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How ADHD Is Diagnosed Your doctor will ask questions regarding your current symptoms and your previous experiences with ADHD. He will also examine your family history. People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later years. A major event such as a pregnancy or relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the issue. Getting a diagnosis is the first step in managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning. Characteristics While many children have trouble being still, waiting for their turn and paying attention in schools and other settings, kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to a degree that significantly impairs functioning at home, school or work. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must have been present for at least six months and be significantly more than what is expected for their age or development level. They should also be causing significant issues at school, work and at home as well as in relationships. The diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a qualified health professional. This may include a thorough physical exam and a look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider may also look over the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. Additionally, he will interview the person about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions according to their age, and parents may be interviewed. The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The doctor will examine the patient's behavior, both in the past and now, and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If possible, he she will review the person's behavior in their childhood and school experiences too. When evaluating adults, the provider will consider whether or not they have a co-occurring mental health issue and will inquire if the person has a family history of ADHD. People with family members who have the disorder are more likely to develop it. If a healthcare professional suspects someone is suffering from ADHD, he or she will give the person a complete clinical evaluation that includes a review of their current symptoms and asking them to keep a daily journal of their symptoms for several weeks. The doctor may also ask the person about any other medical conditions they have, and use the DSM-5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient has any of the ADHD criteria. Diagnosis Many health care professionals who specialize in mental illness or have a keen interest in ADHD can conduct screenings and determine the severity of the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. adhd diagnosis in adult diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children, and may refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment. A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of sight and hearing is the first step to diagnosing ADHD. A specialist might also suggest the use of a brain scanner, also known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of brain scan is a safe, noninvasive method to screen people for ADHD. The examiner will review the person's medical history, including his medical and psychiatric history that dates back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss the individual's current symptoms as well as 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 may ask teachers and other staff members who spend a lot of time with children to fill out questionnaires or checklists. He or she might also ask parents to complete these forms. Adults often talk to their spouses, colleagues and other close family members. They might also wish to interview someone who has been with 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. They will also determine the length of time the symptoms have been present, and whether they are causing impairment at home, school or at work, or in other areas of daily life. The mental health professional should also look for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. He or she must also look for physical causes for example, thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also take a look at the person's social, emotional and family history. Treatment Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can assist them by encouraging the school staff to monitor the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach relaxation techniques and methods for calming, such as meditation or yoga. Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can enhance the ability of children suffering from ADHD to focus and concentrate. They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate their symptoms. They should also get enough sleep. The signs of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties in their work or relationships. A health care provider will conduct an assessment to determine if someone has ADHD and the severity of it. The evaluation typically includes an assessment of mental health along with a physical exam, and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents, a spouse or a life partner, and others who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might ask the person to list their symptoms and how they impact them. They can also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standard 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 someone is diagnosed with ADHD, a medication will usually be prescribed to treat the symptoms. The majority of stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. These medications can cause negative side effects. It is recommended that you take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with the prescription of a doctor. It is also important to inform the doctor about any other medications he or are taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to create dangerous side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try different dosages and types of medication before they can find one that works. Prevention In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers can be related to diet, routines for sleeping family structure, medications and exercise. A GP can guide you in finding ways to manage triggers and refer you to a dietitian to get nutritional advice or for additional assistance. Consult your GP for more information. Avoid taking supplements that do not have scientific backing or that may be incompatible with certain medications. Adults who suspect ADHD should see a mental health professional for diagnosis, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, for diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, conduct a physical examination and take a detailed medical history to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak with the patient, observe their behavior and use the standard ratings scales. The therapist will also look at the severity and frequency of core ADHD symptoms, and if they cause significant impairment in the person's life. Therapists may collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management and other methods for managing time. They can also instruct the patient in metacognitive skills which includes identifying and changing “thinking distortions” that can cause negative moods or the perception of having fewer options. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment. Parents can also aid by providing a stable and loving home by setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. Parents must also encourage their child to socialize, and make an effort to establish a healthy relationship with their partner. Staff at the school can provide valuable information about behavior and learning issues in a child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. Parents and the student's health care provider must make these decisions with the assistance of the teacher.