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How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and history with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship crisis is a trigger for awareness of the issue. Finding a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools or in other settings, kids who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues to the extent that affects their functioning at home, school or work. 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 developmental stage. They must also be causing significant problems at school, work and at home as well as in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified health professional. This could include a thorough physical exam and a review of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The doctor will also look at the person's family history as well as review medical, psychiatric, and academic records. He will also inquire with 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 clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for children and adults as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). He or she will examine the person's current symptoms and past behavior, and look at the ways they affect their social, family and professional lives. If possible, he will look at the person's past behavior as well as school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, a provider will look into whether they have a mental health condition that is co-occurring, as well as whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that a patient has ADHD the doctor will give the person an extensive clinical assessment which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily diary of their symptoms for a few weeks. He or she may also inquire about any other conditions they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual is in compliance with any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They can send adults to a full evaluation.
undiagnosed adhd in adults in identifying ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam, including assessment of hearing and vision. In addition, a specialist may recommend an examination of the brain, called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA, to measure the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of scan can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive, safe method.
In an interview with the person, the examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric background dating back to childhood, in addition to 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).
For teens and children being screened for ADHD, the doctor may have teachers and other professionals who spend long periods of time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents to fill in such forms. For adults, they will often talk to spouses and other close friends and also co-workers and may also 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. The doctor will determine how long symptoms have been present and if they result in impairment at home, in the workplace, at school or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional must also be able to detect other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. The professional should also look for any physical causes for the individual's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. A thorough screening will also examine the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging school staff to watch the child's progress, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also instruct relaxation and calming methods such as meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can enhance the ability of many children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, as they can make their symptoms worse. They should also make sure they get enough rest.
The signs of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties at work or with relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD, and the severity of it. This evaluation usually includes an assessment of mental health along with a physical exam, and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, a spouse or a life partner, and other people who know the person well. The doctor may request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. They can also use rating scales and other tests to determine if the person meets typical criteria for ADHD. They will also take a history of any medical problems that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is typically prescribed to manage the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. They are able to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications he or are taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to try different types and doses of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers may aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These can include eating habits, sleep habits family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to manage triggers and recommend a dietitian for nutritional advice or additional support.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid dietary supplements without scientific evidence or that could be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should consult a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, perform physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes of 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 also examine the severity and frequency of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect a person's life.
Most often, therapists will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other strategies for organization, and train the patient in metacognitive strategies, which involve the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of alternatives. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive care.
Parents can also assist by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and establish a healthy bond between them and their partner.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information on behavior and learning issues in children however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. Parents and the student's health care provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.