How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship can trigger awareness of the problem. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to receive a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or other situations. These issues can greatly affect their functioning at home, work or at school. see this site of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity have to be present for at minimum six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental level. They should also be causing significant problems at work, school or at home, as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a certified health professional. This could include a physical examination, and a look at other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also examine the person's family history and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents can be interviewed.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults that are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will examine the patient's past and current behavior and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If possible, he she will review the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will determine if they suffer from a mental health issue that is co-occurring, and the presence of ADHD in the family. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to develop it.
If a healthcare professional 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 asking them to keep a diary of their symptoms for several weeks. They will also inquire about any other issues the person has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to see whether they meet the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all able to identify ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They might send adults to a full assessment.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an extensive medical examination which includes a thorough evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist might also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive and safe way.
The examiner will review the patient's medical history including his psychiatric and medical history dating to his childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's current symptoms and coping mechanisms. 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 request teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. He or she may also ask parents to complete such forms. For adults, they will often talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as co-workers and may 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. They will also determine the length of time that symptoms have been present and if they result in problems at home, at school, at work or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional should also look for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional must also determine any physical causes for the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. In addition the thorough examination will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging the school staff to monitor the child closely, providing positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach relaxation and calming methods, such as meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet which will increase their ability to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or with relationships. A healthcare professional will perform an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. 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 a life partner, and others who know the person well. The provider may ask the person to list their symptoms and how they impact them. The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to determine whether the person meets the typical criteria for ADHD. He or she will also collect a history of any medical issues that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If a person is identified as having ADHD the medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children and adults. These drugs can cause side effects. One should only use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD have to try different dosages and types of medication before they can find one that works.
The following is a list with preventions.
In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleeping and eating habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can guide you in finding ways to control triggers, and can recommend an dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid supplements for your diet that do not have a scientific basis or could interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should consult an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, conduct an examination of the body and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the patient's behavior in various situations and employ standard rating scales. He or she will also examine the duration and presence of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect a person's life.
Most often, therapists will collaborate with the family and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other strategies for organization, and train the patient in metacognitive strategies that focus on identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions about the lack of options. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also help by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should also encourage their children to socialize, and work to establish a healthy relationship with their partner.
The staff at the school can offer valuable information regarding issues with learning and behavior in a child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. These decisions must be taken by the child's parents, health provider and teacher with the assistance of the other.