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 the course of their lives. An event that is significant, such as a pregnancy or relationship problems can prompt awareness of the issue. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to obtain an assessment.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty waiting to be called and paying attention in school or other situations. These issues can seriously impact their performance at home, work or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must have been present for at least six months, and be noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental stage. They should also be causing significant issues at school, at work and at home as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a qualified health care professional. This could include a thorough physical exam and a look for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression. The doctor will also look at the person's family history as well as review medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, he will ask the patient questions about his or her symptoms. For children the questions are generally targeted towards their age, and parents may be interviewed too.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults, which are outlined 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 past behavior, looking at how they impact their social, family and professional lives. If possible the therapist will examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a provider will determine if they suffer from mental health issues that co-occurs, and whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. People who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct a full clinical evaluation. This involves examining the person's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily log of their symptoms over a time of several weeks. The doctor may also inquire about any other medical conditions they have, and use 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 have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They can recommend adults to undergo a thorough assessment.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist might suggest an examination of the brain, known as an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to determine the amount of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method of screening people for ADHD.
In an interview with the person an examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental history going back to childhood, and also his 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).
The doctor may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. The doctor might also ask parents to fill out these forms. For adults, he or she will usually talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as co-workers, and may want to 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. They will also 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 should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for physical causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. Additionally, a thorough screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist with this by encouraging school staff to watch the child's progress, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming, such as meditation or yoga. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a healthy diet, which can help improve their ability to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest as problems at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine whether a person has ADHD and how severe it is. This evaluation usually includes an assessment of mental health, a physical exam and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, spouse or life partner and other family members who know the person well. The healthcare provider might request 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 confirm that the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. They can inquire about medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD symptoms, for example thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is typically prescribed to treat the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These drugs can cause side effects. A person should only take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications is taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many individuals with ADHD have to test a variety of kinds and dosages of medications before finding the one that is right for them.
The following is a list of preventions.
In certain cases the reduction of exposure to triggers from the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleeping and eating habits, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers and can refer you for further assistance or a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet.
Children can also be helped by following the same routines by limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid dietary supplements without scientific evidence or that could interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should consult a mental health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, for diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct physical examinations and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the patient's behavior, and utilize standard ratings scales. He or she will consider the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms as well being aware of whether they have a significant impact on a person's everyday life.
A therapist may collaborate with a patient and their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. adhd diagnosis uk adults iampsychiatry.com may also train the patient in metacognitive abilities, which involves identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of having fewer alternatives. Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can assist by offering a safe family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents should also encourage their child to be social and try to develop a healthy relationship with their spouse.
Staff at the school can offer valuable information regarding the behavior and learning challenges of a child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. These decisions are made by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with the support of each other.