How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms as well as your background with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship crisis, triggers awareness of the issue. Finding a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty being seated, waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or in other environments. These issues can seriously impact their performance at home, work or at school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention 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 must be causing major problems at school, at work or at home, as well as in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This may include a thorough physical exam and a look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The health care professional will also look over the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. In addition, he will ask the patient questions about the symptoms they are experiencing. For children the questions are generally specific to their age and parents can be interviewed as well.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will analyze the person's behavior in the past and present and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If it is possible the therapist will review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor will determine if they suffer from mental health issues that is co-occurring, and if there is a history of ADHD in the family. Family members of those who have the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If the health care provider suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will provide the patient with an exhaustive clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a diary of their symptoms for some weeks. They will also ask about any other medical conditions the patient has, and will use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if they have any of the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can perform screening and determine the severity of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all certified to identify ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an extensive medical examination that includes an examination of vision and hearing. A specialist may also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual the examiner will review the person's medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, in addition to his present symptoms and coping strategies. 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 adolescents and children who are being assessed 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. The doctor may also ask parents to fill out the forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close friends. 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. They will also determine the length of time that symptoms have been present and whether they cause impairment at home, in the workplace, at school or in any other part of life.
click for source should also screen for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. They should also search for physical causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging school staff to observe their child closely, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming like yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can boost the ability of a lot of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, which can worsen their symptoms. They should also make sure they sleep enough.
The signs of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties at work or with relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. The evaluation includes an examination of the mind and physical examination and interviews with the individual and his or her parents or spouses, and other people familiar with him or her. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. They might also employ rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. He or she may inquire about medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD symptoms, for example thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If a person is identified as having ADHD medications is prescribed to manage symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. These medications can cause adverse effects. It is recommended that you 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 and cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to try various types and dosages of medication before they find one that works.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In some cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. This could include diet, sleep habits family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can assist you on how to manage triggers and recommend a dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid dietary supplements without research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they be suffering from ADHD should see an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis. The doctor will go through 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 talk to the patient, look at the person's behavior in different environments and apply standardized rating scales. They will also look at the presence and duration of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect the person's life.
A therapist can collaborate with a patient and their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive skills which includes identifying and changing "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of limited choices. Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can aid by providing a secure and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and establish a healthy bond with their child's partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information on issues with learning and behavior in children, but they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. The student's parents and healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the assistance of the teacher.