How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. A significant event, like pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship, triggers awareness of the issue. Finding a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with being seated, waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or in other environments. These problems can significantly impact their performance at work, home or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months and be more prominent than is normal for their age or development level. They should also be causing significant problems at school, at work, home and in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This may include a physical examination, and checking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider may also examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents can be interviewed.
The doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will review the patient's current symptoms as well as past behavior, and look at how they interfere with their social, family and professional lives. If possible, the therapist will also examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor will determine if they suffer from a mental health issue that is co-occurring, as well as the presence of ADHD in the family. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that a patient has ADHD the doctor will provide the patient with an extensive clinical assessment that includes a review of their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for several weeks. He or she will also inquire about any other medical conditions that the person may have, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to see if they have any of 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. This includes clinical psychologists and nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and might refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might also suggest an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical background that goes back to 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).
For teens and children being evaluated for ADHD The doctor will likely have teachers and other professionals who spend much time with the child to complete questionnaires or checklists. The doctor might also ask parents to fill out these forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close friends. They might also want to interview someone who has known 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. They 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 life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They should also check for physical causes for the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. Additionally, a thorough screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid with this by encouraging school staff to watch the child's progress, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming like yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can boost the ability of many children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks, as they can make their symptoms worse. They should also sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties in their work or relationships. A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. This evaluation includes an examination of the mind and physical examination and interviews with the person and his or her parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with the person. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. He or she could also use rating scales or other tests to verify that the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. He or she may also inquire about any medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, like seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication will usually be prescribed to treat the symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children as well as adults. These medications have the potential to cause side effects, so a person should only take them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications are taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD have to try various types and dosages of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some cases the reduction of exposure to triggers in the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. This could include eating habits, routines for sleeping family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can help you in identifying ways to manage triggers and suggest an dietitian for nutritional advice or additional support.
Consult your GP for more information. Try to avoid dietary supplements that do not have scientific backing or may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may have ADHD should see an expert in mental health such as psychologist or psychiatrist to get a diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the patient's behavior and apply the standard ratings scales. The therapist will also examine the presence and duration of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect a person's life.
A therapist can collaborate with a patient as well as their family members to improve parenting, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills, which involves identifying and changing "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists can prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a secure and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. They must also encourage their child to be social and try to establish a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
adhd diagnosis adult at the school may provide valuable information on behavior and learning issues in the child however, they aren't qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The parents of the child and their healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.