How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and any history of ADHD. The doctor will also examine 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. Finding a diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children struggle with staying still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, kids who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues in a way that affects their functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should be present for a minimum of 6 months and must be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or development level. They must be causing major problems at school, at work and at home as well as in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified health professional. This may include a thorough physical examination and a review of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to thyroid disease or depression. The health professional may also review the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually specific to their age and parents can be interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply 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 provider will examine the patient's behavior in the past and present and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If it is possible, he or she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences too.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will consider whether they have a mental health condition that is co-occurring, as well as if there is a history of ADHD in the family. People with family members with the disorder are more prone to develop it.
If a health professional suspects someone is suffering from ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will give the person an exhaustive clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily diary of their symptoms for several weeks. He or she will also inquire about any other issues that the person may have and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can perform screening and determine the severity of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all able to identify ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They can recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of sight and hearing is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, a doctor may suggest a brain scan known as an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to determine the concentration of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a non-invasive, safe method to screen people for ADHD.
The examiner will review the patient's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical history that dates to his 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 adolescents and children being screened for ADHD the doctor will likely have teachers and other professionals who spend much time with the child to fill in checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may also ask parents complete these forms. For adults, they will often speak to spouses and close friends as well as co-workers, and may want to interview someone from the family who knows the person from 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 the symptoms have been present and whether they cause impairment at home, school, work or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They should also search for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. diagnosing adhd in adults will also look at the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid with this by encouraging school staff to monitor the child's progress, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming like yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet which can help improve their ability to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can worsen symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
The signs of ADHD are present throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest as difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will perform an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. This evaluation includes a mental history as well as a physical exam and interviews with the individual as well as his or her parents or spouses, and other people who are familiar with the person. The healthcare provider might request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to determine if the person meets typical criteria for ADHD. He or she will also take a history of any medical problems which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication will usually be prescribed to control the symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. These medications can trigger adverse effects. It is recommended that you take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with prescription. Tell your doctor about the medications you take. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD must try different dosages and types of medication before they can find one that works.
Prevention
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers in the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers may include sleeping and eating habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can guide you in finding ways to control triggers, and can refer you to a dietitian for nutritional advice or additional support.
Children can also be assisted by following the same routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no scientific evidence or that could interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they be suffering from ADHD should seek out an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist for a diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, conduct a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the patient's behavior in various settings and use standardized rating scales. The therapist will assess the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms, as being aware of whether they have a significant impact on the person's daily life.
A therapist can collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities which includes identifying and changing "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of having fewer choices. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can help by offering a safe, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, promoting an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents must also encourage their child to be social and make an effort to build a healthy bond with their partner.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information about issues with learning and behavior in children however, they aren't qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.