How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms as well as any history of ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
A lot of people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A major event, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship, triggers awareness of the problem. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble staying still, waiting their turn and paying attention in school or in other settings, kids who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to the extent that impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for a minimum of 6 months and must be significantly higher than what is normal for the child's age or developmental level. They must also be causing significant problems at school, at work and at home as well as in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a qualified health care provider. This may include a physical examination, and a look at other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The doctor will also examine the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents may be interviewed.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Society's clinical 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 analyze the person's behavior in the past and present and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If it is possible, the therapist will also examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When looking at adults, the physician will consider whether they have a co-occurring mental health condition and ask whether the person has a family history of ADHD. Family members of those with the disorder are more likely to develop it.
If a health care provider suspects someone may have ADHD, they will perform an entire clinical examination. This involves examining the person's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues the patient has, and will use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if they have any of the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They might recommend adults to undergo a thorough assessment.
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is an extensive medical examination that includes an examination of vision and hearing. Additionally, a doctor may suggest a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA, to measure the concentration of beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of scan is a safe, noninvasive method for screening individuals for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the person's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical background that goes back to childhood. He will also discuss the person's current symptoms and 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).
For adolescents and children being screened 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 such 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. They will also determine for how long the symptoms have been present, and if they are causing difficulties at home, school, work or in other areas of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she should also check for physical causes for the individual's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. Additionally an extensive screening will also check the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging the school staff to watch their child closely, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques, such as meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can enhance the ability of many children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks that can aggravate their symptoms. They must also get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the adolescent years, and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties at work or with relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation consists of an examination of the mind and physical examination and interviews with the individual, his or parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with him or her. The doctor may ask the person to list their symptoms and how they affect them. He or she can also use rating scales and other tests to confirm if the person meets standard criteria for ADHD. He or she will also collect a note of any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication will usually be prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. These medications can cause adverse effects. One should only take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with a prescription. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications is taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD must try different types and doses of medication before they can find one that works.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. Click Webpage may include diet and sleep habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in finding ways to manage these triggers, and refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Consult your GP for more information. Beware of nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific basis or could be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see an expert in mental health such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for a diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the person's behavior and use the standard ratings scales. The therapist will assess the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms, as being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's everyday life.
Usually, a therapist will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other strategies for organization, and train the patient on metacognitive techniques that involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions about the lack of options. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can help by offering a safe family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an appropriate sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should also encourage their children to interact with others, and work to establish a healthy relationship with their partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about 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 have to make these decisions, with the assistance of the teacher.