How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your history with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like pregnancy or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to receive a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble sitting still, waiting to be called and paying attention in school or other settings. These problems can significantly impact their performance at work, home, or school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months, and be more prominent than is normal for their age or developmental level. Additionally, they must be causing significant pain and difficulties at home, school or at work, as well as in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a thorough physical examination and a look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also review the family history of the patient and 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 and in children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's present symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they interfere with their family, social, and professional life. If possible, he or will examine the person's childhood behavior and school experiences too.
When evaluating adults, a provider will look into whether they have a mental health issue that is co-occurring, as well as whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. Family members of those with ADHD are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If getting diagnosed with adhd that a patient has ADHD, he or she 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 a few weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other medical conditions the person has and will consult the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all certified to recognize ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may suggest a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA to measure the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive and secure way.
In an interview with the individual, the examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental history going back to childhood, in addition to 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).
For children and teens being evaluated for ADHD The doctor will likely have teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of time with the child to complete questionnaires or checklists. He or she might also request parents to fill out these forms. For adults, they is likely to speak to spouses and close friends and also co-workers and might 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. He or she will also determine how long the symptoms have been present, and whether they are causing problems at school, home and at work, or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. They must also determine any physical causes of the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. In addition the thorough examination will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging school staff to watch the child closely, providing positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Many children suffering from ADHD can benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet, which can help increase their ability to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. They must also get enough rest.
The symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. In diagnosis for adhd in adults , they may manifest as problems at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD, and the severity of it. This evaluation usually includes a mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and other people who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may inquire about medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, like seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. They are able to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a medical supervision and with a prescription. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants, causing dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD have to try different types and doses of medications before they discover one that works.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can be related to diet, sleeping habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers and can refer you for additional support or a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should consult a mental health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, conduct physical examinations and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the person's behavior in different environments and apply standard rating scales. He or she will also consider the presence and duration of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they cause significant impairment in a person's life.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive skills which includes identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of having fewer options. Psychologists can also prescribe medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and establish a healthy bond between them and their partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about the behavior and learning challenges of the child however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. These decisions are taken by the child's parents, health care provider and teacher with the cooperation of all three.