How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your previous experiences with 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 crisis can trigger awareness of the problem. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to receive a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty waiting to be called and paying attention in school or other situations. These issues can greatly affect their functioning at work, at home or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months, and be noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental stage. In addition, they must be causing significant distress and difficulties at home, school or work, and also in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. adhd in adults undiagnosed may include a physical exam, and a look at other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid or depression. The health professional will also look at the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents may be interviewed.
The physician will follow 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. He or she will analyze the person's past and current behavior and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If it is possible, he or she will review the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences too.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor will take into account whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue and ask whether the person has a family history of ADHD. People with family members who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have it themselves.
If a health professional suspects someone is suffering from ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will conduct an extensive clinical assessment that includes a review of their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for some weeks. He or she may also inquire about any other medical conditions they may have, and then use 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 an interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all certified to identify ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They may recommend adults to undergo a thorough assessment.
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is an extensive medical examination that includes an examination 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 relative intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric background that goes to his 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 will ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents complete these forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, colleagues 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 for how long the symptoms have been present for, and whether they cause impairment at home, school and at work, or in other areas 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. They should also search for physical causes, like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. In addition the thorough examination will also look at the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging school staff to watch their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patience. They can also teach methods of relaxation and calming like meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet, which can enhance their ability to concentrate and focus. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks, as they can worsen their symptoms. They should also ensure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest as problems at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. This usually involves a mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the individual as well as his or her parents, a spouse or a life partner, and others who know him or her well. The doctor may request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they impact him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to confirm if the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may inquire about medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, like seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD A medication will usually be prescribed to treat the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. drugs used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs are likely to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications he or are taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to create dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try different dosages and types of medication before they find one that works.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In certain cases the reduction of exposure to triggers from the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleeping and eating habits, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to control these triggers, and then refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Children can also be helped by following the same routines, limiting caffeine and sugar 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 believe they have ADHD should seek out a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor will go through medical records, perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the patient's behavior and use standardized ratings scales. The therapist will also look at the presence and duration of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they cause significant impairment in a person's life.
A therapist can work with a patient and their family members to improve parenting, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also train the patient in metacognitive skills, which involves identifying and changing "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of a lack of choices. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can help by offering a safe family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging a good sleep hygiene, and refraining from stimulants. Parents should also encourage their child to interact with others, and work to develop a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information about the learning and behavior of the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health provider, and teacher with cooperation of all three.