How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your background with 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 relationship issues can trigger awareness of the problem. Recognizing the issue is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty waiting for a call and focusing at school or other environments. These issues can seriously affect their functioning at work, at home, or school. The symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months, and be more prominent than is normal for their age or developmental level. Additionally, they should be causing significant suffering and issues at school, at home or work, and in relationships.
A qualified health care professional will conduct a clinical assessment to diagnose ADHD. This may include a physical exam, and also examining for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider will also look at the person's family history as well as review medical, psychiatric, and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are generally specific to their age and parents may be interviewed too.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's present symptoms and past behavior, looking at the ways they affect their family, social, and professional lives. If possible the therapist may also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor will consider whether they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition and ask if the person has any family history of ADHD. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that a patient has ADHD, he or she will give the person a complete clinical evaluation, including reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a diary of their symptoms for some weeks. They can also ask the person about any other issues they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or have an interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and make a diagnosis of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
A thorough medical examination that includes an evaluation of sight and hearing, is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, a doctor might suggest an examination of the brain, known as an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to determine the amount of beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scanning can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive, safe method.
In an interview with the person, the examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, as well as his current 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 teens and children who are being assessed for ADHD the doctor will likely have teachers and other professionals who spend long periods of time with the child to fill in checklists or questionnaires. They may ask parents to fill in such forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close friends. They may 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 the symptoms have been present and if they are causing problems at school, home and at work, or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional must also screen for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They should also look for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also examine the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging the school staff to watch their child closely, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also instruct relaxation techniques and methods for calming, such as yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD can benefit from regular exercise and a balanced diet, which will enhance their ability to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or with relationships. A doctor will perform an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state and physical examination and interviews with the person, his or parents or spouses, and other people who are familiar with the person. The healthcare provider might request a list of the person's symptoms and how they affect him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also collect a history of any medical issues that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD A medication will usually be prescribed to control the symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children as well as 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 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 suffering from ADHD need to test different types and doses of medication before they find one that works.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include the way you eat, your sleep habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can assist you in finding ways to control these triggers, and then refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Children can also be assisted by keeping their routines the same as well as limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid dietary supplements without scientific evidence or that could interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should visit an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, conduct physical examinations and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply the standard ratings scales. They will also examine the presence and duration of the 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 techniques for organizing. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive skills, which involves identifying and changing "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can aid by offering a safe and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting a good sleep hygiene, and avoiding stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to be social and build a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on the behavior and learning issues of the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. The student's parents and health care provider must make these decisions with the support of the teacher.