Is ADHD Diagnoses The Best Thing There Ever Was?
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms as well as your previous experiences with ADHD. The doctor will also examine your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like pregnancy or a relationship issues can trigger awareness of the problem. Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
diagnosis for adhd
While many children have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, kids who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to the extent that impairs functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and be noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental stage. They should also be causing significant issues at school, at work, home and in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a thorough physical exam and a check for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression. The health professional will also examine the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, the doctor will talk to the patient about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions in accordance with their age. parents may be interviewed.
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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will examine the patient's past and current behavior and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If possible, he or she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences, too.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will consider whether they have a mental health condition that is co-occurring, and if there is a history of ADHD in the family. People who have family members with the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD the doctor will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This includes reviewing the patient's current symptoms and asking them to keep a journal every day of their symptoms over the course of a few weeks. The doctor will also ask about any other issues the patient has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to see whether they meet the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and physician assistants, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They might refer adults for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step in identifying ADHD is an extensive medical examination that includes an evaluation of vision and hearing. A doctor may also recommend an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a safe, noninvasive method for screening individuals for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history that dates to his childhood. The examiner will also review the person's current 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).
The doctor may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. They may also ask parents to fill in the forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, coworkers, and other close family members. They may also want to interview someone who has known 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 for how long the symptoms have been present and whether they are causing problems at school, home, work or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also check for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional must also determine any physical causes for the person's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. A thorough examination will also take a look at the person's psychological, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging the school staff to watch their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming like meditation or yoga. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a healthy diet which can improve their ability to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can worsen symptoms. They should also make sure they get enough rest.
The signs of ADHD are present throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of trouble at work or in relationships. A doctor will perform an evaluation to determine whether a person has ADHD and the severity of it. This usually involves an examination of the mental health history along with a physical exam, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, a spouse or partner and other family members who know the person well. The provider may ask for a list of the person's symptoms and how they impact him or her. The doctor might also employ ratings scales and other tests to determine if the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. He or she will also collect a history of any medical problems which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication is prescribed to manage symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These drugs can cause negative side effects. A person should only take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with the prescription of a doctor. Discuss with your doctor all medications you are taking. Certain medications can interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous side effects. Many individuals with ADHD have to test a variety of kinds and dosages of medications before they find one that is suitable for them.
Prevention
In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers in the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include diet, sleep habits and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to control these triggers and can refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines, limiting caffeine and sugar and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of nutritional supplements that don't have scientific backing or may be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see an expert in mental health, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough medical history, perform a physical exam and look over medical records to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, look at the patient's behavior in various environments and apply standard rating scales. They will also examine the severity and frequency of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect a person's life.
Therapists may work with a patient and their family to improve parenting, teach time management and other techniques for organizing. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive abilities, which involves the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists can prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a secure and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an appropriate sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and build a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on behavior and learning problems in students however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. These decisions are taken by the child's parents, health care provider and teacher with the cooperation of all three.