Quiz: How Much Do You Know About ADHD Diagnoses?
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any history of ADHD. He will also review your family history.
A lot of people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. A significant event, like pregnancy or a breakup can trigger awareness of the problem. Recognizing the issue is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble sitting still, waiting for a call and paying attention in school or other settings. These issues can greatly affect their functioning at home, work, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must be present for a minimum of 6 months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age and development level. In addition, they must be causing significant pain and issues at school, home, work, and in relationships.
A qualified health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a thorough physical examination and a review of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to thyroid disease or depression. The health professional may also review the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. In addition, he will ask the patient questions about his or her symptoms. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents can be interviewed.
The provider will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will look at the person's past and current behavior and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If possible the therapist will examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will consider whether they have mental health issues that is co-occurring, and whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. Family members of those who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a health professional suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will provide the patient with a complete clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for a few weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues that the person may have and will consult the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine if they have any of the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care 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 practitioners and psychiatrists are all certified to diagnose ADHD. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They can refer adults for a comprehensive assessment.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an extensive medical examination, including assessment of hearing and vision. A specialist might suggest an examination of the brain, called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid or NEBA, to measure the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
In adult diagnosis adhd with the person the examiner will review the patient's medical and mental history dating back to childhood, in addition to 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 will ask teachers and others who spend a lot of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. They may also ask parents to complete these forms. For adults, they will usually talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as co-workers, 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. They will also determine how long the symptoms have been present and whether they cause impairment at home, school or at work, or in other areas of daily life.
The mental health professional should also screen for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also determine any physical causes for the individual's symptoms like thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. A thorough screening will also look at the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging school staff to monitor the child closely, providing positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also instruct relaxation techniques and methods for calming such as meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can boost the ability of many children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods high in sugar can cause more symptoms. Also, they should ensure they sleep enough.
The symptoms of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties in their work or relationships. A doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. This evaluation includes an examination of the mind, a physical examination, and interviews with the individual, his or parents or spouses, and other people who are familiar with the person. The healthcare provider might request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect him or her. They can also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with typical criteria for ADHD. The person may inquire about medical conditions that can be similar to ADHD symptoms, for example thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to control the symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. These drugs are likely to cause adverse negative effects, therefore one should only use them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or is taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD have to try different dosages and types of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some instances, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleep and diet and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can assist you in finding ways to control these triggers, and refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet.
Children can also be assisted by following the same routines, limiting caffeine and sugar and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no research-based backing or that might interact 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, for diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe their behavior and apply standardized ratings scales. The therapist will take into consideration the severity and duration of core ADHD-related symptoms, as as whether they have an impact on a person's daily life.
Most often, therapists will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other strategies for organization, and train the patient in metacognitive strategies that focus on identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions about the lack of choices. Psychologists can prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can help by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an appropriate sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should encourage their child to be social and build a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on behavior and learning problems in the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions are taken by the child's parents, health care provider and teacher with the cooperation of all three.
