20 Reasons Why ADHD Diagnoses Will Not Be Forgotten
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and background with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like pregnancy or a relationship problems can prompt awareness of the issue. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to get a diagnosis.
Characteristics
While many children struggle with sitting still, waiting their turn, and paying attention at schools or in other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to a degree that significantly impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must be present for at least six months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or development level. They must also be causing significant issues at school, work, home and in relationships.
A qualified health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This may include a thorough physical examination and a review of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like depression or thyroid disease. The health professional will also examine the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually specific to their age and parents are sometimes interviewed too.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's present symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they impact their family, social, and professional lives. If it is possible the therapist will review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor will look into whether they have a mental health condition that co-occurs, and if there is a history of ADHD in the family. Family members of those who have the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a health professional suspects that someone has ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will give the person an extensive clinical assessment which includes reviewing 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 the person has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to see 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 screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all certified to diagnose ADHD. Some family doctors also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam, including assessment of hearing and vision. A specialist may also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, in addition to his 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 adolescents and children being evaluated for ADHD the doctor will likely request teachers and other individuals who spend long periods of time with the child to fill in questionnaires or checklists. He or she might also ask parents to fill in such forms. For adults, he or she will usually discuss marriage with spouses and other close friends, as well as co-workers and may also interview relatives who know the person from their 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 problems at home, at school, at work, or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They should also look for physical causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also take a look at the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging the school staff to monitor 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 meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet, which can increase their ability to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can aggravate symptoms. They should also ensure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties in their work or relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. This usually involves a mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the individual and their parents, a spouse or partner and other family members who know the person well. The provider may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they impact them. Iam Psychiatry can also use rating scales and other tests to confirm whether the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may inquire about medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, for example seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD the medication will be prescribed to treat 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 physician and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor all medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants, causing dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD need to test different dosages and types of medications before they discover one that works.
The following is a list of preventions.
In certain cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleep and diet as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to control triggers and refer you to an dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Try to avoid nutritional supplements that don't have scientific backing or may interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they be suffering from ADHD should seek out a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct physical examinations and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the person's behavior in different environments and apply the standard rating scales. The therapist will take into consideration the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms, as as whether they have an impact on the person's daily life.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient and their family members to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They may also train the patient in metacognitive skills which includes the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of having fewer options. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also help by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and build a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information about the learning and behavior of students however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions are made by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with assistance of the other.