Here's A Little-Known Fact Regarding ADHD Diagnoses
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your background with ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like the birth of a child or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with waiting for a call and paying attention in school or other situations. These problems can significantly affect their functioning at work, at home, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age or development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant suffering and issues at home, school or work, and also in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a thorough physical examination and a review of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression. The doctor will also examine the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually geared toward their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed too.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's current symptoms and past behavior, and look at how they impact their family, social, and professional lives. If possible, he will examine the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences, too.
When looking at adults, the physician will take into account whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition, and will ask if the person has a family history of ADHD. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more prone to develop it.
If a health professional suspects that someone has ADHD If he or she suspects that someone has ADHD, they will provide the patient with an extensive clinical assessment, including reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily diary of their symptoms for a few weeks. They can also inquire about any other issues they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They might refer adults for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical examination that includes an evaluation of sight and hearing, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may recommend the brain scan, also called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA, to measure the relative concentration of the theta and beta 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 psychiatric and medical history dating back to childhood. The examiner will also review the person's present symptoms and ways of 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 teens and children being screened for ADHD the doctor will likely request teachers and other individuals who spend a lot of time with the child to fill out questionnaires or checklists. He or she might ask parents to fill in these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close family members. They might also want 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. They will also 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 area of life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. The professional should also check for physical causes for the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. In addition the thorough examination will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging school staff to watch their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and showing flexible and patience. They can also instruct relaxation and calming methods like yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve the ability of many children suffering from ADHD to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods high in sugar can aggravate symptoms. They must also get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can persist through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. adhd diagnoses may have difficulties at work or with relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state as well as a physical exam and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with the person. The healthcare provider might request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. He or she can also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm if the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. They can inquire about medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, like thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD the 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 can trigger side effects. It is recommended that you take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous adverse effects. Many people with ADHD have to try different types and doses of medication before they find one that works.
Prevention
In some instances, reducing exposure to environmental triggers may help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleep and diet and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can assist you on how to control triggers and refer you to a dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no scientific backing or that may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may have ADHD should seek out a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will review medical records, perform a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, examine the patient's behavior in various environments and apply the standard rating scales. The therapist will also examine the duration and presence of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect a person's life.
Most often, therapists will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other strategies for organization and instruct the patient in metacognitive techniques that focus on identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of limited alternatives. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also help by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They must also encourage their child to interact with others, and work to build a healthy bond with their child's partner.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information about the behavior and learning challenges of the child however, they aren't competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The parents of the child and their health care provider must make these decisions with the support of the teacher.