How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your history with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A significant event, like pregnancy or a breakup, triggers awareness of the problem. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to receive an assessment.
Characteristics
While many children struggle with staying still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues to a degree that significantly impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have to be present for at minimum six months and be more prominent than is normal for their age or developmental level. They should also be causing significant issues at school, at work and at home as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a qualified health professional. This may include a thorough physical examination and a check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like depression or thyroid disease. The doctor will also look at the person's family history and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, the doctor will ask the patient questions about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents are also able to be interviewed.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will examine the patient's past and current behavior and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If possible, he will examine the person's past behavior as well as school experiences too.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor will be able to determine whether or not they have a co-occurring mental health condition, and will ask whether the patient has a family history of ADHD. People who have family members who have the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will conduct an exhaustive clinical evaluation that includes a review of their current symptoms and asking them to keep a diary of their symptoms for some weeks. He or she will also inquire about any other conditions that the person may have, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and determine the severity of the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an extensive medical examination, including examination of vision and hearing. A specialist may recommend a brain scan known as an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to measure the concentration of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method for screening individuals for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric background that goes to his childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's present 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).
For teens and children being screened for ADHD the doctor may have teachers and other professionals who spend long periods of time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she might also request parents to fill out such forms. For adults, they is likely to speak to spouses and close friends and also co-workers, and may want to interview someone from the family who knows the person from their 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 how long symptoms have been present and if they result in impairment at home, in school, at work, or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional should also look for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. He or she must also determine any physical causes of the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep problems. Additionally an extensive screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging school staff to watch their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and showing flexible and patience. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet, which can help improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, which can worsen their symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
The signs of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties in their work or relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, and the severity of it. The evaluation consists of a mental history, a physical examination, and interviews with the person and his or her parents or spouses, and others who are familiar with him or her. The doctor may ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they impact them. He or she could also use ratings scales and other tests to determine if the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. The person may inquire about medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD symptoms, like seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD the medication will be prescribed to treat symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These medications can cause adverse effects. One should only use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD need to test various types and dosages of medication before they can find one that works.
Prevention
In certain cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleep and diet as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to control triggers, and can recommend an dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid dietary supplements without scientific evidence or that could interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may be suffering from ADHD should see an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor will review medical records, conduct physical examinations and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, look at the person's behavior in different environments and apply 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, teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient in metacognitive techniques, which involve the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions about the lack of alternatives. Iam Psychiatry may prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. They should also encourage their children to interact with others, and make an effort to develop a healthy relationship with their spouse.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information on issues with learning and behavior in children however, they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. These decisions must be made by the student's parents, health provider, and teacher with assistance of the other.