Everything You Need To Know About ADHD Diagnoses

How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your background with ADHD. He will also look at your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A significant event like a pregnancy or relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the problem. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty sitting still, waiting for a call and paying attention in school or in other situations. These issues can greatly impact their performance at work, at home or at school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity have to be present for at least 6 months and must be more than what is typical for the child's age or developmental level. Additionally, they must be causing significant pain and difficulties at home, school or work, and also in relationships.
Being diagnosed with adhd diagnosis in adults requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a qualified health care provider. This could include a thorough physical examination and a check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms like depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider will also review the person's family history and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. In addition, he will ask the patient questions about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically specific to their age and parents can be interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will look at the person's past and current behavior and how it impacts their professional, social and family life. If it is possible the therapist may also look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When looking at adults, the physician will take into account whether or not they have a co-occurring mental health issue, and will ask whether the patient has a family history of ADHD. People who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to have it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that someone has ADHD, he or she will conduct a complete clinical evaluation, including reviewing their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily diary of their symptoms for some weeks. He or she may also inquire about any other issues they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person has any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents, and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical examination, including an assessment of sight and hearing is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might suggest a brain scan called an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA to determine the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a non-invasive, safe method to screen people for ADHD.
In an interview with the individual an examiner reviews the person's medical and psychiatric background dating back to childhood, and also his 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 will ask teachers and others who spend a lot of time with children to complete checklists or questionnaires. They may request parents to fill out the forms. For adults, he or she will often talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as colleagues and may also 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 symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in the workplace, at school, or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional should also check for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. They should also search for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough screening will also examine the person's social, emotional and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can support this by encouraging the school staff to watch their child's progress, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also help teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve the ability of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks that can worsen their symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
Symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty in their work or relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation consists of a mental history, a physical examination, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents and spouses or partners 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. They could also use rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standardized 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 diagnosed as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to treat symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These medications can trigger adverse effects. It is recommended that you use these drugs under the supervision of a doctor and with the prescription of a doctor. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages before they find one that works for them.
Prevention
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include eating habits, routines for sleeping family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can help you on how to control triggers and refer you to a dietitian to get nutrition advice or other 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 scientific evidence or that could be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should visit an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will take a detailed history, conduct a physical exam and review medical records to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe the person's behavior and use standard ratings scales. He or she will also look at the severity and frequency of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they result in significant impairments in a person's life.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient and their family to improve parenting, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills that include the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of limited choices. Psychologists can also prescribe certain medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can help by offering a safe, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents must also encourage their child to interact with others, and try to establish a healthy relationship with their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information on the learning and behavior of the student However, they are not able to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. The parents of the child and their healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the help of the teacher.