How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and background with ADHD. He will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A major event such as pregnancy or a relationship issues can trigger awareness of the issue. Recognizing the issue is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty being still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to a degree that significantly affects their functioning at home, school or work. 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 developmental stage. They should also be causing significant problems at work, school and at home as well as in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a qualified health care provider. This could include a physical examination, and checking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider may also look over the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. In addition, he will ask the patient questions about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually targeted towards their age, and parents can be interviewed too.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). He or she will analyze the person's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If possible the therapist will review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor 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 with ADHD are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone has ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct an entire clinical examination. This involves examining the person's current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. He or she may also inquire about any other issues they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person is in compliance with any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can perform screening and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all certified to diagnose ADHD. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may suggest an examination of the brain, called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to determine the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a non-invasive, safe method to screen people for ADHD.
In an interview with the person the examiner will review the patient's medical and mental history going back to childhood, as well as his current 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).
For adolescents and children who are being assessed for ADHD The doctor may have teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she might also ask parents to fill out the forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close acquaintances. They might also wish 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 how long the symptoms have been present and if they are causing difficulties at home, school and at work, or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional should also check for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she should also look for any physical causes for the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep issues. Additionally the thorough examination will also look at the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging school staff to monitor the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation and calming methods such as yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve the ability of a lot of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. They should also make sure they sleep enough.
The signs of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or with relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if someone is suffering from 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 and their parents, a spouse or a life partner, and others who know him or her 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 determine whether the person meets the typical criteria for ADHD. They will also conduct a medical note of any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to treat symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medicines used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These medications have the potential to cause adverse negative effects, therefore one should only take them under medical supervision and with a prescription. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages before settling on one that is suitable for him or her.
adhd diagnosed
In certain cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can be related to diet, sleep habits family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can assist you on how to manage triggers and refer you to a dietitian to get nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be assisted by following the same routines, limiting caffeine and sugar and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid taking supplements that do not have research-based backing or that might interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may be suffering from ADHD should seek out a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough history, conduct an examination of the body and review medical records to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the person's behavior in different situations and employ standard rating scales. He or she will consider the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms, as as whether they have a significant impact on the person's daily life.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the family and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other strategies for organization and educate the patient in metacognitive techniques that involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of choices. Psychologists can also prescribe medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a secure family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an excellent sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to be social and build a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about issues with learning and behavior in the child however, they aren't competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.