15 Things You Didn't Know About ADHD Diagnoses
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and any previous history of ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event, like pregnancy or a relationship crisis, triggers awareness of the problem. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble being seated, waiting to be called and paying attention in school or other settings. These issues can greatly impact their performance at work, at home, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age and development level. In addition, they must be causing significant pain and problems at school, home, work, and also in relationships.
A qualified 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 could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The doctor will also examine the person's family history and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically 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 as well as children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will examine the person's current symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they impact their social, family and professional lives. If possible, he or will examine the person's past behavior as well as school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, the provider will consider whether or not they have a co-occurring mental health condition and will inquire whether the person has a family history of ADHD. Family members of those with the disorder are more prone to develop it.
If a health professional suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will provide the patient with a complete clinical evaluation 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 issues that the person may have and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to see whether they meet the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can conduct screenings and determine the severity of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all able to recognize ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
The first step in identifying ADHD is an extensive medical examination which includes a thorough evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist may recommend a brain scan 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 scanning can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive and secure method.
diagnose adhd iampsychiatry.com will review the person's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical background that goes to his childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's current symptoms and coping mechanisms. 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 a lot of time with the child to complete checklists or questionnaires. They may ask parents to fill in such forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, coworkers, and other close family members. 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. He or she will determine how long symptoms have been present and if they result in problems at home, at school, at work or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They should also look for physical causes, such as 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 need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging school staff to observe the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can boost the ability of many children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods high in sugar can aggravate symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
The signs of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty in their work or relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state, a physical examination, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents and spouses or partners and others who are familiar with the person. The healthcare provider might request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. They could also use ratings scales and other tests to verify that the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may also ask about any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children and adults. These medications can trigger side effects. One should only use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with prescription. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain medications can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages of medication before they find one that is suitable for them.
The following is a list with preventions.
In some instances the reduction of exposure to triggers in the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include diet and sleep habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to control triggers and suggest a dietitian to get nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more details. Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no scientific backing or that may be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should seek out an expert in mental health such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will look over medical records, perform a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, examine the patient's behavior in various situations and employ the standard rating scales. The therapist will assess the severity and duration of core ADHD-related symptoms as well as whether they have a significant impact on a person's everyday life.
Most often, therapists will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other organizational strategies and educate the patient in metacognitive techniques that involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of limited choices. Psychologists can prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can help by providing a stable, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, encouraging a good sleep hygiene, and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to interact with others and develop a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on behavior and learning problems in the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. These decisions are taken by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with assistance of the other.