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 breakup, triggers awareness of the issue. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to receive an assessment.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble being seated, waiting to be called and paying attention in school or in other situations. These issues can seriously affect their functioning at work, home or at school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should be present for at least six months and must be higher than what is normal for the child's age or developmental level. Additionally, they should be causing significant distress and issues at school, home, work, and in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a certified health professional. This may include a physical exam, and checking for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health professional may also examine the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents can be interviewed.
The doctor will apply 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 doctor will examine the patient's behavior in the past and present and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If it is possible, he or will examine the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences as well.
When evaluating adults, a provider will look into whether they have a mental health issue that is co-occurring, and the presence of ADHD in the family. People with family members with the disorder are more likely to have it themselves.
If the health care provider suspects that someone has ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will give the person a complete clinical evaluation, including reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a diary of their symptoms for a few weeks. They will also inquire about any other conditions the person has and will consult the DSM-5 symptom guide to see if they have any of 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. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Some family doctors also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step in identifying ADHD is an extensive medical examination which includes a thorough examination of vision and hearing. A specialist might also suggest an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his psychiatric and medical history dating to his childhood. He 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).
For adolescents and children being screened for ADHD, the doctor may request teachers and other individuals who spend long periods of time with the child to fill in questionnaires or checklists. The doctor might also ask parents to complete such forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, coworkers, and other close friends. 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. The doctor will determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they are causing problems at home, at school, at work, or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. diagnose adhd or she should also look for any physical causes for the individual's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep problems. Additionally 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 aid them by encouraging the school staff to monitor the child's progress, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques, such as yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet, which can improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, as they can make their symptoms worse. They must also get enough rest.
The symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. For diagnosing adhd , they can manifest as trouble 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 usually includes an examination of the mental health history along with a physical exam, and interviews with the person and their parents, a spouse or a life partner, and other people who know the person well. The healthcare provider might request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm whether the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also collect a history of any medical issues 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 the medication is prescribed to manage symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. These drugs can cause negative side effects. It is recommended that you use these drugs under the supervision of a physician and with the prescription of a doctor. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to test various types and dosages of medication before they find one that works.
Prevention
In some instances, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include diet, routines for sleeping and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to deal with these triggers, and refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Children can also be helped by keeping their routines the same, limiting caffeine and sugar, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should consult a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough history, do a physical exam and look over medical records to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply standard ratings scales. He or she will also look at the duration and presence of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they cause significant impairment in the life of a person.
Often, a therapist will work with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other strategies for organization and instruct the patient on metacognitive techniques that involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that lead to negative moods and perceptions of a lack of alternatives. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to interact with others and build a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on the learning and behavior of students however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions with the support of the teacher.