Why Is ADHD Diagnoses So Popular

How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms and background with 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 a pregnancy or relationship problems can prompt awareness of the problem. The first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning is to obtain a diagnosis.
Characteristics
While many children have trouble sitting still, waiting for their turn, and paying attention at school or in other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to the extent that affects their functioning at home, in school or at work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should have been present for at least six months, and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or developmental stage. They should also be causing significant issues at work, school or at home, as well as in relationships.
A qualified health care professional must conduct a clinical evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. This could include a physical examination, and a look at other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health professional will also review the person's family history as well as examine medical, psychiatric and academic records. Additionally, he will talk to the patient about his or her symptoms. For children the questions are generally targeted towards their age, and parents can be interviewed as well.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are laid out in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He or she will look at the person's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it affects their professional, social and family life. If possible, he or she will review the person's childhood behavior and school experiences as well.
When evaluating linked resource site , the provider will consider whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue, and will ask whether the patient has a family history of ADHD. Family members of those who suffer from the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
If a health care provider suspects someone may have ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct an entire clinical examination. This will include analyzing the patient's current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily log of their symptoms over a period of a few weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other medical conditions that the person may have and will consult the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if they have any of the characteristics of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can conduct screenings and make a diagnosis of the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists. Family doctors may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and might refer adults to specialists for a thorough assessment.
The first step in identifying ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam, including evaluation of vision and hearing. A doctor may also recommend the use of a brain scanner, also known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the relative intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method for screening individuals for ADHD.
In an interview with the person an examiner reviews the individual's medical and psychiatric history going 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 who are being assessed for ADHD, the doctor may request teachers and other individuals who spend long periods of time with the child to fill out checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may also ask parents to fill in these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, colleagues and other close friends. They may also want 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. The doctor will also determine the length of time the symptoms have been present, and whether they are causing difficulties at home, school and at work, or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional must also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. The professional should also check for physical causes of the person's symptoms such as thyroid problems or sleep issues. A thorough examination will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children with ADHD require learning to manage their symptoms. Family members can help with this by encouraging school staff to observe the child's progress, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also teach methods of relaxation and calming, such as yoga or meditation. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can boost the ability of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can worsen symptoms. They should also ensure they get enough sleep.
The signs of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence, and even into adulthood. Adults may experience difficulties in their work or relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is. The evaluation consists of a mental history, a physical examination, and interviews with the individual and his or her parents, spouses or partners, and other people who are familiar with him or her. The provider may request the patient to list their symptoms and how they affect them. The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm whether the person meets the typical criteria for ADHD. They will also take a note of any medical conditions which could mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
If a person is diagnosed as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. These medications can cause negative side effects. A person should only 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 cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD must try various types and dosages of medication before they find one that works.
The following is a list with preventions.
In certain cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers can be related to the way you eat, your sleeping habits, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can assist you in identifying ways to manage triggers and refer you to an dietitian for nutritional advice or for additional assistance.
Children can also be helped by maintaining their routines as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Avoid nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific basis or could interact with certain medications.
Adults who suspect ADHD should consult a mental health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, for diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a thorough history, conduct a physical exam and review medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe the person's behavior and apply the standard ratings scales. He or she will consider the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms as well in determining whether they have a significant impact on the person's daily life.
Therapists may work with a patient and their family members to improve parenting, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also coach the patient in metacognitive skills which includes the identification and correction of "thinking distortions" which can lead to negative moods or the perception of a lack of choices. Psychologists can also prescribe medications and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can help by offering a safe family environment, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting an excellent sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and build a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
The staff at the school can provide valuable information on issues with learning and behavior in children however, they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment recommendations. These decisions must be taken by the child's parents, health provider and teacher with the assistance of the other.