How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. A significant event like the birth of a child or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to receive an assessment.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty being still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools or in other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to the extent that impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. The signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity must have been present for at least six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental level. They should be causing major problems at school, work and at home as well as in relationships.
A qualified health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This may include a physical exam and checking for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or thyroid disease. The health professional may also look over the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For adhd in adults diagnosis , the questions are usually geared toward their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's current symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they interfere with their family, social and professional life. If possible the therapist may also examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When looking at adults, the physician will consider whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue, and will ask whether the patient has any family history of ADHD. People with family members who have the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If the health care provider suspects that a patient has ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will conduct an exhaustive clinical evaluation, including reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for several weeks. The doctor may also ask the person about any other issues they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual has any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all able to identify ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical exam that includes an evaluation of sight and hearing is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may recommend a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA, to measure the concentration of beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a safe, noninvasive method of screening people for ADHD.
The examiner will review the person's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history that dates to his childhood. The examiner will also review the person's 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).
The doctor may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a lot of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she may also ask parents to complete these forms. For adults, he or she will usually speak to spouses and close friends, as well as colleagues and might also interview relatives who know the person from 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 also determine for how long the symptoms have been present and whether they cause impairment at home, school, work or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional should also check for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she should also look for any physical causes for the individual's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep disorders. Additionally an extensive screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist with this by encouraging school staff to observe the child closely, providing positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming, such as meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can enhance the ability of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks that can make their symptoms worse. They should also ensure they sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can last through adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or with relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. This usually involves a mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, spouse or life partner and other people who know the person well. The healthcare provider might request a list of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. They might also employ ratings scales and other tests to determine if the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. He or she may also inquire about any medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, such as seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD the medication will be prescribed to treat symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These medications have the potential to cause adverse effects, so a person should only take them under a medical supervision and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications are taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of kinds and dosages of medications before settling on one that is suitable for them.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers may aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include diet and sleep habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can help you on how to control triggers and recommend an dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Try to avoid supplements for your diet that do not have a scientific backing or interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they be suffering from ADHD should seek out a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor will look over medical records, perform a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the patient's behavior, and utilize the standard ratings scales. They will also consider the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they cause significant impairment in the life of a person.
A therapist may collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills which includes the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of limited alternatives. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive care.
Parents can help by providing a secure and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an excellent sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should also encourage their children to socialize, and try to build a healthy bond with their partner.
The staff at the school may offer valuable information regarding issues with learning and behavior in children however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. Parents and the student's health care provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.