How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any history of ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the problem. Finding a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble being still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, kids who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues to the extent that affects their functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must have been present for at least six months, and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. Additionally, how to diagnose adhd must be causing significant pain and difficulties at school, home, work, and in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a trained health care professional. This could include a physical exam, and a look at other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health professional will also review the person's family history and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents are also able to be interviewed.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults that are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). He or she will examine the patient's behavior in the past and present and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If possible, he or she will review the person's past behavior as well as school experiences, too.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor will be able to determine whether they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition and ask whether the patient has an ancestral history of ADHD. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a health professional suspects that someone has ADHD the doctor will conduct an exhaustive clinical evaluation that includes a review of their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a diary of their symptoms for several weeks. They will also inquire about any other conditions that the person may have and will consult the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine whether they meet the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can perform screening and make a diagnosis of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all certified to identify ADHD. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough assessment.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may recommend a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA to measure the concentration of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive, secure method.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric 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).
For adolescents and children being evaluated 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. He or she may also ask parents to fill out these forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close friends. They may also want to interview someone who has known 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. They will also determine the length of time the symptoms have been present for, and if they are causing problems at school, home or at work, or in other areas of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. They should also check for physical causes for the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. Additionally an extensive screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging the school staff to observe the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming, such as yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can improve the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, which can make their symptoms worse. They must also get enough rest.
The symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence and into adulthood. In adults, they may manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. The evaluation typically includes a mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and others who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might ask the person to list their symptoms and how they affect them. He or she could also use rating 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 and thyroid disorders.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication will usually be prescribed to control the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs are likely to cause adverse effects, so a person should only take them under medical supervision and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor any medications you are taking. Certain medications can interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD need to test different dosages and types of medications before they discover one that works.
diagnosing adhd is a list with preventions.
In some instances the reduction of exposure to triggers in the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These can include eating habits, sleep habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can assist you in finding ways to manage triggers and suggest an dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid taking supplements that do not have scientific backing or that may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should consult a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a thorough history, conduct an examination of the body and look over medical records to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, examine the person's behavior in different settings and use standard rating scales. He or she will also look at the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they affect the person's life.
A therapist can work with a patient and their family to improve parenting, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive skills that include the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a stable and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and refraining from stimulants. They should encourage their child to socialize with others and develop a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
School staff can provide valuable information on behavior and learning problems in a student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions are taken by the child's parents, health provider, and teacher with the assistance of the other.