The Most Inspirational Sources Of ADHD Diagnoses
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and any history of ADHD. He will also review your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. A major event such as a pregnancy or relationship problems can prompt awareness of the problem. Recognizing the issue is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues in a way that affects their functioning at home, school or work. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months and must be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age or development level. They must be causing major problems 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 may include a physical examination, and also examining for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disease or depression. The health care provider will also examine the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically specific to their age and parents can be interviewed too.
The physician will follow 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 present symptoms and past behavior, and look at the ways they affect their family, social, and professional lives. If it is possible, he or will examine the person's past behavior as well as school experiences too.
When evaluating adults, the provider will consider whether or not they have an underlying mental health condition that is co-occurring, and will ask whether the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. Family members of those who suffer from the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD, they will perform a full clinical evaluation. This includes reviewing the patient's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms over the course of several weeks. He or she may also ask the person about any other medical conditions they suffer from, and refer them to the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They may refer adults for a comprehensive evaluation.
The first step in diagnosing ADHD is a thorough medical exam which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and vision. A specialist may also suggest a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a non-invasive, safe method of screening people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the person's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history dating to his childhood. The examiner will also review the individual's current symptoms as well as 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 request teachers and other individuals who spend a lot of time with the child to fill in checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may also request parents to fill out the forms. For adhd diagnosed , he or she is likely to discuss marriage with spouses and other close friends, and also co-workers, and may want to interview a family member who knows the person from 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 how long the symptoms have been present, and whether they are causing problems at school, home and at work, or in other areas of life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. The professional should also search for physical causes, like thyroid issues or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging the school staff to monitor the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a healthy diet which will improve their ability to focus and concentrate. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, as they can aggravate their symptoms. They must also get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can last through adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest as difficulties at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine whether 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 person and their parents, spouse or a life partner, and other people who know the person well. The provider may ask for an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect him or her. They can also use rating scales or other tests to confirm whether the person meets the standard criteria for ADHD. They will also collect a history of any medical issues that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD the medication is usually prescribed to control the symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. These drugs can cause side effects. It is recommended that you take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with the prescription of a doctor. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications he or she is taking, because certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD need to try a variety of types and dosages before they find one that works for them.
The following is a list of preventions.
In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include diet and sleep habits, family structure and medication. A GP can assist you on how to control triggers, and can recommend a dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be assisted by maintaining their routines, limiting caffeine and sugar and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid taking supplements that do not have research-based backing or that might interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should see a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis. The doctor will take a thorough medical history, perform a physical exam and review medical records to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, examine the patient's behavior in various settings and use standard rating scales. They will also look at the severity and frequency of core ADHD symptoms, and if they cause significant impairment in the person's life.
Often, a therapist will work with the family and patient to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient in metacognitive techniques, which involve identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions about the lack of choices. Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should encourage their child to socialize with others and establish a healthy bond between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on the behavior and learning issues of the student however they are unable to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. Parents and the student's health care provider have to make these decisions, with the assistance of the teacher.