This Is How ADHD Diagnoses Will Look In 10 Years' Time
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms as well as your previous experiences with ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship, triggers awareness of the problem. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to obtain a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty being seated, waiting to be called and paying attention in school or other situations. These issues can seriously impact their performance at work, home or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity have to be present for a minimum of 6 months and be significantly higher than what is normal for the child's age and development level. They must be causing major problems at work, school or at home, as well as in relationships.
A trained health care professional must conduct a medical evaluation to diagnose ADHD. This may include a physical exam, and checking for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like thyroid or depression. The health professional may also look over the patient's medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient 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. read here are outlined in DSM-5, the fifth edition of 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 social, professional and family life. If it is possible the therapist will look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a healthcare professional will determine if they suffer from a mental health condition that is co-occurring, and whether there is a history of ADHD in the family. People who have family members who have the disorder are more likely to develop it.
If a doctor suspects someone may have ADHD, they will perform an entire clinical examination. This will include analyzing the person's current symptoms and asking them to keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. He or she may also inquire about any other conditions they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They may recommend adults to undergo a thorough evaluation.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam, including evaluation of vision and hearing. A specialist might suggest a brain scan known as an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA, to measure the amount of beta and theta waves in the brain. This type of scanning can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive and secure way.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history dating to his childhood. The examiner will also review the person's present symptoms and ways of 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 request teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. He or she may also ask parents to complete these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close family members. They might also wish to interview someone who has known 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 the length of time the symptoms have been present and whether they cause problems at school, home, work or in other areas of daily life.
The mental health professional must also screen for other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder. He or she should also check for physical causes for the individual's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep issues. A thorough screening will also take a look at the person's psychological, 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 watch their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and calming techniques like meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can boost the ability of many children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, as they can worsen their symptoms. They should also get enough sleep.
ADHD symptoms can last through adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. For adults, they can manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A healthcare professional will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD and the extent of it. This evaluation usually includes an examination of the mental health history, a physical exam and interviews with the individual and their parents, a spouse or partner and others who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might request a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to determine that the person is in compliance with standard criteria for ADHD. He or she will also collect a note of any medical conditions that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medicines used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These drugs can cause adverse effects. A person should only 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 are taking, as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to create dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of types and dosages of medication before they find the one that is right for him or her.
The following is a list of preventatives.
In certain cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers in the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms. This could include eating habits, sleep habits family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can assist you on how to control triggers and refer you to an dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be assisted by following the same routines by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no scientific backing or that may interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should see a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for diagnosis. The doctor will review medical records, perform physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, look at the patient's behavior in various situations and employ the standard rating scales. The therapist will take into consideration the severity and duration of core ADHD-related symptoms as well in determining whether they have a significant impact on the person's daily life.
A therapist may collaborate with a patient and their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive abilities that include the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of limited choices. Psychologists may also prescribe specific medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive care.
Parents can aid by providing a secure, loving home, establishing clear expectations and rewards, encouraging an appropriate sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants. Parents should also encourage their children to socialize, and work to develop a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the behavior and learning issues of the student, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions about treatment. The student's parents and healthcare provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.