How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and previous experiences with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event, like pregnancy or a breakup can trigger awareness of the issue. Getting a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children struggle with sitting still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to a degree that significantly impairs functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should be present for a minimum of 6 months and must be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age or developmental level. They must also be causing significant issues at school, work or at home, as well as in relationships.
A certified health professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a physical exam and also examining for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like thyroid or depression. The health care provider will also review the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, the doctor will interview the person about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically specific to their age and parents may be interviewed too.
The doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children that are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will review the person's current symptoms and past behavior, looking at how they impact their social, family and professional lives. If possible, he she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences as well.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will consider whether they have mental health issues that is co-occurring, as well as whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. People with family members who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD, they will perform a full clinical evaluation. This involves examining the patient's current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily log of their symptoms over the course of a few weeks. The doctor may also ask the person about any other conditions they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person is in compliance with any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all qualified to identify ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They may recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, a doctor may suggest the brain scan, also known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA, to measure the concentration of beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive, safe method.
The examiner will review the person's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's 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 adolescents and children who are being assessed for ADHD, the doctor may request teachers and other individuals who spend long periods of time with the child to complete checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents complete such forms. For adults, they will often talk to spouses and other close friends and also co-workers and may also interview a family member who knows 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. He or she will determine how long symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in the workplace, at school or in any other part of life.
adult adhd diagnoses should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for physical causes, like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. Additionally, a thorough screening will also check the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can help 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 meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical exercise and a healthy diet which can help improve their ability to concentrate and focus. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. They should also make sure they get enough sleep.
Symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence and into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. The evaluation consists of a mental history and physical examination and interviews with the person, his or parents and spouses or partners and other people who are familiar with him or her. The healthcare provider might request a list of the person's symptoms and how they impact him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to determine that the person is in compliance with the standard criteria for ADHD. The person may inquire about medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD symptoms, for example thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD the medication will be prescribed to treat symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and related disorders in both children as well as adults. They are able to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many individuals with ADHD must try several different types and dosages of medication before settling on one that works for them.
Prevention
In certain cases, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleep and diet and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can guide you on how to control triggers, and can suggest a dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be assisted by keeping their routines the same, limiting caffeine and sugar, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Beware of supplements for your diet that do not have scientific backing or may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should see an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, perform physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the person's behavior in different environments and apply standardized rating scales. The therapist will take into consideration the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms as well as whether they have a significant impact on a person's everyday life.
A therapist can collaborate with a patient as well as their family 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" leading to negative moods or the perception of having fewer options. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can also help by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and develop a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information about the learning and behavior of the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. These decisions must be made by the student's parents, health provider and teacher with the assistance of the other.