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How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and history with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
Often, Our Site are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. A major event, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship can trigger awareness of the problem. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to receive an assessment.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble being seated, waiting to be called and paying attention in school or other settings. These issues can greatly impact their performance at work, at home or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months and must be more than what is typical for the child's age or developmental level. They should also be causing significant issues at work, school and at home as well as in relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a qualified health care professional. This could include a physical exam and a look at other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health professional may also examine the patient's medical, psychiatric, and academic records. Additionally, he will interview the person about their symptoms. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents can be interviewed.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5 the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's present symptoms and past behavior, and look at how they interfere with their family, social and professional lives. If it is possible, he or she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences too.
When evaluating adults, the provider will consider whether they have a co-occurring mental health issue and will inquire whether the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. People with family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects someone has ADHD the doctor will conduct an entire clinical examination. This includes reviewing the person's current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily log of their symptoms over a period of several weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other conditions that the person may have and will consult the DSM-5 symptom guide to see if they have any of the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can perform screening and determine the severity of the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They might refer adults for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may suggest a brain scan known as an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to measure the relative concentration of the theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive and safe method.
In an interview with the individual, the examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental background dating 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 will ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to complete questionnaires or checklists. He or she might also request parents to fill out the forms. For adults, he or she will usually talk to spouses and other close friends as well as colleagues and may also interview a family member 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, and whether they cause impairment at home, school, work or in other aspects of life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition an extensive screening will also look at the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging the school staff to observe the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation and calming methods such as yoga or meditation. Many children suffering from ADHD can benefit from regular physical activity and a balanced diet, which can help increase their ability to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can aggravate symptoms. They should also sleep enough.
Symptoms of ADHD are present throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties at work or in relationships. A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state and physical examination and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents or spouses, and others 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. The doctor may also use rating scales or other tests to confirm if the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may also ask about any medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms, such as seizures disorder and thyroid disorder.
If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication is usually prescribed to manage the symptoms. Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs are likely to cause adverse effects, so a person should only take them under doctor's 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 adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try several different types and dosages before they find the one that is right for them.
Prevention
In certain cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers may help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleeping and eating habits, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers and can refer you for additional support or to a dietitian who can suggest changes in your diet.
Children can also be helped by following the same routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Beware of supplements for your diet that do not have scientific backing or may interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect that they suffer from ADHD should consult a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, conduct physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, observe the person's behavior in different environments and apply standardized rating scales. He or she will consider the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms as well being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's daily life.
A therapist may collaborate 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 skills, which involves identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of having fewer options. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Parents can also assist by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to socialize with others and build a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
The staff at the school can offer valuable information regarding issues with learning and behavior in children however, they aren't qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. The student's parents and health care provider have to make these decisions, with the assistance of the teacher.
