How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event, like pregnancy or a breakup 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 a lot of trouble sitting still, waiting to be called and focusing at school or in other settings. These issues can seriously affect their functioning at home, work, or school. 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 developmental level. They should also be causing significant issues at school, at work or at home, as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a qualified health care provider. This may include a thorough physical exam and a review of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The doctor will also examine the person's family history and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, the doctor will interview the person about the symptoms they are experiencing. For children the questions are typically specific to their age and parents can be interviewed as well.
The provider will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will examine the patient's behavior in the past and present and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If possible, he or will examine the person's past behavior as well as school experiences, too.
When looking at adults, the physician will take into account whether or not they have a co-occurring mental health issue and ask whether the person has a family history of ADHD. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a health professional suspects that someone has ADHD the doctor will conduct a complete clinical evaluation that includes a review of their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily diary of their symptoms for some weeks. He or she may also inquire about any other conditions they suffer from, and refer them to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person is in compliance with any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step in identifying ADHD is a thorough medical exam, including examination of vision and hearing. A specialist might suggest a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA, to measure the amount of beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a non-invasive, safe method for screening individuals for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, as well as his current 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 teens and children who are being assessed for ADHD the doctor may ask teachers and other people who spend long periods of time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents to fill out these forms. For adults, he or she will often talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as colleagues 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. The doctor will determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in school, at work, or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional must also screen for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. They should also look for physical causes for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. Additionally the thorough examination will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging the school staff to watch their child closely, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patience. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming, such as yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a balanced diet, which can improve their ability to focus and concentrate. get diagnosed with adhd and foods that are high in sugar can worsen symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or with relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation consists of a mental history, a physical examination, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents and spouses or partners and others who are familiar with the person. The healthcare provider might request the patient to list their symptoms and how they affect them. He or she can also use rating scales or other tests to confirm if the person meets typical criteria for ADHD. They will also collect a history of any medical issues that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication is prescribed to manage symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. These drugs can cause side effects. It is recommended that you use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD have to try different types and doses of medication before they can find one that works.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleeping and eating habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can assist you in finding ways to manage these triggers, and then refer you for additional support or a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Children can also be helped by following the same routines by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Try to avoid nutritional supplements that don't have scientific backing or may interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they have ADHD should see a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct an examination of the body and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the patient's behavior, and utilize standard ratings scales. He or she will also consider the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect the life of a person.
Usually, a therapist will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient on metacognitive techniques that involve the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of limited choices. Psychologists are able to prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and establish a healthy bond between them and their loved ones.
School staff can provide valuable information on the behavior and learning issues of a student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. Parents and the student's healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the assistance of the teacher.