How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and background with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship crisis is a trigger for awareness of the issue. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to obtain an assessment.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty being still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues to a degree that significantly affects their functioning at home, school or work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months, and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant pain and problems at school, home, work, and in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a trained health care provider. This could include a thorough physical exam and a look for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health professional may also examine the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents may 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 the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will examine the person's current symptoms and previous behavior, focusing on how they impact their social, family and professional lives. If adults diagnosed with adhd , he will examine the person's childhood behavior and school experiences as well.
When looking at adults, the physician will take into account whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue and will inquire if the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to develop it.
If the health care provider suspects that a patient has ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will conduct an extensive clinical assessment, including reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily diary of their symptoms for some weeks. He or she will also ask about any other medical conditions the person has and will consult the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can conduct screenings and determine the severity of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all certified to recognize ADHD. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They can recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical exam that includes an evaluation of sight and hearing, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist might suggest an examination of the brain, known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA to determine the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric background 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 other staff members who spend a lot of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents to complete these forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, coworkers, and other close acquaintances. They may also want to interview someone who has been with 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. They will also determine how long symptoms have been present and whether they are causing problems at home, at the workplace, at school or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. Additionally, a thorough screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging the school staff to watch the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can boost the ability of a lot of children suffering from ADHD to focus and concentrate. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, as they can aggravate their symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
Symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties at work or with relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. The evaluation includes a mental history, a physical examination, and interviews with the person and his or her parents or spouses, and other people familiar with the person. The healthcare provider might request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to determine if the person meets typical criteria for ADHD. They 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 will usually be prescribed to control the symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. They are able to cause adverse effects, so a person should only take them under medical supervision and with a prescription. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and trigger 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 it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. This could include eating habits, sleep habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers, and then refer you for additional support or to a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Children can also be assisted by following the same routines, limiting caffeine and sugar, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Beware of nutritional supplements that don't have scientific backing or may be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough history, do a physical exam and review medical records to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply standardized ratings scales. He or she will also consider the duration and presence of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect the person's life.
Most often, therapists will work with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other strategies for organization and educate the patient on metacognitive techniques, which involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of options. Psychologists are able to prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and establish a healthy bond between them and their loved ones.
The staff at the school may offer valuable information regarding the behavior and learning challenges of a child, but they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.