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https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment

How ADHD Is Diagnosed Your doctor will be asking questions about your current symptoms as well as your previous experiences with ADHD He will also review your family history A lot of people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life A major event such as pregnancy or a crisis in a relationship can trigger awareness of the problem The first step in addressing ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain an assessment Characteristics While many children have trouble being still waiting their turn and paying attention at schools or in other settings children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD have these issues to a degree that significantly impairs functioning at home in school or at work The signs of hyperactivity inattention and impulsivity have to be present for a minimum of 6 months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the childs age and development level They should also be causing significant problems at school work home and in relationships The diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified health care provider This may include a thorough physical exam and a review of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like thyroid disease or depression The health care provider will also examine the persons family history as well as review medical psychiatric and academic records Additionally he will interview the person about his or her symptoms Children are asked questions based on their age and parents may be interviewed The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults as well as children These guidelines are described in DSM5 the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders He or she will examine the persons current symptoms and past behavior and look at how they interfere with their social family and professional lives If it is possible the therapist may also review the persons school and childhood experiences When evaluating adults a provider will consider whether they have mental health issues that is cooccurring and if there is a history of ADHD in the family People with family members with ADHD are more likely to develop it themselves If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD the doctor will conduct an entire clinical examination This involves examining the persons current symptoms and requesting that they keep a daily log of their symptoms over the course of a few weeks He or she will also ask about any other medical conditions the patient has and will consult the DSM5 symptom guide to determine if they have any of the criteria for ADHD Diagnosis Many health professionals who specialize in mental illness or are interested in ADHD can perform screening and make a diagnosis of the disorder Clinical psychologists nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are all certified to identify ADHD Some family doctors also diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment The first step in diagnosing ADHD is a thorough medical exam including evaluation of vision and hearing In addition a specialist may suggest an examination of the brain called an EEGBased Assessment Tool or NEBA to measure the relative concentration of the theta and beta waves in the brain This type of brain scan is a noninvasive safe method of screening people for ADHD In an interview with the individual the examiner reviews the persons medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood and also his present symptoms and coping strategies 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 may 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 ask parents to fill in these forms Adults often talk to their spouses colleagues 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 hyperactiveimpulsive symptoms The doctor will determine the duration for which symptoms have been present and whether they are causing impairment at home in school at work or in any other area of life Iam Psychiatry should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety depression or bipolar disorder They should also search for physical causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders Additionally an extensive screening will also look at the persons emotional social and family background Treatment Children with ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms Families can help by encouraging school staff to watch their childs progress providing positive feedback and showing flexible and patient They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming such as meditation or yoga Many children suffering from ADHD benefit from regular physical activity and a balanced diet which will increase their ability to concentrate and focus Sugary foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms They should also get enough sleep ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the adolescent years and into adulthood Adults may have difficulties at work or in relationships A doctor will conduct an evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and how severe it is The evaluation typically includes a mental health history along with a physical exam and interviews with the individual and their parents a spouse or a life partner and other people who know him or her well The doctor may request an inventory of the persons symptoms and how they affect him or her The doctor could also use ratings scales and other tests to confirm that the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD He or she will also conduct a medical history of any medical problems that have a tendency to mimic the symptoms of ADHD like seizures and thyroid disorders If a person is diagnosed with ADHD a medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults These medications can trigger side effects One should only take these medications under the supervision of a physician and with the prescription of a doctor Discuss with your doctor the medications you take Certain medications can interact with stimulants causing dangerous adverse effects Many people with ADHD have to try different types and doses of medication before they can find one that works The following is a list of preventions In some cases the reduction of exposure to triggers from the environment can help prevent ADHD symptoms This could include eating habits sleep habits family structure medications and exercise A GP can assist you in identifying ways to control triggers and suggest a dietitian for nutritional advice or additional support Children can also be helped by keeping their routines the same as well as limiting sugar and caffeine and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements consult your GP Avoid supplements for dietary purposes that have no scientific backing or that may interact with certain medications Adults who suspect ADHD should see an expert in mental health for diagnosis such as a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine the diagnosis The doctor will take a thorough history do a physical exam and look over medical records to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient look at the persons behavior in different settings and use the standard rating scales The therapist will assess the extent and duration of the core ADHDrelated symptoms as well as whether they have a significant impact on the persons daily life Usually a therapist will work with the family and patient to improve parenting skills teach time management and other organizational strategies and educate the patient in metacognitive techniques that focus on identifying and modifying thinking distortions that lead to negative moods and perceptions of limited choices Psychologists can also prescribe certain medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive treatment Parents can also assist by providing a secure and loving home setting clear expectations and rewards promoting good sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants Parents should encourage their children to be social and develop a healthy relationship with their childs partner The staff at the school can provide valuable information on behavior and learning issues in a child however they are not competent to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions The students parents and healthcare provider must make these decisions with the support of the teacher