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How ADHD Is Diagnosed Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any previous history of ADHD. The doctor will also review your family history. Often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. An event that is significant, such as pregnancy or a relationship crisis can trigger awareness of the problem. Finding a diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning. Characteristics Children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have significant difficulty being seated, waiting for a call and focusing at school or in other settings. These issues can seriously affect their functioning at home, work or at school. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity must be present for at least six months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age and development level. Additionally, they must be causing significant distress and problems at school, at home or work, and also in relationships. Being diagnosed with ADHD requires an extensive clinical assessment by a qualified health care provider. This could include a physical examination, and a look at other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or thyroid disease. The health care provider will also review the person's family history as well as review medical, psychiatric and academic records. Additionally, he will interview the person about the symptoms they are experiencing. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents may be interviewed. The doctor will apply American Psychiatric Association clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults and children. These guidelines are outlined in DSM-5, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The provider will examine the patient's past and current behavior and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If possible, the therapist will also review the person's school and childhood experiences. When looking at adults, the physician will be able to determine whether they suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue and will inquire whether the person has any family history of ADHD. Family members of those who suffer from the disorder are more likely to have it themselves. If a healthcare professional suspects someone has ADHD, they will perform a full clinical evaluation. This involves examining the patient's symptoms and asking them to keep a daily log of their symptoms over a time of a few weeks. He or she will also inquire about any other medical conditions that the person may have and will refer to the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine if they have any of the characteristics of ADHD. Diagnosis Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or specialize in mental illness are able to screen and diagnose the disorder. This includes clinical psychologists and nurse practitioners, physician assistants psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and. Some family doctors also diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents and might refer adults to specialists for a comprehensive assessment. A thorough medical exam, including an assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. A specialist may also suggest an MRI scanner called an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to measure the intensity of theta and Beta waves in the brain. This type of scan is a safe, noninvasive method for screening individuals for ADHD. In an interview with the person an examiner reviews the person's medical and psychiatric history going back to childhood, as well as the present symptoms and coping strategies. 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 in checklists or questionnaires. They may request parents to fill out the forms. For adults, he or she is likely to talk to spouses and other close friends as well as co-workers, and may want to interview relatives who know 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 hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. He or she will also determine the length of time the symptoms have been present, and whether they are causing impairment at home, school and at work, or in other areas of daily life. The mental health professional must also be able to detect other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. The professional should also look for physical causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. In addition an extensive screening will also look at the person's emotional, social and family background. Treatment Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Families can assist by encouraging the school staff to observe their child's behavior, giving positive feedback, and being flexible and patient. They can also instruct methods of relaxation and calming such as meditation or yoga. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve the ability of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. They should avoid sugary foods and drinks, as they can make their symptoms worse. They should also sleep enough. ADHD symptoms can persist throughout adolescents, and sometimes into adulthood. Adults may have difficulties at work or in relationships. click this will conduct an assessment to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and the extent of it. The evaluation typically includes an assessment of mental health along with a physical exam, and interviews with the person and their parents, spouse or partner and others who know the person well. The doctor may ask the patient to write down their symptoms and how they impact them. The doctor could also use rating scales and other tests to determine if the person meets standardized criteria for ADHD. The doctor will also collect a note of any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like thyroid disorders and seizure disorder. If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication will be prescribed to control symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. These medications have the potential to cause side negative effects, therefore one should only take them under a physician's supervision and a prescription. The person should also tell the doctor about any other medications she is taking, because certain medications can interact with stimulants and cause dangerous side effects. Many people with ADHD need to test various types and dosages of medications before they discover one that works. The following is a list of preventatives. In some instances it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can aid in preventing ADHD symptoms. These triggers may include diet and sleep habits, family structure and medication. A GP can help you find ways to manage these triggers, and then refer you for additional assistance or a dietitian to suggest changes in your diet. 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 nutritional supplements that don't have a scientific backing or interfere with certain medications. Adults who believe they be suffering from ADHD should consult an expert in mental health such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for a diagnosis. The doctor will go through medical records, perform physical examinations and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms. The therapist will discuss the symptoms with the patient, observe their behavior, and utilize standard ratings scales. He or she will consider the intensity and duration of the ADHD-related symptoms as well being aware of whether they have an impact on the person's daily life. Most often, therapists will collaborate with the family member and patient to improve parenting skills as well as teach time management and other organizational strategies and instruct the patient on metacognitive techniques that involve identifying and changing “thinking distortions” that cause negative moods and perceptions of a lack of options. Psychologists are able to prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide a comprehensive treatment. Parents can help by providing a stable and loving home, setting clear expectations and rewards, promoting a good sleep hygiene, and avoiding stimulants. Parents should also encourage their child to interact with others, and make an effort to establish a healthy relationship with their partner. School staff can provide valuable information on the behavior and learning issues of a student However, they are not able to diagnose ADHD or decide on treatment. Parents and the student's healthcare provider must make these decisions, with the help of the teacher.