Why Do So Many People Would Like To Learn More About ADHD Diagnoses?
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and previous experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A major event such as a pregnancy or relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to get a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting for their turn, and paying attention at school or in other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to a degree that significantly hinders their performance at home, school or work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for a minimum of 6 months and must be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or developmental level. They must be causing major problems at school, work, home and in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a certified health care provider. This could include a thorough physical exam and a look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like depression or thyroid disease. 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 typically specific to their age and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The physician will follow the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will review the patient's current symptoms as well as previous behavior, focusing on the ways they affect their family, social, and professional life. If possible, he will look at the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences as well.
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 with family members with the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects that someone is suffering from 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 a time of a few weeks. The doctor may also ask the person about any other issues they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual has any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can perform screening and determine the severity of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all certified to diagnose ADHD. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may also suggest the use of a brain scanner, also 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 person the examiner will review the person's medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood, as well as the present symptoms and strategies for coping. adult diagnosis of adhd 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 may ask teachers and other people who spend much time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she might also ask parents to fill in such forms. For adults, he or she will often talk to spouses and other close friends as well as co-workers and might also interview a family member who knows the person from 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 school, at work or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she must also search for physical causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. Additionally, a thorough screening will also examine the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging school staff to monitor the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming such as meditation or yoga. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet, which can help increase their ability to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can worsen symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
The symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties in their work or relationships. A health care provider will perform an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. This evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state as well as a physical exam and interviews with the individual and his or her parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with him or her. The doctor may request a list of the person's symptoms and how they impact him or her. He or she may also use rating scales and other tests to confirm that the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. They can inquire about medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms, like seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD the medication will usually be prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs can cause negative side effects. A person should only take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with a prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or is taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to try a variety of kinds and dosages of medications before finding one that works for them.
Prevention
In some instances, reducing exposure to triggers in the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. This could include eating habits, sleeping habits, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can assist you in finding ways to manage triggers and refer you to an dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid taking supplements that do not have research-based backing or that might interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should visit an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for diagnosis. The doctor will take a detailed medical history, perform physical examination and look over medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, look at the person's behavior in different settings and use standardized rating scales. The therapist will also look at the duration and presence of core ADHD symptoms, and if they result in significant impairments in a person's life.
Often, a therapist will work with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient in metacognitive techniques, which involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of choices. Psychologists may prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents must also encourage their child to be social and work to establish a healthy relationship with their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the behavior and learning issues of a student However, they are not able to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. The parents of the child and their healthcare provider must make these decisions with the help of the teacher.