How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any history of ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A major event such as a pregnancy or relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to receive a diagnosis.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn, and paying attention at school or in other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues in a way that impairs functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms 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 level. They should also be causing significant issues at school, at work, home and in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care provider. This may include a thorough physical examination and a review of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to thyroid disease or depression. The health professional will also look at the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, he will interview the person about his or her symptoms. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents may be interviewed.
The physician will follow the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults that are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). He or she will examine the person's present symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they impact their social, family and professional lives. If possible, he will look at the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences too.
When evaluating adults, the provider will take into account whether they suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue and will inquire whether the patient has any family history of ADHD. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to have it themselves.
If a doctor suspects someone has ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This will include analyzing the patient's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. The doctor will also ask about any other issues the patient has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine if they have any of the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can conduct screenings and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They can send adults to a full evaluation.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is a thorough medical exam which includes a thorough evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist may also suggest an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive, secure way.
The doctor will go over the person's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history that dates to his childhood. The examiner will also review the individual's current symptoms as well as 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 complete questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may also request parents to fill out such forms. For adults, he or she will usually talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as colleagues and might also interview relatives who know the person from their 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. The doctor will determine the length of time that symptoms have been present and whether they cause problems at home, at the workplace, at school, or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They should also look for physical causes like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. A thorough screening will also take a look at the person's psychological, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging the school staff to watch their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patience. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques, such as meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can boost the ability of many children suffering from ADHD to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods high in sugar can worsen symptoms. They should also ensure they get enough rest.
Symptoms of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest as difficulties at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine whether a person has ADHD and how severe it is. This usually involves an examination of the mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the individual and their parents, a spouse or life partner and other family members who know him or her well. The doctor may ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standard criteria for ADHD. The person may inquire about medical conditions that can be a cause of ADHD symptoms, for example seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children and adults. These drugs can cause side effects. One should only take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with prescription. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to test different dosages and types of medications before they discover one that works.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some cases, reducing exposure to triggers from the environment can aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers may include diet and sleep habits, family structure and medication. A GP can assist you in finding ways to manage these triggers and can refer you for further assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no scientific evidence or that could interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should seek out an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will take a thorough history, do physical examination and review medical records to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, examine the patient's behavior in various situations and employ the standard rating scales. He or she will also examine the presence and duration of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect a person's life.
A therapist can work with a patient and their family members to improve parenting, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills which includes identifying and changing "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of a lack of options. Psychologists can prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can help by providing a stable family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to interact with others and establish a healthy bond with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on the learning and behavior of the student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. diagnose adhd and health care provider have to make these decisions with the support of the teacher.