How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any history of ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A major event, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship is a trigger for awareness of the issue. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to obtain a diagnosis.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble staying still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in school or in other settings, children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems in a way that hinders their performance at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should have been present for at minimum six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental stage. They must also be causing significant issues at school, work and at home as well as in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a certified health care provider. This may include a thorough physical examination and a check for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to thyroid disease or depression. The health professional will also look at the person's family history as well as review medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, the doctor will ask the patient questions about his or her symptoms. For children, the questions are usually geared toward their age, and parents are sometimes interviewed as well.
The physician will follow the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in children and adults, which are outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will analyze the person's behavior in the past and present and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If possible the therapist will review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment of adults, a doctor will consider whether they have a mental health issue that is co-occurring, and the presence of ADHD in the family. Family members of those who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a doctor suspects someone has ADHD the doctor will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. adult diagnosis adhd includes reviewing the person's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues the patient has and will consult the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine if they have any of the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care 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 nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Certain family physicians diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They can recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam, including evaluation of vision and hearing. In addition, a specialist might suggest an examination of the brain, called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to measure the amount of beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method for screening individuals for ADHD.
The examiner will review the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history dating 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).
For children and teens being screened for ADHD the doctor will likely have teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of time with the child to complete questionnaires or checklists. They might also ask parents to fill out these forms. Adults will often speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close family members. They might also want to interview someone who has been with 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. He or she will also determine how long the symptoms have been present, and if they are causing difficulties at home, school and at work, or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also be able to detect other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. The professional should also search for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging school staff to monitor their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patience. They can also help teach methods of relaxation and calming such as yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can enhance the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. Drinks and foods high in sugar can cause more symptoms. They should also make sure they get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can last through the adolescent years, and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties in their work or relationships. A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes an examination of the mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the individual and their parents, spouse or life partner and other people who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. They can also use rating scales and other tests to determine whether the person meets the the standard criteria for ADHD. He or she will also conduct a medical history of any medical issues that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is identified as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to control symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. These drugs can cause adverse effects. A person should only take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with a prescription. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try different types and doses of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers may help prevent ADHD symptoms. This could include the way you eat, your sleeping habits, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can help you on how to control triggers, and can refer you to an dietitian for nutritional advice or additional support.
Children can also be helped by keeping their routines the same, limiting caffeine and sugar, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid dietary supplements without scientific backing or that may interfere with certain medications.
Adults who believe they be suffering from ADHD should see an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will review medical records, perform an examination of the body and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply the standard ratings scales. The therapist will also look at the duration and presence of core ADHD symptoms, and whether they affect a person's life.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient as well as 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" leading to negative moods or the perception of limited alternatives. Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep hygiene and avoid 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 the learning and behavior of a student However, they are not able to diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. These decisions must be taken by the student's parents, health provider, and teacher with support of each other.