How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any previous history of ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship can trigger awareness of the problem. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain an assessment.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with sitting still, waiting to be called and focusing at school or in other situations. These issues can greatly impact their performance at work, home or at school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months and must be more than what is typical for the child's age or developmental level. They should also be causing significant problems at school, at work, home and in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a thorough physical examination and a look for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health professional will also review the person's family history as well as review medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically targeted towards their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will examine the patient's past and current behavior and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If it is possible, he or she will review the person's past behavior as well as school experiences as well.
When looking at adults, the physician will take into account whether they suffer from an underlying mental health condition that is co-occurring, and will ask whether the patient has an ancestral history of ADHD. People with family members who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone is suffering from ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will provide the patient with an exhaustive clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a diary of their symptoms for a few weeks. They will also inquire about any other issues the person has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine whether they meet the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They might send adults to a full assessment.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is a thorough medical exam which includes a thorough evaluation of vision and hearing. Additionally, a doctor may recommend a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA to determine the concentration of beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of scan can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive, safe manner.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss the individual's current symptoms as well as ways of 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 screened for ADHD the doctor may ask teachers and other people who spend a lot of time with the child to fill out questionnaires or checklists. He or she might also ask parents to fill in these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, coworkers, and other close family members. They might 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. He or she will also determine for how long the symptoms have been present for, and if they are causing problems at school, home, work or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. They should also search for physical causes, like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also examine the person's psychological, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can help with this by encouraging school staff to observe the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation and calming techniques, such as yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical activity and a balanced diet, which will enhance their ability to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can aggravate symptoms. They should also ensure they sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can last through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. This usually involves an examination of the mental health history as well as a physical examination and interviews with the person, his or her parents, a spouse or partner and other family members who know the person well. adhd undiagnosed in adults might request 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 the standard criteria for ADHD. They will also collect a history of any medical problems that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to manage the symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. These drugs can cause side effects. One should only take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain medications can interact with stimulants, causing dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD need to test various types and dosages of medication before they find one that works.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some instances, reducing exposure to triggers in the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include the way you eat, your sleeping habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you in finding ways to control triggers and refer you to a dietitian to get nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more details. Try to avoid adult adhd diagnoses that do not have scientific backing or may be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should consult an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, look at the patient's behavior in various environments and apply standard rating scales. He or she will consider the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms, as being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's everyday life.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the family and patient to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other strategies for organization and instruct the patient in metacognitive strategies, which involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of choices. adult diagnosis adhd may prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a secure and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and develop a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on the learning and behavior of the student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with cooperation of all three.