How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms as well as any history of ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A major event such as the birth of a child or a relationship problems can prompt awareness of the issue. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to get a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools or in other settings, those who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues in a way that impairs functioning at home, school or work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must have been present for at least six months, and be noticeably greater than expected for their age or development level. In addition, they must be causing significant pain and issues at school, at home or at work, as well as in relationships.
A qualified health care professional will conduct a clinical assessment to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a physical examination, and checking for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider may also look over the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For undiagnosed adhd in adults are typically specific to their age and parents can be interviewed too.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will review the person's current symptoms and previous behavior, focusing on how they impact their social, family and professional life. If possible, he she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences as well.
When evaluating adults, the provider will consider whether or not they suffer from an underlying mental health condition that is co-occurring, and will ask whether the patient has an ancestral history of ADHD. People with family members with the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD the doctor will conduct an entire clinical examination. This involves examining the patient's current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms over the course of a few weeks. They will also ask about any other conditions the person has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if they have any of the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Some family doctors also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may suggest an examination of the brain, called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to measure the amount of beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method to screen people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric background that goes back to childhood. He 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).
The doctor may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she may also ask parents to fill out these forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close friends. 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. He or she will also determine the length of time the symptoms have been present, and whether they cause problems at school, home and at work, or in other areas of life.
The mental health professional must also screen for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar 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 require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging school staff to watch the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation and calming techniques, such as meditation or yoga. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet which can improve their ability to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. They must also get enough rest.
The symptoms of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest in the form of trouble at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment 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 person as well as his or her parents or spouses, and other people who are familiar with the person. The healthcare provider might request a list of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. They could also use ratings scales and other tests to verify that the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. He or she may also inquire about any medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, like seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is identified as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to control symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children as well as adults. These drugs are likely to cause side negative effects, therefore one should only take them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to test different dosages and types of medication before they find one that works.
Prevention
In some cases the reduction of exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can be related to eating habits, sleeping habits family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to control these triggers, and then refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid dietary supplements without research-based backing or that might interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should seek out a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, perform an examination of the body and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the person's behavior in different environments and apply the standard rating scales. The therapist will take into consideration the severity and duration of core ADHD-related symptoms as well as whether they have an impact on the person's daily life.
Usually, a therapist will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other organizational strategies and instruct the patient on metacognitive techniques that focus on identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions about the lack of alternatives. getting a adhd diagnosis can prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a secure, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and build a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information about behavior and learning problems in students, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. The student's parents and health care provider have to make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.