Everything You Need To Know About ADHD Diagnoses
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and background with ADHD. getting a adhd diagnosis will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. An event that is significant, such as the birth of a child or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. Finding a diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty sitting still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, those who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems in a way that impairs functioning at home, in school or at work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should be present for a minimum of 6 months and must be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age or development level. They must be causing major problems at work, school, home and in relationships.
A certified health professional must conduct a medical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a physical examination, and checking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also review the family history of the patient and review medical, psychiatric, and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children, the questions are usually specific to their age and parents may be interviewed too.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will analyze the person's past and current behavior and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If possible, he will examine the person's childhood behavior and school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will determine if they suffer from a mental health issue that is co-occurring, and if 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 the health care provider suspects someone is suffering from ADHD, he or she will provide the patient with an extensive clinical assessment which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily diary of their symptoms for several weeks. They will also ask about any other conditions the patient has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if they have any of the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and physician assistants, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical examination which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, a doctor might suggest an examination of the brain, called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to measure the relative concentration of the beta and theta 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, the examiner reviews the person's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, and also the present symptoms and coping strategies. 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 lot of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may also ask parents complete such forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, coworkers, and other close family members. They may 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. The doctor will determine how long symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in school, at work or in any other aspect of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. The professional should also check for physical causes for the person's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. Additionally, a thorough screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging school staff to watch their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also help teach methods of relaxation and calming like yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can cause more symptoms. Also, they should ensure they sleep enough.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescence, and even into adulthood. In adults, they may manifest in the form of trouble at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. This usually involves an assessment of mental health as well as a physical examination and interviews with the person, his or her parents, spouse or partner and other people who know the person well. The provider may ask for an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect him or her. The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm if the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also collect a history of any medical issues which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is typically prescribed to control the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These medications have the potential to cause side negative effects, therefore one should only take them under a medical supervision and with a prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications is taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous side effects. Many individuals with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages of medication before they find the one that is right for them.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In certain cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleeping and eating habits as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to control triggers and refer you to a dietitian to get nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid taking supplements that do not have scientific backing or that may be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who believe they have ADHD should see a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will review medical records, perform physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, observe the patient's behavior, and utilize the standard ratings scales. The therapist will take into consideration the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms as well being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's everyday life.
A therapist can collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills, which involves the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of having fewer alternatives. Psychologists may prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also help by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and avoid stimulants. They should also encourage their child to interact with others, and try to develop a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
The staff at the school may provide valuable information about issues with learning and behavior in children however, they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. The parents of the child and their health care provider must make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.