How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and background with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A significant event, like pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship is a trigger for awareness of the problem. Recognizing the issue is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty being still, waiting their turn, and paying attention at schools and other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to the extent that hinders their performance 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 stage. They must be causing major problems at work, school or at home, as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a trained health care professional. This could include a physical exam, and a look at other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid or depression. The health professional will also review the person's family history and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents are also able to be interviewed.
The provider will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's present symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they interfere with their family, social and professional lives. If possible, he or will look at the person's childhood behavior and school experiences, too.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor will be able to determine whether they have a co-occurring mental health condition and ask if the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. adhd diagnosed of those who have the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a health professional suspects someone is suffering from ADHD, he or she will provide the patient with an exhaustive clinical evaluation, including reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily diary of their symptoms for some weeks. He or she will also ask about any other medical conditions the patient has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to see if they have any of the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can perform screening and determine the severity of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They might refer adults for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is an extensive medical examination that includes an evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist may recommend the brain scan, also called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA, to measure the relative concentration of the theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive, safe manner.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his medical and psychiatric history that dates back to childhood. He will also discuss the individual's current symptoms as well as coping mechanisms. 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 questionnaires or checklists. He or she might also request parents to fill out such forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, colleagues and other close family members. They might also want to interview someone who has known 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 symptoms have been present and whether they cause problems at home, at the workplace, at school or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. getting a adhd diagnosis should also check for physical causes for the individual's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. A thorough screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging school staff to monitor the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming like yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet, which will improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks that can aggravate their symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
Symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or with relationships. A doctor will perform an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. The evaluation typically includes an assessment of mental health along with a physical exam, and interviews with the person, his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and others who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might request an inventory of the person'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. They can inquire about medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If a person is identified as having ADHD the medication will be prescribed to treat symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medicines used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These drugs are likely to cause side effects, so a person should only use them under a medical supervision and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications are taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD have to try various types and dosages of medication before they find one that works.
Prevention
In certain cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers may help prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include eating habits, routines for sleeping and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you in identifying ways to control triggers, and can recommend an dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be assisted by following the same routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid dietary supplements without research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for a diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough medical history, perform a physical exam and review medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe their behavior, and utilize standardized ratings scales. The therapist will assess the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms, as well as whether they have a significant impact on a person's daily life.
A therapist can work with a patient and their family members to improve parenting, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They may also train the patient in metacognitive abilities, which involves the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of a lack of options. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can help by providing a stable family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. They should encourage their child to socialize with others and develop a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the learning and behavior of a student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. The student's parents and health care provider must make these decisions, with the help of the teacher.
