Where Can You Find The Most Reliable ADHD Diagnoses Information?
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and previous experiences with ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
A lot of people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. A significant event, like pregnancy or a breakup can trigger awareness of the problem. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to obtain a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty being still, waiting for their turn, and paying attention at school or in other settings, children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues in a way that affects their functioning at home, school or work. The signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity should have been present for at minimum six months and be noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental stage. In addition, they must be causing significant suffering and problems at school, home, work, and also in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a physical exam, and also examining for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider may also examine the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. In addition, he will ask the patient questions about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents can be interviewed.
The provider will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will review the person's present symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they interfere with their family, social and professional lives. If it is possible the therapist will look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, the provider will be able to determine whether they have a co-occurring mental health issue, and will ask whether the person has a family history of ADHD. Family members of those who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If the health care provider suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will provide the patient with an extensive clinical assessment which includes reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a diary of their symptoms for several weeks. The doctor will also ask about any other conditions that the person may have and will consult the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine if they have any of the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can conduct screenings and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They can refer adults for a comprehensive evaluation.
A thorough medical exam that includes an evaluation of sight and hearing is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may recommend an examination of the brain, called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA to measure the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves in the brain. This kind of scan can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive, secure way.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood. He will also discuss the person's 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).
The doctor may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a lot of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may also ask parents complete these forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, colleagues and other close acquaintances. 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. The doctor will determine how long symptoms have been present and whether they are causing problems at home, at the workplace, at school, or in any other area of life.
The mental health professional must also screen for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They should also look for any physical causes of the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep problems. In addition the thorough examination will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. adhd diagnosis adults can aid them by encouraging the school staff to monitor the child's progress, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation and calming methods, such as yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD can benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet, which can help enhance their ability to concentrate and focus. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. Also, they should ensure they get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can last through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. In adults, they may manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD and the severity of it. This evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state, a physical examination, and interviews with the person and his or her parents, spouses or partners, and other people who are familiar with him or her. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to determine if the person meets typical criteria for ADHD. They can also inquire about any medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, such as seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These medications can cause adverse effects. It is recommended that you take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor any medications you are taking. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous adverse effects. Many individuals with ADHD need to try a variety of kinds and dosages of medications before they find the one that is right for him or her.
Prevention
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleeping and eating habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to control triggers, and can refer you to an dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Children can also be assisted by maintaining their routines by limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Beware of dietary supplements that do not have a scientific basis or could be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should consult a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist, for diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough medical history, perform physical examination and review medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe their behavior and apply the standard ratings scales. He or she will also consider the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they cause significant impairment in a person's life.
A therapist may collaborate with a patient as well as their family members to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive abilities that include identifying and changing "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and build a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information on issues with learning and behavior in a child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with assistance of the other.