How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms as well as any history of ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A significant event, like pregnancy or a relationship crisis, 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 waiting for a call and focusing at school or other settings. These issues can greatly impact their performance at home, work, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must have been present for at minimum six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. They must also be causing significant issues at school, at work, home and in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a certified health care provider. This may include a thorough physical exam and a check for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider may also look over the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically specific to their age and parents can be interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's present symptoms and past behavior, and look at how they interfere with their family, social and professional lives. If it is possible the therapist may also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When looking at adults, the physician will be able to determine whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition and ask if the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects someone has ADHD, they will perform an entire clinical examination. This will include analyzing the person's current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily log of their symptoms over the course of a few weeks. He or she may also ask the person about any other conditions they may have, and then 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 are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all certified to recognize ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might suggest a brain scan known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA, to measure the amount of theta and beta waves in the brain. getting a adhd diagnosis of scanning can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive and safe manner.
In an interview with the person, the examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric background dating back to childhood, in addition to his present symptoms and coping strategies. 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 may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. He or she may also ask parents to fill out these forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, co-workers and other close acquaintances. They may also want to interview someone who has been with 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. The doctor will also determine the length of time the symptoms have been present, and if they are causing impairment at home, school and at work, or in other areas of daily life.
The mental health professional must also be able to detect other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. Additionally an extensive screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can help with this by encouraging school staff to observe the child's progress, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming like yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can enhance the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can make their symptoms worse. They should also ensure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest as trouble at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD and the severity of it. This evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state and physical examination and interviews with the individual as well as his or her parents and spouses or partners and other people familiar with him or her. The healthcare provider might ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they impact them. The doctor might also employ rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a medical note of any medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is usually prescribed to control the symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These medications can trigger negative side effects. It is recommended that you use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with the prescription of a doctor. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD must try several different types and dosages of medication before they find one that works for them.
Prevention
In certain cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can be related to the way you eat, your routines for sleeping and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers, and refer you for additional support or a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Children can also be helped by keeping their routines the same by limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid supplements for your diet that do not have a scientific backing or interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should see a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough medical history, perform an examination of the body and review medical records to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the person's behavior, and utilize standardized ratings scales. He or she will consider the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms, as well being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's daily life.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient in metacognitive techniques that focus on the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions about the lack of options. Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep habits and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and develop a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the behavior and learning issues of the student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.