How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms as well as any history of ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. An event that is significant, such as a pregnancy or relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the problem. Finding a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with sitting still, waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or other settings. These issues can seriously affect their functioning at work, home 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 developmental stage. They must also be causing significant issues at work, school or at home, as well as in relationships.
A qualified health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This may include a physical examination, and also examining for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The doctor will also look at the family history of the patient and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually specific to their age and parents can be interviewed as well.
The physician will follow the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will analyze the person's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If possible the therapist will look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, the provider will take into account whether or not they suffer from an underlying mental health condition that is co-occurring and ask if the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. Family members of those with ADHD are more likely to have it themselves.
If a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This involves examining the patient's symptoms and asking them to keep a daily log of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. They can also inquire about any other conditions they suffer from, and refer them to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient has any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can perform screening and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They may recommend adults to undergo a thorough assessment.
The first step in identifying ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam, including examination of vision and hearing. A doctor may also recommend an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a non-invasive, safe method for screening individuals for ADHD.
In an interview with the person, the examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, as well as his current symptoms and coping strategies. 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 children and teens who are being assessed for ADHD the doctor may have teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of time with the child to fill out questionnaires or checklists. The doctor may also ask parents complete these forms. For adults, he or she will usually discuss marriage with spouses and other close friends, and also 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 the length of time that symptoms have been present and whether they cause problems at home, at school, at work, or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional must also be able to detect other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she should also look for any physical causes of the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can help with this by encouraging school staff to monitor the child closely, providing positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation and calming techniques, such as meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet which can enhance their ability to focus and concentrate. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks, which can make their symptoms worse. They should also ensure they sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of difficulties 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 consists of an examination of the mind and physical examination and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with the person. The provider may ask for an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to determine whether the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may also ask about any medical conditions that can be similar to ADHD symptoms, for example thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD A medication will usually be prescribed to control the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These medications have the potential to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. Tell adult adhd diagnoses about the medications you take. Certain medications can interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD need to test various types and dosages of medications before they discover one that works.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers may include sleeping and eating habits, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to deal with these triggers, and then refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes to your diet.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid dietary supplements that do not have scientific backing or may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should visit a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, perform physical examinations and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, look at the person's behavior in different environments and apply standard rating scales. He or she will also consider the severity and frequency of core ADHD symptoms, and if they result in significant impairments in a person's life.
Usually, a therapist will collaborate with the patient and family to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient in metacognitive strategies, which involve identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of choices. Psychologists can prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can assist by offering a safe family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an excellent sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and establish a healthy bond with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the learning and behavior of the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with the support of each other.