How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms as well as any history of ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like a pregnancy or relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. Recognizing the issue is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty sitting still, waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or other settings. These issues can seriously impact their performance at work, at home, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and must be greater than what is expected for the child's age or developmental level. They must also be causing significant problems at school, work, home and in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a certified health care professional. This may include a physical exam and a look at other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The doctor will also look at the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. In Recommended Resource site , he will interview the person about their symptoms. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents are also able to be interviewed.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5 the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's behavior in the past and present and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If possible the therapist may also review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When looking at adults, the physician will consider whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue, and will ask whether the person has any family history of ADHD. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD, they will perform an entire clinical examination. This includes reviewing the patient's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. He or she may also ask the person about any other issues they suffer from, and refer them to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual is in compliance with any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can conduct screenings and determine the severity of the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may recommend an examination of the brain, 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, secure way.
In an interview with the individual the examiner will review the person's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, and also his current symptoms and coping strategies. 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 lot of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may 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 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 the length of time that symptoms have been present and whether they cause problems at home, at school, at work or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional should also check for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They should also look for physical causes, for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition, 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 aid with this by encouraging school staff to monitor the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming such as meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can boost the ability of many children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks that can make their symptoms worse. Also, they should ensure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of trouble at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. This usually involves a mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, spouse or a life partner, and others who know the person well. The provider may ask for a list of the person's symptoms and how they impact him or her. He or she may also use rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. They can inquire about medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, like thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is typically prescribed to manage the symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children and adults. These medications can trigger negative side effects. A person should only take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with a prescription. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications are taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to try different dosages and types of medication before they find one that works.
The following is a list with preventions.
In some cases, reducing exposure to triggers in the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. This could include the way you eat, your sleep habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can assist you in finding ways to deal with these triggers, and then refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian who can suggest changes in your diet.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid nutritional supplements that don't have scientific backing or may interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis. The doctor will take a detailed history, conduct an examination of the body and look over medical records to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, examine the patient's behavior in various settings and use standard rating scales. The therapist will also consider the duration and presence of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they result in significant impairments in a person's life.
Often, a therapist will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies and educate the patient in metacognitive strategies that involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions about the lack of options. Psychologists can also prescribe medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can also aid by providing a secure and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep habits and avoid stimulants. They should also encourage their children to be social and make an effort to build a healthy bond with their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information about the behavior and learning issues of students However, they are not able to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health provider, and teacher with cooperation of all three.