How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and any previous history of 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 problems can prompt awareness of the issue. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty staying still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in school or in other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to the extent that affects their functioning at home, in school or at work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least six months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant distress and issues at school, at home or work, and in relationships.
A qualified health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This may include a thorough physical examination and a check for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to depression or thyroid disease. The health professional will also look at the family history of the patient and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically geared toward their age, and parents can be interviewed too.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for children and adults, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will analyze the person's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If it is possible, he or she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences, too.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor will take into account whether they have a co-occurring mental health condition and ask if the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. People with family members with the disorder are more likely to have it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone has ADHD, they will perform an entire clinical examination. 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. He or she may also inquire about any other conditions they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person has any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals 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 qualified to recognize ADHD. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They may send adults to a full assessment.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, a doctor might suggest a brain scan known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA, to measure the amount of beta and theta waves within the brain. get diagnosed with adhd of scan can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive, safe way.
In an interview with the individual, the examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental history going back to childhood, as well as his 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 adolescents and children being screened for ADHD the doctor may have teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of time with the child to complete questionnaires or checklists. He or she may also ask parents complete these forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, coworkers, 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. The doctor will also determine for how long the symptoms have been present, and whether they are causing impairment at home, school, work or in other areas of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for any physical causes for the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep issues. In addition an extensive screening will also check the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging school staff to monitor the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming, such as yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a healthy diet which can help improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can worsen their symptoms. They should also ensure they sleep enough.
The signs of ADHD are present throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties at work or with relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, and the severity of it. The evaluation consists of an assessment of the mental state as well as a physical exam and interviews with the individual, his or parents or spouses, and other people who are familiar with the person. The doctor may ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they impact them. They might also employ rating scales and other tests to verify that the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. They can also inquire 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 usually prescribed to manage the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs can cause negative side effects. It is recommended that you use these drugs 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 trigger dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to test different types and doses of medication before they can find one that works.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers may help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include diet and sleep habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can assist you in finding ways to manage these triggers, and refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific basis or could interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should visit a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct physical examinations 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 their behavior and apply standard ratings scales. They will also examine the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect the life of a person.
A therapist can work with a patient and their family members to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities, 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 certain medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive care.
Parents can also assist by providing a stable and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep habits and avoid stimulants. They should encourage their child to be social and develop a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on behavior and learning problems in the student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions with the help of the teacher.