How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your history with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A significant event, like pregnancy or a breakup, triggers awareness of the issue. Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with sitting still, waiting to be called and paying attention in school or other situations. These issues can seriously impact their performance at work, at home, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months and be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age or development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant suffering and problems at school, home, at work, as well as in relationships.
A qualified health care professional will conduct a clinical assessment to diagnose ADHD. This could include a physical exam and a look at other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health care professional will also examine the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. In addition, he will talk to the patient about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents can be interviewed.
The provider will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will examine the patient's behavior in the past and present and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If it is possible, the therapist will also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor will consider whether they have mental health issues that is co-occurring, and if there is a history of ADHD in the family. People who have family members with ADHD are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will conduct a full clinical evaluation. This includes reviewing the patient's symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms over the course of several weeks. He or she will also ask about any other medical conditions that the person may have, and will use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can perform screening and make a diagnosis of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all certified to recognize ADHD. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They can recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical examination that includes an evaluation of sight and hearing, is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may suggest an examination of the brain, called 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.
In an interview with the person, the examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental history dating back to childhood, in addition to 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).
The doctor will request teachers and other professionals who spend a great deal of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. He or she might also ask parents to fill in such forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, coworkers, and other close friends. They might also wish to interview someone who has known the person since childhood.
During iampsychiatry.com , the mental health professional looks for signs that indicate whether the person is experiencing predominantly inattentive or primarily hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. The doctor will also determine for how long the symptoms have been present for, and whether they cause problems at school, home, work or in other areas of life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. They must also determine any physical causes for the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep issues. Additionally the thorough examination will also check the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging school staff to watch their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques, such as yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can boost the ability of a lot of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms. They should also ensure they get enough rest.
The symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if someone has ADHD and the extent of it. This evaluation usually includes an examination of the mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the individual as well as his or her parents, spouse or a life partner, and other people who know him or her well. The doctor may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they impact them. They can also use rating scales or other tests to determine if the person meets standard criteria for ADHD. The person may inquire about medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD the medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medicines used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These drugs are likely to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor the medications you take. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants, causing dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to try different types and doses of medications before they discover one that works.
The following is a list of preventions.
In certain cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers may aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers may include sleep and diet as well as family structure and medications. A GP can guide you in finding ways to manage triggers and refer you to a dietitian to get nutritional advice or additional support.
Children can also be assisted by following the same routines, limiting caffeine and sugar and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid dietary supplements without scientific backing or that may be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should see a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, for diagnosis. The doctor will take a detailed history, do a physical exam and look over medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the person's behavior, and utilize standardized ratings scales. The therapist will also look at the duration and presence of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they result in significant impairments in a person's life.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other organizational strategies and educate the patient in metacognitive techniques that focus on identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of choices. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also help by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents must also encourage their child to socialize, and work to establish a healthy relationship with their partner.
Staff at the school can offer valuable information regarding behavior and learning issues in children however, they aren't competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. These decisions must be taken by the child's parents, health care provider and teacher with the cooperation of all three.