How adhd diagnosis uk adult Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms as well as any history of ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. A significant event like the birth of a child or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the problem. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to obtain a diagnosis.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble sitting still, waiting to be called and focusing at school or other situations. These issues can seriously affect their functioning at home, work or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity should be present for a minimum of 6 months and must be significantly higher than what is normal for the child's age or development level. They must also be causing significant problems at school, work, home and in relationships.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a certified health care professional. This may include a physical exam and a look at other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disease or depression. The health professional may also look over the patient's medical, mental health, and academic records. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms. For children the questions are generally geared toward their age, and parents may be interviewed as well.
The physician will follow American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and in children. These guidelines are described in DSM-5 which is the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will review the person's current symptoms and past behavior, and look at how they impact their social, family and professional life. If it is possible, he or will examine the person's childhood behavior and school experiences as well.
When looking at adults, the physician will be able to determine whether or not they suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition, and will ask whether the person has any family history of ADHD. Family members of those who have the disorder are more prone to develop it.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD and is concerned about it, they will conduct an entire clinical examination. This includes reviewing the patient's symptoms and asking them to keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a time of a few weeks. The doctor will also ask about any other issues the patient has and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to see whether they meet the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care professionals who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can screen and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all able to identify ADHD. Family physicians may also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and might refer adults to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
The first step in identifying ADHD is an exhaustive medical exam that includes an examination of vision and hearing. In addition, a specialist may suggest the brain scan, also called an EEG-Based Assessment Tool, or NEBA to determine the amount of beta and theta waves within the brain. This kind of scan can be used to screen for ADHD in a non-invasive and secure way.
The examiner will review the person's medical history, including his psychiatric and medical history that dates back to childhood. The doctor will also discuss the person's current symptoms and coping mechanisms. 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 others who spend a lot of time with children to fill out checklists or questionnaires. The doctor may also ask parents to fill in these forms. For adults, they will often discuss marriage with spouses and other close friends as well as co-workers, and may want to interview a family member who knows the person from their 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 how long symptoms have been present and if they result in problems at home, at school, at work or in any other part of life.
The mental health professional should also be able to detect other disorders which share symptoms with ADHD such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she must also search for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. A thorough examination will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background.
Treatment
Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to manage their symptoms. Family members can aid them by encouraging school staff to watch the child closely, providing positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also teach the child relaxation techniques and techniques for calming like meditation or yoga. Many children suffering from ADHD can benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet which will enhance their ability to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms. Also, they should ensure they get enough rest.
ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties in their work or relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD and the severity of it. This usually involves an examination of the mental health history along with a physical exam, and interviews with the individual, his or her parents, a spouse or life partner and others who know him or her well. The provider may ask for a list of the individual's symptoms and how they affect him or her. They could also use rating scales or other tests to verify that the person is in compliance with the standardized criteria for ADHD. The person may also inquire about any medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, for example seizures and thyroid disorders.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD medications will be prescribed to treat symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These medications have the potential to cause adverse effects, so a person should only use them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. The patient should inform the doctor about any other medications are taking, as certain medications can interact with stimulants to cause dangerous adverse effects. Many people suffering from ADHD must try different dosages and types of medication before they find one that works.
Prevention
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to environmental triggers can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These triggers could include sleep and diet as well as family structure and medications. A GP can help you find ways to deal with these triggers, and refer you for additional support or a dietitian to recommend nutritional changes.
Children can also be assisted by keeping their routines the same, limiting caffeine and sugar and taking regular vitamins and mineral supplements (consult your GP). Try to avoid supplements for your diet that do not have a scientific backing or be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should visit an expert in mental health for diagnosis, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a thorough history, conduct a physical exam and review medical records to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will speak to the patient, observe the person's behavior in different environments and apply standard rating scales. He or she will also consider the presence and duration of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they result in significant impairments in the person's life.
Most often, therapists will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills to teach time management and other organizational strategies and instruct the patient in metacognitive techniques that focus on identifying and modifying "thinking distortions" that cause negative moods and perceptions of limited alternatives. Psychologists can also prescribe medication and work with other mental health professionals to provide complete care.
Parents can also help by providing a secure and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewarding, encouraging good sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants. Parents should encourage their children to be social and build a healthy relationship between them and their partner.
School staff can provide valuable information regarding the learning and behavior of students, but they cannot diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. The parents of the child and their healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the assistance of the teacher.