What Is The Secret Life 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.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in the course of their lives. A significant event, like pregnancy or a breakup, triggers awareness of the problem. Recognizing the issue is the first step to managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble being seated, waiting for a call, and paying attention at school or other settings. These issues can seriously affect their functioning at work, home or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity have to be present for at least six months, and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. They must also be causing significant problems at school, work, home and in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a qualified health care professional. This could include a physical exam, and checking for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The health professional will also look at the person's family history and review medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are typically geared toward their age, and parents may be interviewed too.
The provider will use the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children that are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The doctor will analyze the person's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it impacts their social, professional and family life. If possible the therapist will look at the person's schooling and childhood experiences.
When conducting an assessment on adults, the doctor 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 with the disorder are more prone to develop it.
If a health care provider suspects that someone is suffering from ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct an extensive clinical assessment. This will include analyzing the patient's symptoms and asking them to keep a daily log of their symptoms over a time of several weeks. The doctor may also inquire about any other conditions they may have, and then use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient meets any of the ADHD criteria.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner, physician assistants and psychiatrists are all certified to recognize ADHD. Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. They might refer adults for a comprehensive assessment.
A thorough medical exam which includes a thorough assessment of hearing and sight, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. In addition, a specialist may suggest an examination of the brain, known as an EEG-Based Assessment Aid, or NEBA to measure the concentration of beta and theta waves within the brain. This type of scanning can be used to detect ADHD in a non-invasive and safe manner.
In an interview with the person an examiner reviews the patient's medical and mental history dating back to childhood, in addition to the present 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).
For adolescents and children being evaluated for ADHD, the doctor may ask teachers and other people who spend long periods of time with the child to fill out questionnaires or checklists. They may ask parents to fill in the forms. For adults, he or she is likely to discuss marriage with spouses and other close friends, as well as colleagues and may also interview relatives who know 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 for how long the symptoms have been present and whether they are causing problems at school, home or at work, or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. The professional should also check for physical causes for the person's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep disorders. Additionally an extensive screening will also check the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can help by encouraging school staff to observe their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and showing flexible and patient. They can also help teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming such as yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can boost the ability of a lot of children suffering from ADHD to focus and concentrate. Drinks and foods that are high in sugar can worsen symptoms. Also, they should ensure they get enough sleep.
The signs of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties in their work or relationships. A health care provider will perform an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD and how severe it is. This evaluation includes an assessment of the mental state as well as a physical exam and interviews with the person and his or her parents, spouses or partners, and others who are familiar with the person. The doctor may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they impact them. The doctor might also employ rating scales or other tests to determine if the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. The person may also inquire about any medical conditions that can be a cause of ADHD symptoms, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If the person is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication will usually be prescribed to treat the symptoms. The most popular are stimulants. medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children. These medications have the potential to cause side effects, so a person should only take them under medical supervision and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor any medications you are taking. Certain drugs may interact with stimulants and cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try several different types and dosages of medication before finding one that works for him or her.
Prevention
In some cases, reducing exposure to environmental triggers can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. This could include eating habits, routines for sleeping and family structure, as well as medication and exercise. A GP can guide you in identifying ways to control triggers, and can recommend a dietitian to get nutritional advice or additional support.
Children can also be assisted by keeping their routines the same by limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Beware of supplements for your diet that do not have scientific backing or may interact with certain medications.
Adults who believe they be suffering from ADHD should see a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. The doctor will take a thorough history, conduct a physical exam and look over medical records to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the person's behavior in different situations and employ standardized rating scales. adhd diagnosis in adults will take into consideration the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms, as well being aware of whether they have an impact on a person's everyday life.
Often, a therapist will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other organizational strategies, and train the patient on metacognitive techniques that focus on identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of limited alternatives. Psychologists can prescribe specific medications and work with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep habits and avoiding stimulants. They should also encourage their children to be social and make an effort to establish a healthy relationship with their child's partner.
Staff at the school can provide valuable information on behavior and learning issues in children, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. The parents of the child and their healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the support of the teacher.