How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and previous experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship is a trigger for awareness of the problem. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to get a diagnosis.
Characteristics
While many children struggle with being 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 hinders their performance at home, in school or at work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should be present for at least six months and must be more than what is typical for the child's age or development level. They must also be causing significant problems at work, school, home and in relationships.
A certified health professional will conduct a clinical assessment to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a physical exam, and also examining for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The doctor will also review the family history of the patient and review 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 may be interviewed.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will examine the person's present symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they interfere with their family, social, and professional lives. If it is possible, the therapist will also review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, the provider will take into account whether or not they have an underlying mental health condition that is co-occurring and will inquire if the person has a family history of ADHD. People with family members who have the disorder are more likely to develop it.
If the health care provider suspects someone is suffering from ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will conduct an exhaustive clinical evaluation that includes a review of their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily diary of their symptoms for a few weeks. He or she will also ask about any other conditions the patient has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. getting diagnosed with adhd diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may suggest a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA, to measure the relative concentration of the theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a safe, noninvasive method of screening people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical background that goes to his childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's current symptoms and 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 other staff members who spend a lot of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. He or she may also ask parents complete such forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close acquaintances. They might also wish 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. The doctor will also determine for how long the symptoms have been present and whether they are causing difficulties at home, school or at work, or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional should also be able to detect other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional should also search for physical causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition an extensive screening will also look at the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging the school staff to watch their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patience. They can also teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming, such as yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet, which can improve their ability to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also ensure they sleep enough.
Symptoms of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes a mental history and physical examination and interviews with the individual as well as his or her parents and spouses or partners and other people familiar with him or her. The doctor may request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. They can also use rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standard criteria for ADHD. The person may inquire about medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms, for example seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to control the symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These medications have the potential to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under medical supervision and with a prescription. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications he or are taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to try a variety of types and dosages of medication before finding the one that is right for him or her.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing exposure to triggers from the environment can aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. This could include the way you eat, your sleeping habits, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can guide you in identifying ways to control triggers, and can suggest a dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Try to avoid supplements for your diet that do not have scientific backing or may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may be suffering from ADHD should consult an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, perform physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the patient's behavior in various settings and use the standard rating scales. The therapist will also examine the presence and duration of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they cause significant impairment in the person's life.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the patient and family to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies and instruct the patient on metacognitive techniques, which involve the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of options. Psychologists can prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and build a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information about the behavior and learning issues of a student However, they are not able to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions, with the help of the teacher.