The Next Big Event In The ADHD Diagnoses Industry
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. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship, triggers awareness of the issue. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty being seated, waiting to be called, and paying attention at school or other situations. These problems can significantly affect their functioning at work, home, or school. The signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months, and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental stage. Additionally, they must be causing significant suffering and problems at school, at home or work, and also in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care professional. This may include a physical exam, and also examining for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid or depression. The health professional will also review the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are generally targeted towards their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will examine the person's present symptoms and past behavior, and look at how they interfere with their family, social and professional life. If possible the therapist will review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, the provider will consider whether they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition and ask if the person has a family history of ADHD. People with family members with ADHD are more likely to have it themselves.
If a health professional suspects that someone has ADHD the doctor will provide the patient with an exhaustive clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a diary of their symptoms for some weeks. The doctor may also inquire about any other issues they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD. Some family doctors also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical exam that includes an evaluation of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may suggest 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 brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method to screen people for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, and also 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 will likely request teachers and other individuals who spend a lot of time with the child to fill in checklists or questionnaires. He or she might also ask parents to fill out the forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, coworkers, and other close friends. 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 how long the symptoms have been present for, and whether they are causing difficulties at home, school and at work, or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also be able to detect other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she should also check for physical causes for the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also examine the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid with this by encouraging school staff to monitor the child's progress, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming, such as yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can improve the ability of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks that can aggravate their symptoms. Also, they should ensure they get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of problems at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if a person has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes an examination of the mental health history along with a physical exam, and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and others who know the person well. The healthcare provider might request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to determine that the person is in compliance with typical criteria for ADHD. They will also take a history of any medical issues which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like seizures and thyroid disorders.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. They are able to cause adverse negative effects, therefore one should only take them under doctor's supervision and with a 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 adverse effects. Many people with ADHD need to try a variety of types and dosages of medication before they find the one that is right for them.
In certain cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers in the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleeping and eating habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can guide you in identifying ways to control triggers and refer you to an dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid taking supplements that do not have research-based backing or that might interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they be suffering from ADHD should seek out a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor will take a thorough history, do a physical exam and review medical records to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the patient's behavior and use standardized ratings scales. He or she will also examine the duration and presence of core ADHD symptoms, and if they cause significant impairment in the person's life.
A therapist may work with a patient and their family to improve parenting, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive skills that include identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of a lack of choices. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive care.
Parents can also help by providing a secure and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging good sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. They must also encourage their child to be social and make an effort to develop a healthy relationship with their spouse.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding behavior and learning problems in a student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. The student's parents and health care provider have to make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.