How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your background with ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like pregnancy or a relationship issues can trigger awareness of the issue. Recognizing the issue is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to a degree that significantly hinders their performance at home, in school or at work. The signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and be noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental level. They must also be causing significant problems at school, at work and at home as well as in relationships.
A certified health professional will conduct a clinical assessment to diagnose ADHD. This may include a thorough physical exam and a look for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider may also review the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually geared toward their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The physician will follow the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults that are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 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, he or will examine the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, a provider will consider whether they have a mental health condition that co-occurs, and if there is a history of ADHD in the family. People who have family members who have the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will conduct a full clinical evaluation. This will include analyzing the patient's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. They can also ask the person about any other issues they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual has any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can perform screening and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They may recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. A doctor may also recommend an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive, secure method.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the person's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, and also his 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 lot of time with children to complete questionnaires or checklists. They may also ask parents to fill in such forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, coworkers, and other close family members. They might 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. He or she will determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they cause impairment at home, in school, at work, or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They must also determine any physical causes for the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition, a thorough screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging the school staff to monitor the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. adult diagnosis of adhd can also help teach methods of relaxation and calming such as yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can boost the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can cause more symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. For adhd diagnosis in adults , they can manifest in the form of problems at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes an examination of the mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and other people who know the person well. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect him or her. They may also use ratings scales and other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. They will also take a note of any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is typically prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. These medications can trigger side effects. One should only take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with prescription. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Certain medications can interact with stimulants, causing dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages before settling on the one that is right for them.
The following is a list with preventions.
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers in the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. This could include the way you eat, your routines for sleeping, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can assist you in finding ways to control these triggers and can refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian who can suggest changes to your diet.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Beware of nutritional supplements that don't have scientific backing or may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should consult a mental health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to establish 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 causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, examine the person's behavior in different situations and employ the standard rating scales. They will also examine the severity and frequency of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they cause significant impairment in a person's life.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient as well as their family members to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities that include identifying and changing "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists are able to prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep habits and refraining from stimulants. They should also encourage their child to be social and work to establish a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the learning and behavior of the student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. These decisions must be made by the student's parents, health provider, and teacher with cooperation of all three.