3 Ways In Which The ADHD Diagnoses Influences Your Life
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your history with ADHD. He will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A major event, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship is a trigger for awareness of the problem. Finding a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with being seated, waiting for a call and paying attention in school or in other situations. These problems can significantly impact their performance at work, at home, or school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must have been present for at minimum six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. They must be causing major problems at school, work and at home as well as in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a certified health care professional. This could include a physical examination, and a look at other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid or depression. The health care professional will also examine the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. Additionally, he will talk to the patient about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents are also able to be interviewed.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will examine the patient's current symptoms as well as previous behavior, focusing on how they impact their family, social, and professional lives. If possible the therapist will examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When looking at adults, the physician will be able to determine whether they have a co-occurring mental health condition and will inquire whether the person has any family history of ADHD. People with family members who have the disorder are more likely to develop it.
If a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD, they will perform a full clinical evaluation. This will include analyzing the patient's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily log of their symptoms over the course of several weeks. He or she will also ask about any other issues the patient has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to see if they have any of the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all able to identify ADHD. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They can send adults to a full assessment.
A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may suggest an examination of the brain, known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA to determine the concentration of beta and theta waves in the brain. This kind of scan can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive and secure method.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history dating back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's current 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).
The doctor may request teachers and other professionals who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. He or she may also ask parents to complete these forms. For adults, he or she will usually talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as colleagues, and may want to interview someone from the family who knows the person from their 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 for how long the symptoms have been present and whether they cause problems at school, home or at work, or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also check for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. undiagnosed adhd in adults should also check for physical causes of the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition the thorough examination will also check the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging school staff to watch the child's progress, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming such as yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a healthy diet which will increase their ability to concentrate and focus. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks that can worsen their symptoms. They must also get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescence, and even into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to determine if a person has ADHD and the extent of it. The evaluation consists of an examination of the mind as well as a physical exam and interviews with the individual, his or parents or spouses, and other people who are familiar with the person. The doctor may request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with typical criteria for ADHD. He or she will also collect a note of any medical conditions that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD the medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These medications can cause negative side effects. One should only take these medications under the supervision of a doctor and with a prescription. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications she is taking, because certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try several different types and dosages of medication before finding one that works for him or her.
Prevention
In some instances, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include the way you eat, your sleep habits, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can assist you in finding ways to control these triggers, and refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian who can suggest changes in your diet.
Children can also be assisted by maintaining their routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Try to avoid nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific backing or be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should consult an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct an examination of the body and take a detailed medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply standard ratings scales. They will also examine the duration and presence of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they cause significant impairment in a person's life.
Often, a therapist will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient on metacognitive techniques, which involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that lead to negative moods and perceptions of a lack of choices. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Parents can also help by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and refraining from stimulants. They must also encourage their child to socialize, and make an effort to develop a healthy relationship with their spouse.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding behavior and learning problems in students, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health provider and teacher with the cooperation of all three.