How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your history with ADHD. He will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A major event, such as pregnancy or a breakup, triggers awareness of the issue. Recognizing the issue is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting for their turn, and paying attention at schools or in other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to the extent that impairs functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or development level. They should also be causing significant issues at school, at work, home and in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a certified health professional. This may include a thorough physical exam and a check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression. The health professional will also review the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions based on their age and 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 described in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of the 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 life. If it is possible, the therapist will also examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a provider will consider whether they have a mental health issue that co-occurs, and the presence of ADHD in the family. Family members of those with the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If the health care provider suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will provide the patient with an exhaustive clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for some weeks. They will also ask about any other conditions that the person may have and will refer to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all qualified to identify ADHD. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might suggest an examination of the brain, known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA to determine the amount of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive, secure way.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history dating to his childhood. The doctor 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 will ask teachers and others who spend a great deal of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. He or she might also ask parents to fill out these forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, colleagues and other close friends. 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 the symptoms have been present, and whether they are causing difficulties at home, school and at work, or in other areas of daily life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she must also determine any physical causes for the individual's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep issues. Additionally, a thorough screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging school staff to monitor the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming like yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can boost the ability of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can cause more symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will perform an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an examination of the mind, a physical examination, and interviews with the individual, his or parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with him or her. The healthcare provider might request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. He or she may also use rating scales and other tests to determine if the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. The person may also inquire about any medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, like thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs can cause negative side effects. A person should only use these drugs under the supervision of a physician and with prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or is taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages of medication before they find the one that is right for them.
Prevention
In certain cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers can aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers may include diet and sleep habits, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to deal with these triggers, and then refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid dietary supplements without research-based backing or that might interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will look over medical records, perform an examination of the body and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the patient's behavior and use the standard ratings scales. visit your url or she will consider the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms as well as whether they have a significant impact on the person's daily life.
Most often, therapists will work with the family and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient on metacognitive techniques that focus on identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of options. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can aid by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting a good sleep hygiene, and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to be social and establish a healthy bond between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on the behavior and learning issues of the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. The student's parents and health care provider have to make these decisions, with the help of the teacher.