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How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and history with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship is a trigger for awareness of the issue. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to get a diagnosis.
Characteristics
While many children struggle with staying still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools or in other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to a degree that significantly impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must be present for at least six months and must be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or development level. In addition, they must be causing significant pain and issues at school, at home or work, and also in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a trained health care professional. This may include a physical examination, and a look at other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid or depression. The health professional may also review the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. Additionally, he will ask the patient questions about the symptoms they are experiencing. For children the questions are typically geared toward their age, and parents may be interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. click this link are outlined in DSM-5, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will examine the patient's past and current behavior 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 looking at adults, the physician will be able to determine whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition, and will ask whether the person has a family history of ADHD. Family members of those with the disorder are more likely to have it themselves.
If a health professional suspects that a patient has ADHD, he or she will conduct an extensive clinical assessment which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a diary of their symptoms for several weeks. The doctor may also inquire about any other medical conditions they suffer from, and refer them to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person meets 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 physician assistants, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and vision. A specialist may recommend the brain scan, also called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to measure the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual, the examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental background dating back to childhood, as well as the 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 request teachers and other professionals who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she might request parents to fill out such forms. For adults, they will often talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as colleagues and may also interview relatives who know 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. He or she will also determine the length of time the symptoms have been present for, and whether they cause difficulties at home, school, work or in other areas of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. Additionally an extensive screening will also check the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging school staff to watch their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patience. They can also help teach the child relaxation and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can boost the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest as problems at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD and the severity of it. This evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state, a physical examination, and interviews with the person, his or parents and spouses or partners and other people familiar with the person. adhd diagnoses might request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they impact him or her. He or she can also use rating scales or other tests to confirm whether the person meets the the standard criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also take a history of any medical problems which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medicines used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They are able to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only take them under doctor's supervision and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor the medications you take. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD need to try a variety of types and dosages before settling on one that works for him or her.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some instances, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include diet and sleep habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can guide you on how to control triggers, and can suggest an dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Children can also be helped by following the same routines by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of dietary supplements that do not have a scientific basis or could interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should consult a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist to get a diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the patient's behavior in various environments and apply standardized rating scales. The therapist will also look at the severity and frequency of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they cause significant impairment in a person's life.
A therapist may work with a patient and their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive abilities that include identifying and changing "thinking distortions" leading to negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists can also prescribe medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a secure family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an appropriate sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and establish a healthy bond between them and their partner.
The staff at the school may offer valuable information regarding behavior and learning issues in children however, they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health provider, and teacher with the assistance of the other.