How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and background with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. A major event such as a pregnancy or relationship issues can trigger awareness of the issue. Finding a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with sitting still, waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or other settings. These issues can seriously impact their performance at home, work or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must have been present for at least six months, and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. They must be causing major problems at school, work and at home as well as in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a physical examination, and a look at other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider may also look over the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. Additionally, he will interview the person about his or her symptoms. For children the questions are typically targeted towards their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will look at the person's behavior in the past and present and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If possible, he will look at the person's past behavior as well as school experiences as well.
When evaluating get diagnosed with adhd , a provider will look into whether they have a mental health issue that is co-occurring, and whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. Family members of those who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that a patient has ADHD, he or she will conduct an exhaustive clinical evaluation, including reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a diary of their symptoms for a few weeks. He or she will also inquire about any other conditions that the person may have, and will use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if they have any of the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all qualified to identify ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an extensive medical examination which includes a thorough examination of vision and hearing. A specialist may also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This kind of scan can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive and secure way.
The examiner will review the patient's medical history including his medical and psychiatric background that goes back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's present symptoms and 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).
The doctor will request teachers and other professionals who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. He or she might also ask parents to fill out these forms. Adults will often speak 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. They will also determine how long symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in the workplace, at school, or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. The professional should also search for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition, a thorough screening will also check the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist with this by encouraging school staff to observe the child closely, providing positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, which can increase their ability to focus and concentrate. Sugary foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms. They should also make sure they get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can persist through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest in the form of problems at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state and physical examination and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents and spouses or partners and others who are familiar with him or her. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to determine that the person is in compliance with typical criteria for ADHD. get diagnosed with adhd or she will also conduct a medical history of any medical problems that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is identified as having ADHD, medication is prescribed to manage symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These medications have the potential to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under doctor's supervision and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD need to test different types and doses of medication before they can find one that works.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing exposure to triggers from the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleeping and eating habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can assist you in finding ways to deal with these triggers, and then refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Children can also be assisted by maintaining their routines, limiting caffeine and sugar, and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific basis or could interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist, to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a thorough history, conduct a physical exam and review medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the person's behavior, and utilize standard ratings scales. The therapist will take into consideration the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms, as well as whether they have an impact on a person's everyday life.
Usually, a therapist will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other strategies for organization, and train the patient in metacognitive strategies, which involve the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of options. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can assist by offering a safe family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an appropriate sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents must also encourage their child to socialize, and make an effort to build a healthy bond with their spouse.
School staff can provide valuable information on the learning and behavior of a student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. These decisions must be taken by the child's parents, health provider, and teacher with the assistance of the other.