How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. He will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A significant event, like pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship, triggers awareness of the issue. 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 a lot of trouble sitting still, waiting to be called, and paying attention at school or in other settings. These problems can significantly affect their functioning at work, at home or at school. adhd in adults undiagnosed of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should be present for at least 6 months and must be higher than what is normal for the child's age or developmental level. They must also be causing significant issues at work, school and at home as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care professional. This could include a physical exam and also examining for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider may also review the patient's 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 are also able to be interviewed.
The physician will follow 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 provider will review the person's current symptoms and previous behavior, focusing on the ways they affect their family, social and professional lives. If it is possible, he or she will review the person's behavior in their childhood 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 will ask whether the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. People who have family members who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD, they will perform an entire clinical examination. This includes reviewing the person's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. They will also inquire about any other conditions the person has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and determine the severity of the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They may recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor may also recommend an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This kind of scan can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive, secure manner.
In an interview with the person the examiner will review the individual's medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, in addition to 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).
The doctor will ask teachers and others who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she might also ask parents to fill out these forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, co-workers and other close acquaintances. They might also wish to interview someone who has been with 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. He or she will also determine for how long the symptoms have been present, and whether they cause difficulties at home, school or at work, or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she should also check for physical causes for the individual's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. A thorough examination will also examine the person's psychological, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging the school staff to monitor their child closely, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patience. They can also instruct relaxation techniques and methods for calming like yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, which can help increase their ability to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can cause more symptoms. They should also make sure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist through 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 a person has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes a mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, spouse or life partner and other people who know him or her well. The provider may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they affect them. They can also use rating scales and other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with typical criteria for ADHD. He or she will also conduct a medical history of any medical problems that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children as well as adults. These drugs can cause adverse effects. It is recommended that you use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with the prescription of a doctor. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants, causing dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try different types and doses of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include diet, sleeping habits, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to deal with these triggers, and then refer you for further assistance or a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines, limiting caffeine and sugar and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Beware of dietary supplements that do not have a scientific backing or interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may have ADHD should consult a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the patient's behavior and use the standard ratings scales. The therapist will take into consideration the severity and duration of core ADHD-related symptoms, as as whether they have a significant impact on a person's daily life.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient as well as their family members to improve parenting, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities which includes the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of having fewer choices. Psychologists can prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can aid by providing a stable, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. They should encourage their child to socialize with others and build a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information on behavior and learning issues in a child however, they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. Parents and the student's health care provider have to make these decisions, with the assistance of the teacher.