How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your background with ADHD. He will also examine your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. A major event, such as pregnancy or a breakup, triggers awareness of the problem. Finding a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulties with being seated, waiting for a call and focusing at school or other situations. These issues can seriously impact their performance at work, home, or school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least six months and be significantly higher than what is normal for the child's age or development level. They should also be causing significant problems at work, school or at home, as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a trained health care provider. This could include a physical exam and checking for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like thyroid or depression. The health care provider will also review the family history of the patient and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, 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 provider will use the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults as laid out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will review the person's current symptoms and previous behavior, focusing on how they impact their family, social, and professional lives. If it is possible the therapist will examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a provider will consider whether they have a mental health issue that is co-occurring, as well as the presence of ADHD in the family. People who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to have it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD, they will perform an extensive clinical assessment. This involves examining the patient's current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a time of several weeks. The doctor may also inquire about any other issues they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the individual has any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and make a diagnosis of the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They might recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of sight and hearing is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may recommend the brain scan, also called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA, to measure the concentration of beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of scanning can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive and secure manner.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his medical and psychiatric background that goes back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's present symptoms and coping mechanisms. 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 other staff members who spend a lot of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she may also ask parents to complete these forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close friends. They might also wish 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 if they are causing problems at school, home and at work, or in other areas of daily life.
how to get diagnosed with adhd uk should also look for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes, like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. A thorough screening will also examine the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging school staff to observe the child's progress, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques like yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can enhance the ability of many children with ADHD to focus and concentrate. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. Also, they should ensure they get enough sleep.
The symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. This usually involves an examination of the mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the person, his or her parents, spouse or a life partner, and other family members who know the person well. The healthcare provider might ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they impact them. They can also use rating scales or other tests to determine if the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. The person may also ask about any medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is identified as having ADHD the medication is prescribed to manage symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs can cause negative side effects. It is recommended that you 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 is taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try different types and doses of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some instances, reducing the exposure to environmental triggers can aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These can include eating habits, sleeping habits, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers, and refer you for additional support or to a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet.
Consult your GP for more information. Avoid nutritional supplements that don't have scientific backing or may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should consult a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will take a detailed history, do physical examination and review medical records to rule out other possible causes for 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. The therapist will also examine the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and whether they result in significant impairments in a person's life.
Most often, therapists will collaborate with the patient and family to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other strategies for organization and instruct the patient on metacognitive techniques, which involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that lead to negative moods and perceptions of limited alternatives. Psychologists can prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can aid by offering a safe, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. Parents should also encourage their child to socialize, and make an effort to build a healthy bond with their partner.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information about issues with learning and behavior in the child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions with the help of the teacher.