How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and background with ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. A significant event like the birth of a child or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to get a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble sitting still, waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or other environments. These issues can seriously affect their functioning at home, work or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months and be noticeably greater than expected for their age or development level. Additionally, they must be causing significant suffering and issues at home, school or work, and also in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health professional. This may include a physical examination, and also examining for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or thyroid disease. The health care professional will also look over the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents can be interviewed.
The physician will follow the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will review the person's current symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they impact their family, social and professional life. If it is possible, he or will examine the person's past behavior as well as school experiences as well.
When looking at adults, the physician will take into account whether or not they have a co-occurring mental health condition, and will ask if the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. Family members of those who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a health professional suspects that a patient has ADHD, he or she will give the person an extensive clinical assessment, including reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms for several weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues the person has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to see whether they meet the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough assessment.
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 type of scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
The examiner will review the person's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric background that goes to his childhood. The examiner will also review the individual's current symptoms as well as 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 evaluated for ADHD, the doctor will likely ask teachers and other people who spend a lot of time with the child to complete checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may ask parents to fill out such forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, co-workers and other close acquaintances. They might also wish 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 the length of time the symptoms have been present for, and whether they are causing problems at school, home or at work, or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also be able to detect other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They should also search for physical causes, for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition, a thorough screening will also examine the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging the school staff to watch their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patience. They can also instruct relaxation techniques and methods for calming such as yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can improve the ability of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, as they can make their symptoms worse. They should also make sure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescence, and even into adulthood. In adults, they may manifest in the form of problems at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, and the severity of it. This evaluation includes an examination of the mind and physical examination and interviews with the individual, his or parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with the person. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to confirm whether the person meets the typical criteria for ADHD. He or she will also take a history of any medical issues that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like seizures and thyroid disorders.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD A medication will usually be prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These medications have the potential to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. Discuss with your doctor the medications you take. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to try various types and dosages of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In certain cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. This could include diet, sleeping habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to control these triggers, and refer you for additional support or a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Consult your GP for more information. Beware of dietary supplements that do not have a scientific backing or be incompatible with certain medications.
click this link who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should see a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a thorough history, conduct an examination of the body and look over medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe their behavior and apply the standard ratings scales. They will also examine the presence and duration of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect the person's life.
Therapists may work with a patient and their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They may also train the patient in metacognitive abilities which includes the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. They should also encourage their children to be social and work to establish a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on behavior and learning problems in a student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. The student's parents and health care provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.