How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your history with ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A significant event, like pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship, triggers awareness of the problem. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to get a diagnosis.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble staying still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools or in other settings, kids who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues in a way that affects their functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should have been present for at minimum 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.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a certified health care provider. This may include a physical exam, and checking for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health care professional will also review the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually geared toward their age, and parents can be interviewed as well.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. find out this here are described in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will examine the patient's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If it is possible, the therapist will also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor will take into account whether or not they suffer from an underlying mental health condition that is co-occurring, and will ask whether the patient has a 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 and is concerned about it, they will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This includes reviewing the patient's symptoms and requesting that they keep a journal every day of their symptoms over the course of a few weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other medical conditions that the person may have, and will use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if they have any of the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can perform screening and make a diagnosis of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They can send adults to a full assessment.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may also suggest an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the relative intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive and secure manner.
The examiner will review the patient's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical history dating to his childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's 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 children and teens being evaluated for ADHD, the doctor may ask teachers and other people who spend much time with the child to fill in checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents to complete these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close family members. They might also wish 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 the length of time that symptoms have been present and whether they are causing problems at home, at school, at work, or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition an extensive screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging school staff to observe their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach methods of relaxation and calming, such as meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve the ability of many children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks, as they can aggravate their symptoms. They should also make sure they sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the adolescent years, and into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest as difficulties at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes a mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the individual and their parents, a spouse or a life partner, and other people who know him or her well. The doctor may request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to determine if the person meets typical criteria for ADHD. He or she may also ask about any medical conditions that can be a cause of ADHD symptoms, for example seizures and thyroid disorders.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These drugs are likely to cause side effects, so a person should only take them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try various types and dosages of medication before they can find one that works.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers in the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleeping and eating habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can help you find ways to deal with these triggers, and refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian who can suggest changes in your diet.
Children can also be assisted by maintaining their routines by limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of dietary supplements that do not have scientific backing or may be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should see a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist, for diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, conduct a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply the standard ratings scales. The therapist will take into consideration the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms, as well being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's daily life.
Usually, a therapist will collaborate with the family and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient on metacognitive techniques, which involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that lead to negative moods and perceptions of limited options. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. Parents should also encourage their children to socialize, and try to build a healthy bond with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding behavior and learning problems in students however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health provider, and teacher with the support of each other.