How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and background with ADHD. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult will also examine your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship problems can prompt awareness of the issue. Finding a diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or in other settings. These problems can significantly impact their performance at home, work or at school. The symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have to be present for at minimum six months and be more prominent than is normal for their age or development level. They must be causing major problems at school, work and at home as well as in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified health care professional. This could include a thorough physical exam and a check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to depression or thyroid disease. The health care professional will also review the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor 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 provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for children and adults as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will analyze the person's past and current behavior and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If possible, he will examine the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, a provider will look into whether they have a mental health issue that is co-occurring, as well as the presence of ADHD in the family. Family members of those who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD, they will perform an entire clinical examination. This includes reviewing the patient's current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily log of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. The doctor may also ask the person about any other issues they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient is in compliance with 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. This includes clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist might suggest the brain scan, also known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA, to measure the amount of beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a non-invasive, safe method for screening individuals for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his medical and psychiatric history that dates to his childhood. The examiner will also review the individual's current symptoms as well as 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 request teachers and other professionals who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may request parents to fill out these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close acquaintances. They might also wish 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 the length of time that 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 must also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They must also determine any physical causes for the individual's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. A thorough screening will also examine the person's psychological, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can help with this by encouraging school staff to observe the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach relaxation and calming methods, such as meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular exercise and a balanced diet, which can improve their ability to focus and concentrate. Sugary foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms. They should also make sure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can last through adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty at work or with relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. This usually involves an assessment of mental health along with a physical exam, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, a spouse or a life partner, and other family members who know the person well. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. The doctor may also use ratings scales and other tests to verify that the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. The person may inquire about medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms, like seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is typically prescribed to control the symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. They are able to cause adverse effects, so a person should only take them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications he or is taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to create dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to try a variety of types and dosages of medication before finding one that works for him or her.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include diet, sleep habits family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to control these triggers, and refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Children can also be helped by keeping their routines the same by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Try to avoid dietary supplements that do not have a scientific basis or could interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they have ADHD should see a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical exam and review medical records to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply the standard ratings scales. He or she will consider the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms as well as whether they have an impact on the person's daily life.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the patient and family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other organizational strategies and educate the patient on metacognitive techniques that involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of alternatives. Psychologists are able to prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can help by offering a safe, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, encouraging a good sleep hygiene, and refraining from stimulants. They must also encourage their child to interact with others, and try to establish a healthy relationship with their partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about issues with learning and behavior in children however, they aren't qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. These decisions must be made by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with cooperation of all three.