How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship crisis is a trigger for awareness of the issue. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to receive a diagnosis.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble staying still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools or in other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to a degree that significantly affects their functioning at home, in school or at work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and be noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental stage. They should also be causing significant issues at school, at work, home and in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a certified health professional. This may include a physical examination, and also examining for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health care professional will also look over the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. In addition, he will talk to the patient about his or her symptoms. For children the questions are typically geared toward their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for children and adults as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will look at the person's behavior in the past and present and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If possible, he will look at the person's childhood behavior and school experiences as well.
When looking at adults, the physician will take into account whether or not they have an underlying mental health condition that is co-occurring and will inquire if the person has any family history of ADHD. People who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects someone may have ADHD the doctor will conduct a full clinical evaluation. This includes reviewing the patient's symptoms and requesting that they keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. They can also inquire about any other conditions they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person is in compliance with any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all qualified to diagnose ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They might send adults to a full evaluation.
A thorough medical exam that includes an evaluation of sight and hearing, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, a doctor might suggest a brain scan known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA, to measure the concentration of beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method to screen people for ADHD.
The examiner will review the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss the individual's current symptoms as well as 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 who are being assessed for ADHD The doctor will likely have teachers and other professionals who spend long periods of time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may also ask parents complete these forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close family members. 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. He or she will also determine for how long the symptoms have been present, and whether they are causing problems at school, home or at work, or in other areas of daily life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. He or she must also search for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition, a thorough screening will also examine the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging school staff to watch their child closely, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patience. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet which can help improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, as they can make their symptoms worse. They should also sleep enough.
Symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest as problems at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD, and the severity of it. This evaluation includes a mental history as well as a physical exam and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, spouses or partners, and other people familiar with him or her. get diagnosed with adhd might request a list of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. He or she can also utilize rating scales or other tests to determine if the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. The person may inquire about medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, for example seizures and thyroid disorders.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD A medication will usually be prescribed to control the symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. These drugs are likely to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications is taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD need to try a variety of types and dosages of medication before finding the one that is right for them.
Prevention
In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleep and diet as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in finding ways to manage triggers and recommend a dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid dietary supplements without scientific backing or that may interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should see an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a thorough history, do an examination of the body and look over medical records to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, examine the person's behavior in different environments and apply standard rating scales. The therapist will take into consideration the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms as well in determining whether they have an impact on a person's everyday life.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the patient and family to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other organizational strategies and educate the patient in metacognitive strategies that focus on identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of alternatives. Psychologists can prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can help by providing a stable family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to interact with others and build a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
The staff at the school may provide valuable information on behavior and learning issues in the child however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. The student's parents and health care provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.