How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and any previous history of ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. An event that is significant, such as the birth of a child or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the problem. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to receive an assessment.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with sitting still, waiting to be called and focusing at school or in other settings. These problems can significantly impact their performance at work, home, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and must be higher than what is normal for the child's age and development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant distress and issues at school, at home or at work, as well as in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a qualified health care professional. This may include a physical exam, and a look at other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid or depression. The health care provider may also look over the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are generally targeted towards their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will analyze the person's past and current behavior and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If it is possible the therapist may also review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a provider will determine if they suffer from a mental health condition that is co-occurring, as well as the presence of ADHD in the family. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This includes reviewing the patient's symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other medical conditions that the person may have, and will use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all certified to identify ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist might suggest an examination of the brain, known as an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to measure the relative concentration of the theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method of screening people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the person's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric background that goes to his childhood. He will also discuss the person's present 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).
For teens and children being evaluated for ADHD, the doctor will likely have teachers and other professionals who spend much time with the child to fill in checklists or questionnaires. They may ask parents to fill out these forms. For adults, he or she will often speak to spouses and close friends, as well as colleagues and might also interview someone from the family who knows the person from their 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 determine the length of time that symptoms have been present and if they result in problems at home, at the workplace, at school, or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional must also screen for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They should also look for physical causes for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also examine the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging school staff to observe their child closely, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques, such as yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular exercise and a balanced diet, which will improve their ability to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also make sure they sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can last through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties at work or with relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if a person has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an examination of the mind, a physical examination, and interviews with the individual and his or her parents or spouses, and others who are familiar with him or her. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. He or she might also employ ratings scales and other tests to verify that the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. The person may also inquire about any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD symptoms, for example seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD A medication will usually be prescribed to control the symptoms. diagnose adhd are the most common medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These medications have the potential to cause side effects, so a person should only take them under a medical supervision and with a prescription. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications he or is taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD must try several different types and dosages before they find one that is suitable for him or her.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing the exposure to triggers from the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleep and diet as well as family structure and medications. A GP can help you in finding ways to manage triggers and suggest a dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Beware of nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific backing or interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, conduct a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the patient's behavior, and utilize standard ratings scales. The therapist will also look at the presence and duration of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect a person's life.
diagnosis of adhd can collaborate with a patient and their family to improve parenting, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills that include the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of having fewer choices. Psychologists can also prescribe medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and refraining from stimulants. Parents should also encourage their children to socialize, and try to develop a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about behavior and learning issues in children however, they aren't competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. These decisions are taken by the child's parents, health care provider, and teacher with the assistance of the other.