How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms as well as any history of ADHD. He will also review your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A major event, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship can trigger awareness of the issue. Recognizing the issue is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble staying still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, those who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues in a way that affects their functioning at home, in school or at work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental stage. Additionally, they should be causing significant distress and problems at school, at home or work, and also in relationships.
getting a adhd diagnosis trained health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This may include a thorough physical exam and a review of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also review the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually geared toward their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The provider will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will look at the person's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If it is possible the therapist may also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, the provider will take into account whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition and will inquire whether the person has any family history of ADHD. People who have family members who have the disorder are more likely to develop it.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone has ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct a full clinical evaluation. This involves examining the person's current symptoms and asking them to keep a journal every day of their symptoms over the course of a few weeks. He or she may also inquire about any other issues they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have an interest in ADHD can perform screening and diagnose the disorder. undiagnosed adhd in adults includes clinical psychologists nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They can recommend adults to undergo a thorough assessment.
A thorough medical exam which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might 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 scanning can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive and safe manner.
In an interview with the individual, the examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental history going back to childhood, as well as the present 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 fill out checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may also ask parents complete these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, coworkers, and other close family members. They might also wish 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, work or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They must also determine any physical causes of the person's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. A thorough screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging the school staff to observe their child closely, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can improve the ability of children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can worsen symptoms. Also, they should ensure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties at work or with relationships. A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD, and the severity of it. This evaluation usually includes an examination of the mental health history along with a physical exam, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, a spouse or partner and others who know the person well. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect him or her. They can also use rating scales or other tests to determine whether the person meets the typical criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also collect a note of any medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If a person is identified as having ADHD medications is prescribed to manage symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children as well as adults. These medications can trigger adverse effects. One should only take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with the prescription of a doctor. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications is taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD must try different types and doses of medications before they discover one that works.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In some cases the reduction of exposure to triggers in the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleep and diet and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to manage triggers and refer you to an dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid dietary supplements without research-based backing or that might interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may be suffering from ADHD should seek out a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist to get an assessment. The doctor will go through medical records, conduct physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply standard ratings scales. The therapist will also look at the presence and duration of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect the life of a person.
A therapist can work with a patient and their family to improve parenting, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive skills which includes the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of limited alternatives. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a stable family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. They should encourage their child to socialize with others and build a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about behavior and learning issues in children however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. The parents of the child and their healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the help of the teacher.