How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your history with ADHD. He will also look at 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 problems can prompt awareness of the issue. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble waiting for a call and focusing at school or in other environments. These issues can greatly affect their functioning at work, home, or school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must be present for at least six months and must be significantly higher than what is normal for the child's age or development level. In addition, they must be causing significant distress and difficulties at school, at home or work, and also in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a certified health care provider. This could include a thorough physical examination and a review of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also look at the person's family history and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. Additionally, he will talk to the patient about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents can be interviewed.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will review the person's current symptoms and past behavior, looking at the ways they affect their social, family and professional lives. If possible the therapist may also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When looking at adults, the physician will be able to determine whether they have a co-occurring mental health issue and ask whether the person has any family history of ADHD. People who have family members who have the disorder are more prone to develop it.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD the doctor will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This involves examining the patient's symptoms and requesting that they keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a time of several weeks. They will also inquire about any other medical conditions the person has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine whether they meet the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have an interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and determine the severity of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all qualified to identify ADHD. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step in identifying ADHD is an extensive medical examination which includes a thorough evaluation of vision and hearing. A doctor may also recommend a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a non-invasive, safe method to screen people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical background that goes to his childhood. He will also discuss the individual's current symptoms as well as 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 may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. They might also ask parents to complete such forms. For adults, they will often talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as co-workers, and may want to 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 length of time that symptoms have been present and if they result in impairment at home, in the workplace, at school or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she should also check for physical causes for the person's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. A thorough screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid with this by encouraging school staff to monitor the child's progress, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach methods of relaxation and calming, such as meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a healthy diet which will improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks that can aggravate their symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
The symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or in relationships. A health care provider will perform an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. diagnose adhd includes an assessment of the mental state and physical examination and interviews with the individual as well as his or her parents, spouses or partners, and other people familiar with him or her. The doctor may request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they impact him or her. He or she could also use ratings scales and other tests to determine if the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. They can also ask about any medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, for example seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is typically prescribed to control the symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. These drugs are likely to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications he or are taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages of medication before they find one that is suitable for him or her.
Prevention
In some instances, reducing the exposure to triggers from the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers may 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 further assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Children can also be helped by keeping their routines the same as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid supplements for your diet that do not have a scientific backing or interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they be suffering from ADHD should consult an expert in mental health such as psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor will take a thorough history, do an examination of the body and look over medical records to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the person's behavior in different situations and employ standard rating scales. They will also examine the severity and frequency of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they cause significant impairment in the life of a person.
A therapist may work with a patient and their family members to improve parenting, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities that include the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of having fewer choices. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Parents can also help by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep habits and avoid stimulants. Parents must also encourage their child to interact with others, and try to develop a healthy relationship with their partner.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information on the behavior and learning challenges of a child however, they aren't competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. Parents and the student's health care provider have to make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.