How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your previous experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship crisis is a trigger for awareness of the problem. 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 for a call and paying attention in school or other settings. These issues can greatly affect their functioning at work, at home, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should be present for at least six months and must be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or development level. Additionally, they must be causing significant distress and difficulties at home, school or work, and in relationships.
A trained health care professional will conduct a clinical assessment to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a thorough physical exam and a check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to depression or thyroid disease. The health professional will also review the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, he will interview the person about his or her symptoms. For children the questions are typically targeted towards their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed too.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5 the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will analyze the person's past and current behavior and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If it is possible, the therapist will also review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will determine if they suffer from a mental health issue that is co-occurring, and the presence of ADHD in the family. Family members of those with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct a full clinical evaluation. This will include analyzing the patient's symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. He or she will also ask about any other medical conditions the patient has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can conduct screenings and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Some family doctors also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and might refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
The first step in identifying ADHD is a thorough medical exam that includes an examination of vision and hearing. getting a adhd diagnosis might also suggest 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 scanning can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive, secure method.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his medical and psychiatric background that goes to his childhood. He will also discuss the person's current symptoms and ways of 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 others who spend a lot of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents to fill out such forms. For adults, he or she will usually speak to spouses and close friends, as well as co-workers, and may want to interview someone from the family who knows the person from 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 also determine how long the symptoms have been present for, and whether they cause impairment at home, school and at work, or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. The professional should also search for physical causes, like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. In addition, a thorough screening will also check the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging school staff to observe their child closely, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation and calming methods, such as meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can enhance the ability of many children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can aggravate symptoms. They should also ensure they get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can last through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest as trouble at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state and physical examination and interviews with the person and his or her parents, spouses or partners, and other people familiar with the person. The doctor may request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect him or her. The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to determine if the person meets standard criteria for ADHD. They will also collect a note of any medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication will usually be prescribed to treat the symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. These medications have the potential to cause side negative effects, therefore one should only use them under a medical supervision and with a prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or is taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to create dangerous side effects. Many individuals with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages before settling on the one that is right for them.
Prevention
In certain cases the reduction of exposure to triggers in the environment can help prevent 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 guide you in identifying ways to control triggers and recommend a dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should visit a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, perform a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, examine the person's behavior in different environments and apply standard rating scales. He or she will also examine the duration and presence of core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect the life of a person.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the patient and family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient in metacognitive techniques that involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of limited options. Psychologists can 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 with clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. They should also encourage their children to socialize, and try to establish a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on behavior and learning problems in the student However, they are not able to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. The student's parents and healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.