5 Clarifications Regarding ADHD Diagnoses

How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and 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. The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to receive an assessment.
Characteristics
Many children have difficulty being still, waiting for their turn, and paying attention at schools or in other settings, those who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD experience these problems to the extent that affects their functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months and be significantly more than what is typical for the child's age or development level. Additionally, they should be causing significant pain and difficulties at school, home, work, and in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a trained health care professional. This may include a physical exam and a look at other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid or depression. The health professional will also review the person's family history and examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are generally targeted towards their age, and parents may be interviewed as well.
The doctor will apply 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 provider will look at the person's behavior in the past and present and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If it is possible the therapist may also examine the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, the provider will take into account whether they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition, and will ask if the person has an ancestral history of ADHD. People with family members who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects that a patient has ADHD the doctor will provide the patient with an exhaustive clinical evaluation that includes a review of their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily diary of their symptoms for a few weeks. They can also inquire about any other conditions they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the person meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
A thorough medical examination that includes an evaluation of hearing and sight, is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may also suggest the use of a brain scanner, also known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scanning is a non-invasive, safe method to screen people for ADHD.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical history that dates back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss 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 teens and children being evaluated for ADHD, the doctor will likely ask teachers and other people who spend much time with the child to complete questionnaires or checklists. He or she might also ask parents to complete such forms. For adults, he or she will often talk to spouses and other close friends, as well as colleagues and may also interview someone from the family 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 the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home, in school, at work, or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional should also check for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. adhd diagnosis adult or she should also look for any physical causes for the person's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep problems. A thorough examination will also look at the person's psychological, social and family history.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging school staff to monitor the child's progress, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach methods of relaxation and calming like yoga or meditation. Many children with ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a healthy diet, which can help increase their ability to focus and concentrate. They should avoid foods that are high in sugar and drinks that can worsen their symptoms. They must also get enough rest.
Symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulty in their work or relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. This usually involves a mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the individual as well as his or her parents, spouse or a life partner, and other family members who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might ask the person to list their symptoms and how they affect them. He or she may also use rating scales and other tests to verify that the person has met the standard criteria for ADHD. The person may also inquire about any medical conditions that can be similar to ADHD symptoms, like seizures and thyroid disorders.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication is prescribed to manage symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These drugs are likely to cause side consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or are taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD have to try various types and dosages of medications before they discover one that works.
Prevention
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers may help prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can include sleeping and eating habits and family structure, as well as medication. A GP can help you find ways to control these triggers, and then refer you for additional assistance or to a dietitian who can recommend nutritional changes.
Consult your GP for more information. Try to avoid dietary supplements that do not have a scientific backing or be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should consult a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to determine the diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a thorough medical history, perform physical examination and look over 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 standardized ratings scales. The therapist will assess the extent and duration of the core ADHD-related symptoms as well as whether they have a significant impact on a person's everyday life.
A therapist can collaborate with a patient and their family members to improve parenting, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities, which involves the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of limited alternatives. Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can assist by providing a secure family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to be social and develop a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the learning and behavior of students, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment. These decisions are made by the student's parents, health care provider, and teacher with assistance of the other.