How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. He will also examine your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. adult adhd diagnoses that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship problems can prompt awareness of the problem. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to receive an assessment.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues in a way that hinders their performance at home, school or work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity have to be present for at minimum six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental stage. They should be causing major problems at school, at work or at home, as well as in relationships.
adults diagnosed with adhd trained health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a physical exam, and also examining for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The doctor will also examine the person's family history and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically specific to their age and parents may be interviewed as well.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will look at the person's past and current behavior and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If possible, he or she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences as well.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor will look into whether they have mental health issues that is co-occurring, and if there is a history of ADHD in the family. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it.
If the health care provider suspects that someone has ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will conduct a complete clinical evaluation, including reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily diary of their symptoms for some 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 care professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and make a diagnosis of the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They can send adults to a full assessment.
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is a thorough medical exam, including evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist may also suggest the use of a brain scanner, also known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a non-invasive, safe method for screening individuals for ADHD.
In an interview with the person the examiner will review the individual's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, and also his present 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 will ask teachers and other staff members who spend a lot of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. They may also ask parents to fill out the forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, coworkers, and other close acquaintances. They might 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 the length of time that symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in the workplace, at school or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They should also search for physical causes, like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. In addition, a thorough screening will also check the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging the school staff to watch the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming, such as yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet, which can enhance their ability to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
The signs of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest as difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will perform an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes an assessment of mental health as well as a physical examination and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and other people who know the person well. The provider may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they affect them. They might also employ rating scales or other tests to verify that the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. The person may also inquire about any medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD symptoms, for example thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If a person is identified as having ADHD, medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children as well as adults. These medications have the potential to cause side 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 is taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD need to test various types and dosages of medications before they discover one that works.
The following is a list with preventions.
In certain cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers may help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include diet and sleep habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in finding ways to control triggers and suggest a dietitian to get nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be helped by following the same routines by limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific backing or interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they be suffering from ADHD should consult a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for a diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out 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. He or she will consider the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms, as in determining whether they have a significant impact on a person's everyday life.
A therapist may collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills that include identifying and changing "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of limited choices. Psychologists can also prescribe medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. Parents should also encourage their child to interact with others, and work to build a healthy bond with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the behavior and learning issues of the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions must be taken by the child's parents, health care provider, and teacher with support of each other.