How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and history with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A significant event like pregnancy or a relationship problems can prompt awareness of the issue. Getting 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, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues in a way that affects their functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months, and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental stage. In addition, they must be causing significant pain and issues at home, school or at work, as well as in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a qualified health professional. This may include a thorough physical examination and a check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as 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 their symptoms. For children the questions are generally geared toward their age, and parents can be interviewed as well.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will analyze the person's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If possible, he or she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences too.
When looking at adults, the physician will consider whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue and ask if the person has any family history of ADHD. how to diagnosis adhd who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD the doctor will conduct a full clinical evaluation. This includes reviewing the patient's current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues the patient has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if they have any of the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive, secure method.
The examiner will review the patient's medical history including his medical and psychiatric background that goes to his childhood. He will also discuss the person's 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 may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. He or she might also ask parents to fill out these forms. For adults, they will often talk to spouses and other 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. He or she will also determine how long the symptoms have been present for, and if they are causing impairment at home, school or at work, or in other areas of daily life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. He or she should also look for any physical causes of the person's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep disorders. A thorough screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging the school staff to watch their child closely, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patience. They can also teach relaxation and calming methods such as meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can boost the ability of many children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They must also get enough rest.
The signs of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. The evaluation typically includes an examination of the mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, a spouse or partner and others who know him or her well. The doctor may request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. He or she may also use rating scales and other tests to confirm that the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. The person may also ask about any medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD the medication is prescribed to manage symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. These medications can trigger side effects. It is recommended that you use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many individuals with ADHD must try several different types and dosages of medication before finding one that is suitable for him or her.
The following is a list with preventions.
In certain cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers may help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include diet and sleep habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to control triggers and recommend a dietitian to get nutritional advice or additional support.
Children can also be helped by keeping their routines the same as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of dietary supplements that do not have scientific backing or may be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should visit an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough medical history, perform physical examination and review medical records to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe their behavior and apply standard ratings scales. They will also look at the presence and duration of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they result in significant impairments in the life of a person.
Often, a therapist will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other organizational strategies and educate the patient in metacognitive strategies that focus on the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of limited choices. Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep habits and avoid stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and establish a healthy bond between them and their loved ones.
The staff at the school may provide valuable information about the behavior and learning challenges of children however, they aren't qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. These decisions are taken by the child's parents, health care provider and teacher with the cooperation of all three.