How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and any history of ADHD. He will also review your family history.
diagnosed with adhd are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a breakup is a trigger for awareness of the problem. Finding a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty sitting still, waiting to be called, and paying attention at school or in other settings. These issues can greatly affect their functioning at home, work, or school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age and development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant suffering and issues at school, home, work, and in relationships.
A certified health professional will conduct a clinical assessment to diagnose ADHD. This could include a physical exam and a look at other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health professional will also examine 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. For children, the questions are usually geared toward their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for children and adults as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will look at the person's current symptoms and past behavior, looking at the ways they affect their social, family and professional life. If it is possible, he or she will review the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences as well.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor will look into whether they have a mental health condition that is co-occurring, as well as the presence of ADHD in the family. People with family members with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If the health care provider suspects someone is suffering from ADHD, he or she will provide the patient with a complete clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for several weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other medical conditions that the person may have and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to see if they have any of the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all certified to recognize ADHD. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They may send adults to a full assessment.
The first step in identifying ADHD is a thorough medical exam, including evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist may also suggest an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This kind of scan can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive, safe manner.
In an interview with the individual, the examiner reviews the person's medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, as well as the present 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).
For teens and children being evaluated for ADHD, the doctor may request teachers and other individuals who spend long periods of time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may ask parents to fill in the forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close family members. 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. He or she will determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they are causing problems at home, at the workplace, at school, or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional must also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. The professional must also determine any physical causes of the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. In addition an extensive screening will also look at the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging school staff to observe the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can improve the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can worsen symptoms. They should also make sure they get enough sleep.
The signs of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest in the form of trouble at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation consists of an assessment of the mental state, a physical examination, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents and spouses or partners and other people familiar with the person. The provider may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they impact them. He or she might also employ rating scales or other tests to determine if the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. They can also ask about any medical conditions that can be a cause of ADHD symptoms, like seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is typically prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medicines used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They are able to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a medical supervision and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor any medications you are taking. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD must try various types and dosages of medication before they find one that works.
The following is a list with preventions.
In some cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers may help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include diet and sleep habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can help you find ways to deal with these triggers and can refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian who can recommend nutritional changes.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid dietary supplements without research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may have ADHD should seek out a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist to get a diagnosis. adhd diagnose will review medical records, conduct an examination of the body and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, observe the patient's behavior in various environments and apply standard rating scales. He or she will also consider the duration and presence of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they cause significant impairment in the person's life.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They may also train the patient in metacognitive skills, which involves the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of having fewer options. Psychologists can also prescribe medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can help by offering a safe family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and develop a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the learning and behavior of a student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health provider and teacher with the assistance of the other.