20 Reasons Why ADHD Diagnoses Will Never Be Forgotten
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and history with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like a pregnancy or relationship issues can trigger awareness of the problem. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain an assessment.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty being seated, waiting for a call and focusing at school or in other environments. These problems can significantly affect their functioning at home, work, or school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months and must be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or development level. Additionally, they must be causing significant pain and difficulties at school, home, work, and also in relationships.
A trained health care professional will conduct a clinical assessment to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a physical exam, and also examining for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider may also examine the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents are also able to be interviewed.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for children and adults, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will analyze the person's behavior in the past and present and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If it is possible the therapist may also examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a provider will consider whether they have a mental health condition that co-occurs, and the presence of ADHD in the family. People who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD the doctor will conduct an entire clinical examination. This involves examining the patient's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily log of their symptoms over the course of several weeks. The doctor may also ask the person about any other medical conditions they suffer from, and refer them to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can conduct screenings and determine the severity of the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They might recommend adults to undergo a thorough assessment.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may recommend an examination of the brain, known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA, to measure the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a non-invasive, safe method to screen people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over 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).
The doctor may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents to fill out 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. They will also determine for how long the symptoms have been present, and whether they cause difficulties at home, school and at work, or in other areas of life.
The mental health professional must also be able to detect other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for physical causes, for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition the thorough examination will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging school staff to observe their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also instruct methods of relaxation and calming such as meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can improve the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. Also, they should ensure they get enough sleep.
The symptoms of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest as problems at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD, and the severity of it. This evaluation usually includes a mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, spouse or life partner and other family members who know the person well. The doctor may request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor might also employ rating scales and other tests to verify that the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. He or she may also ask about any medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, such as seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. These medications can cause negative side effects. One should only take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous adverse effects. Many individuals with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages of medication before finding the one that is right for them.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. read here can include diet and sleep habits, family structure and medication. A GP can assist you in finding ways to control these triggers and can refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid dietary supplements that do not have a scientific backing or be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may have ADHD should consult an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist for a diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, perform a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the patient's behavior and use standardized ratings scales. They will also consider the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they result in significant impairments in the life of a person.
Usually, a therapist will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other strategies for organization and educate the patient in metacognitive strategies that focus on the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of options. Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also help by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and build a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
The staff at the school may offer valuable information regarding issues with learning and behavior in a child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. The student's parents and health care provider have to make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.