How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms as well as any history of ADHD. He will also examine your family history.
A lot of people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. A major event such as a pregnancy or relationship issues can trigger awareness of the problem. Finding a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with sitting still, waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or other settings. These problems can significantly impact their performance at home, work, or school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months, and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant suffering and problems at school, home, work, and also in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a certified health care professional. This may include a thorough physical exam and a look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also look at the family history of the patient and review medical, psychiatric, and academic records. In addition, the doctor will talk to the patient about his or her symptoms. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents can be interviewed.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will look at the person's behavior in the past and present and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If possible, he will look at the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences too.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor will take into account whether or not they have a co-occurring mental health issue, and will ask whether the patient has a family history of ADHD. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a health professional suspects that a patient has ADHD the doctor will give the person an extensive clinical assessment that includes a review of their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily diary of their symptoms for several weeks. The doctor may also ask the person about any other issues they suffer from, and refer them to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient has any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Some family doctors also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and might refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
diagnosed with adhd which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive and secure manner.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his psychiatric and medical history that dates to his childhood. He will also discuss the individual's current symptoms as well as ways of 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).
The doctor will ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to complete questionnaires or checklists. They may also ask parents complete these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close acquaintances. They might also want 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. They will also determine the length of time that symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in school, at work or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. 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. Families can help by encouraging the school staff to monitor their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can improve the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, as they can aggravate their symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty in their work or relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone 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 person as well as his or her parents, a spouse or partner and others who know him or her well. The provider may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they affect them. He or she could also use rating scales and other tests to verify that the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she will also take a note of any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to manage the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medications used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These medications can cause adverse effects. A person should only use these drugs under the supervision of a physician and with prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD have to try different dosages and types of medication before they can find one that works.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing exposure to triggers in the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include eating habits, sleep habits family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to control these triggers, and refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian who can suggest changes in your diet.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid dietary supplements without scientific evidence or that could interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should visit a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct physical examinations and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the patient's behavior in various settings and use the standard rating scales. The therapist will assess the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms, as well as whether they have an impact on a person's daily life.
Usually, 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, which involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that lead to negative moods and perceptions about the lack of choices. Psychologists are able to prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep habits and refraining from stimulants. They should also encourage their children to socialize, and work to build a healthy bond with their partner.
The staff at the school may provide valuable information about issues with learning and behavior in the child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. Parents and the student's healthcare provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.