How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms as well as your background with ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like a pregnancy or relationship issues can trigger awareness of the issue. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to get a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble waiting to be called and focusing at school or in other environments. These issues can greatly impact their performance at work, home, or school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months, and be more prominent than is normal for their age or development level. Additionally, they must be causing significant suffering and problems at school, at home or work, and also in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a certified health care professional. This may include a thorough physical examination and a review of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider may also examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents may be interviewed.
The provider will use American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will review the patient's current symptoms as well as past behavior, and look at the ways they affect their family, social, and professional life. If possible, he or she will review the person's past behavior as well as school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, a provider will look into whether they have a mental health issue that co-occurs, and whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more prone to develop it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This involves examining the patient's symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a time of a few weeks. They will also ask about any other issues the person has 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 are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and may refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical exam which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step in diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might also suggest an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This kind of scan can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive and safe way.
In an interview with the person, the examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental background dating back to childhood, in addition to his 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).
adhd diagnosis uk adult may ask teachers and others who spend a lot of time with children to complete questionnaires or checklists. They may also ask parents to complete these forms. For adults, he or she will often discuss marriage with spouses and other close friends as well as colleagues and may also 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 how long the symptoms have been present for, and whether they are causing impairment at home, school, work or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional should also screen for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition the thorough examination will also check the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging the school staff to watch the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD can benefit from regular physical activity and a balanced diet, which will improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, as they can make their symptoms worse. They should also get enough sleep.
The symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence and into adulthood. In adults, they may manifest in the form of problems at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will perform an evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes an examination of the mental health history along with a physical exam, and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, spouse or partner and other people who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they impact them. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to verify that the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may also inquire about any medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD A medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. They are able to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor all medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants, causing dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to try different types and doses of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some cases the reduction of exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleep and diet as well as family structure and medications. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to manage triggers and recommend an dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance.
Children can also be assisted by following the same routines, limiting caffeine and sugar and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Try to avoid nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific basis or could interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they be suffering from ADHD should seek out an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist to get an assessment. The doctor will look over medical records, conduct physical examinations and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the patient's behavior and apply standardized ratings scales. The therapist will assess the severity and duration of core ADHD-related symptoms as well being aware of whether they have a significant impact on a person's daily life.
Often, a therapist will work with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient in metacognitive techniques that involve the identification and modification of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods and perceptions of limited choices. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting a good sleep hygiene, and avoiding stimulants. They must also encourage their child to be social and try to develop a healthy relationship with their spouse.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about behavior and learning issues in the child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The student's parents and healthcare provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.