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How ADHD Is Diagnosed Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any previous history of ADHD He will also look at your family history People are often diagnosed with ADHD in later life A major event such as pregnancy or a breakup can trigger awareness of the problem The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain an assessment Characteristics While many children have trouble being still waiting their turn and paying attention in schools or in other settings kids who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD suffer from these issues to the extent that affects their functioning at home in school or at work The symptoms of hyperactivity inattention and impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months and must be significantly higher than what is normal for the childs age or development level They should be causing major problems at work school home and in relationships Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a certified health care professional This may include a thorough physical exam and a check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression The health professional may also examine the patients medical psychiatric and academic records The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms For children the questions are typically targeted towards their age and parents may be interviewed as well The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children These guidelines are laid out in DSM5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders The doctor will look at the persons past and current behavior and how it impacts their social professional and family life If it is possible he or will examine the persons behavior in their childhood and school experiences too When conducting an assessment on adults the doctor will consider whether or not they have an underlying mental health condition that is cooccurring and ask whether the person has any family history of ADHD People who have family members who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have it themselves If the health care provider suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will conduct a complete clinical evaluation which includes reviewing their current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily journal of their symptoms for several weeks They can also inquire about any other issues they may have and then use the DSM5 symptoms guide to determine if the patient meets any of the ADHD criteria Diagnosis Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or who specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder Clinical psychologists nurse practitioner physician assistants and psychiatrists are all certified to identify ADHD Family doctors may diagnose ADHD in children adolescents and adults They may refer adults for a comprehensive assessment The first step in identifying ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam that includes an assessment of hearing and vision In addition a specialist may recommend an examination of the brain known as an EEGBased Assessment Aid or NEBA to measure the relative concentration of the beta and theta waves within the brain This type of scan can be used to detect ADHD in a noninvasive and secure method In an interview with the individual the examiner will review the persons medical and psychiatric background dating back to childhood and also the present symptoms and strategies for coping The doctor checks to see if the person meets the diagnostic criteria for either inattentive hyperactiveimpulsive or combined ADHD presentations as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition DSM5 The doctor will ask teachers and other staff members who spend a great deal of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires He or she might also ask parents to fill in these forms For adults he or she is likely to talk to spouses and other close friends as well as colleagues and may also interview a family member 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 hyperactiveimpulsive symptoms They will also determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they are causing problems at home at school at work or in any other aspect of life The mental health professional should also look for any other disorders that have symptoms with ADHD such as depression anxiety or bipolar disorder The professional should also look for physical causes like thyroid issues or sleep disorders A thorough examination will also look at the persons emotional social and family history Treatment Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms Family members can assist with this by encouraging school staff to observe the childs progress giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient They can also help teach the child relaxation and calming techniques such as yoga or meditation Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can boost the ability of a lot of children with ADHD to concentrate and focus They should stay away from sugary foods and drinks that can worsen their symptoms They should also get enough sleep The signs of ADHD may persist throughout adolescence and even into adulthood In adults they may manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships A doctor will perform an evaluation to determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it The evaluation typically includes a mental health history along with a physical exam and interviews with the person as well as his or her parents spouse or life partner and other family members who know him or her well The doctor may ask the person to list their symptoms and how they impact them The doctor may also utilize rating scales or other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standard criteria for ADHD They will also conduct a medical history of any medical issues that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as seizures and thyroid disorders If a person is diagnosed with ADHD A medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms The most popular are stimulants medicines used to treat ADHD in both adults and children These drugs are likely to cause adverse effects so a person should only use them under a physicians supervision and a prescription The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications he or is taking as certain drugs can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous adverse effects Many people with ADHD have to test a variety of kinds and dosages of medications before they find one that works for them The following is a list of preventatives In certain cases the reduction of exposure to environmental triggers can help in preventing ADHD symptoms These triggers can be related to diet routines for sleeping family structure medication and exercise This Web page can help you in finding ways to control triggers and suggest a dietitian for nutrition advice or other assistance 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 Avoid dietary supplements without scientific backing or that may be incompatible with certain medications Adults who believe they be suffering from ADHD should seek out a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis The doctor will conduct a thorough medical history perform an examination of the body and review medical records to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient examine the patients behavior in various situations and employ the standard rating scales He or she will also examine the presence and duration of core ADHD symptoms and whether they affect a persons life Most often therapists will work with the patient and family to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other strategies for organization and educate the patient in metacognitive techniques which involve identifying and changing thinking distortions that cause negative moods and perceptions of limited options Psychologists may prescribe certain medications and work with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment Parents can also aid by providing a secure and loving home with clear expectations and rewards encouraging good sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants Parents must also encourage their child to socialize and try to establish a healthy relationship with their spouse School staff can provide valuable information regarding behavior and learning problems in the student but they cannot diagnose ADHD or make decisions regarding treatment The parents of the child and their health care provider have to make these decisions with the help of the teacher