How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and background with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A significant event, like pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship, triggers awareness of the problem. Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn, and paying attention at schools or in other settings, kids who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to a degree that significantly affects their functioning at home, in school or at work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months and must be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age and development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant suffering and difficulties at school, home, work, and in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care provider. This may include a physical exam, and also examining for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health professional may also look over the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. Additionally, he will ask the patient questions about his or her symptoms. For children, the questions are usually specific to their age and parents may be interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for children and adults, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will analyze the person's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If possible, he will examine the person's past behavior as well as school experiences too.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will look into whether they have a mental health issue that is co-occurring, and the presence of ADHD in the family. People who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If the health care provider suspects that a patient has ADHD the doctor will conduct a complete clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for several weeks. He or she may also ask the person about any other issues they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They may recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, a doctor might suggest the brain scan, also called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA, to measure the concentration of beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive and secure method.
In an interview with the individual, the examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental background dating back to childhood, in addition to his 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).
For teens and children who are being assessed for ADHD, the doctor may request teachers and other individuals who spend much time with the child to complete checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may also ask parents to fill out such forms. For adults, they will usually speak to spouses and close friends as well as colleagues, 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 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 area of life.
The mental health professional should also check for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for physical causes for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also look at the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging school staff to watch their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach methods of relaxation and calming, such as meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, which can help enhance their ability to concentrate and focus. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks that can aggravate their symptoms. They should also ensure they get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest in the form of trouble at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. This evaluation usually includes a mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the individual and their parents, spouse or a life partner, and other family members who know the person well. The provider may ask for an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect him or her. just click the next website can also use rating scales or other tests to determine whether the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may inquire about medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, like seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If a person is identified as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to control symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. drugs used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These medications can trigger side effects. A person should only use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. Inform your doctor about the medications you take. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many individuals with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages before finding one that works for him or her.
Prevention
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleep and diet, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers and can refer you for additional support or to a dietitian who can recommend nutritional changes.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid taking supplements that do not have scientific evidence or that could be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should consult an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, conduct an examination of the body and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the patient's behavior and use standard ratings scales. He or she will consider the severity and duration of core ADHD-related symptoms as well being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's daily life.
A therapist may collaborate with a patient and their family to improve parenting, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities that include the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of limited alternatives. Psychologists can prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can help by offering a safe, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, promoting a good sleep hygiene, and refraining from stimulants. Parents should also encourage their children to be social and work to develop a healthy relationship with their partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information on the behavior and learning challenges of children however, they aren't competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The student's parents and health care provider have to make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.