conditions that can be a cause of ADHD symptoms, for example seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is typically prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These medications can trigger side effects. It is recommended that you take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor all medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants, causing dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages of medication before they find one that is suitable for them.
The following is a list with preventions.
In some instances, reducing the exposure to triggers from the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleeping and eating habits, family structure and medication. A GP can guide you in identifying ways to manage triggers and recommend a dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Children can also be helped by following the same routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific basis or could interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they have ADHD should seek out a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist for a diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, perform a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, look at the patient's behavior in various settings and use standard rating scales. He or she will also consider the duration and presence of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect a person's life.
Usually, a therapist will collaborate with the patient and family to improve parenting skills as well as 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 about the lack of choices. Psychologists can also prescribe medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. They should also encourage their children to interact with others, and work to develop a healthy relationship with their partner.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information on the behavior and learning challenges of the child however, they aren't competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. Parents and the student's health care provider have to make these decisions, with the help of the teacher.