How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and your history with ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
A lot of people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A major event such as the birth of a child or a relationship issues can trigger awareness of the issue. Getting a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools or in other settings, those who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues in a way that hinders their performance at home, school or work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age and development level. They should also be causing significant issues at school, at work, home and in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care professional. This could include a thorough physical examination and a check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The doctor will also look at the person's family history as well as 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 doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for children and adults, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will analyze the person's past and current behavior and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If it is possible, he or she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences as well.
When looking at adults, the physician will take into account whether they have a co-occurring mental health condition and will inquire whether the person has a family history of ADHD. People who have family members with ADHD are more likely to have it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects someone may have ADHD, they will perform an extensive clinical assessment. This involves examining the patient's symptoms and asking them to keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. They can also inquire about any other conditions they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all qualified to identify ADHD. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and might refer adults to specialists for a thorough assessment.
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam, including evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist might also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual, the examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric background dating back to childhood, and also 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 great deal of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may request parents to fill out such forms. For adults, they will usually talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as colleagues and may also interview a family member who knows 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 determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they cause problems at home, at school, at work, or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional should also check for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for physical causes, for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition an extensive screening will also examine the person's social, emotional and family history.
adhd in adults diagnosis suffering from ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can help with this by encouraging school staff to observe the child's progress, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can enhance the ability of children suffering from ADHD to focus and concentrate. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks that can aggravate their symptoms. Also, they should ensure they sleep enough.
Symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty in their work or relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if a person has ADHD and the extent of it. The evaluation includes an examination of the mind, a physical examination, and interviews with the individual and his or her parents or spouses, and other people familiar with him or her. The provider may ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to confirm whether the person meets the the standard criteria for ADHD. They will also conduct a medical history of any medical issues that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is typically prescribed to treat the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs are likely to cause side negative effects, therefore one should only take them under a medical supervision and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications she is taking, because certain medications can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD must try different types and doses of medication before they find one that works.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In certain cases the reduction of exposure to triggers in the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers can be related to eating habits, routines for sleeping and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can assist you in finding ways to deal with these triggers, and refer you for additional support or to a dietitian who can recommend nutritional changes.
Children can also be assisted by keeping their routines the same as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid taking supplements that do not have research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they have ADHD should seek out a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will look over medical records, perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe their behavior, and utilize standardized ratings scales. The therapist will assess the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms as well in determining whether they have a significant impact on the person's daily life.
Often, a therapist will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other organizational strategies and instruct the patient in metacognitive strategies, which involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that lead to negative moods and perceptions of limited choices. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can aid by offering a safe family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. They should encourage their child to socialize with others and develop a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information about the behavior and learning issues of a student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions are taken by the student's parents, health care provider and teacher with the support of each other.