ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Finding a diagnosis is the first step to understanding and addressing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists and neurologists, family physicians) who is experienced in ADHD evaluations.
The expert will conduct an interview designed to look at your past. They may request old reports, and talk to family members, teachers or friends to learn about your childhood behaviors.
Symptoms
Children and adults who have symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have trouble with paying close attention, listening attentively and following directions--things that come naturally to others. These symptoms can cause issues with learning and relationships at home, school and at work. Consult your GP if you or your child displays these symptoms. They're not able to definitively diagnose ADHD however, they can discuss your concerns with you and recommend specialists, if required.
A GP can determine if you have ADHD symptoms by asking questions, examining medical records and your health history, and then performing a physical exam. You can also mention the history of your family's ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation could include an explanation and scales of your symptoms completed by you and your caregivers along with physical examination, laboratory tests and a psychiatric exam.
Psychiatrists and psychology can diagnose ADHD among children and adolescents using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. This includes looking for an inattention pattern or hyperactivity, which lasts for at least six months and determining if these symptoms have a significant impact on your daily life at work, home and school.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD however the symptoms of ADHD will likely manifest differently as they get older. They can have a predominantly inattentive presentation of the disorder, a predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation or a combination of both.
If your adult symptoms are in line with the requirements for diagnosis, you may be treated with medication. Adults who suffer from ADHD are usually prescribed psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters. These medications boost energy and alertness, while also improving focus and concentration. They are available in extended-release forms to lessen adverse effects. Adults who present with inattention ADHD might be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters, and improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in taking control of your symptoms that could affect your professional and personal lives. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologist or family physicians) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. To receive treatment for ADHD someone with an underlying symptom-based diagnosis (such as ADHD) must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.
During an ADHD assessment Your healthcare provider will ask questions regarding your child's behavior in school, at home and in social environments. They will also go over your child's development medical history and family history. They will then compare your child's behavior with the behavior of other children their age. They may use standardized ratings scales to determine the frequency of certain behavioral problems, like inability to focus, forgetting about things and interrupting other people.
There are three presentations of ADHD - predominately inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must meet six of the nine symptoms that fall under either the inattentive or the hyperactive-impulsive categories. They must be present in at least two different settings, cause your child to perform poorly and last for a minimum of six months.
If your child doesn't meet the criteria for an inattentive ADHD diagnosis Your healthcare provider could diagnose them with unspecified ADHD. They might also decide that your child does not have a hyperactive-impulsive presentation of the condition and not give them an official ADHD diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination could include neuropsychological and psycho-psychological testing, and cognitive tests that are computer-based. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and examine your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and head injuries that may mimic ADHD symptoms. They might also request details about the issue from caregivers and teachers, and conduct a thorough interview with your child as well as family members. They'll also be looking into whether there is an ancestry of ADHD in the family, since it is highly heritable.
Treatment
If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD, he or she might require medication or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy includes individual and family counseling and also group therapy like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. To start treatment, you need to find a professional who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurance company or a local mental health support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD, for names of specialists in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors use computer programs, such as continuous performance tests, to check for attention and impulsivity problems. Other doctors use brain scans, like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to look for abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient interview is the most crucial component of an evaluation.
During the interview, the therapist will review the symptoms that led to the appointment. The doctor will also request information from someone who knows the patient very well for example, siblings, spouses or a parent. The clinician will also interview nannies, teachers, coaches and other adults that spend a lot of time with the patient. This is a lengthy process that can take up to an hour. The doctor will then write an evaluation report and then discuss the findings of the exam with the patient.
It is important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD is based on the degree to which the symptoms interfere with the individual's daily activities. This means that symptoms have to be significant in two important settings like at work and at home. For ADHD to be diagnosed the condition must have been present for at least six months.
During the interview the clinician will discuss with the patient their medical and mental health history and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5. A valid diagnosis of ADHD must be backed by at least three of the five symptom categories: difficulty paying attention to the smallest of details and making careless mistakes, difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities or get more info tasks, difficulty in listening to what you are talking to others and daydreaming or appearing to be distracted.
The following is a list with preventions.
Often, people with inattentive ADHD symptoms don't get diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive as hyperactive or impulsive forms of ADHD, and they are often missed. But their problems do have consequences: they could underperform at school, clash with their peers, or find it difficult to find an occupation. They also have to be treated.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official term used to describe the condition. The term ADD can be occasionally used however it is not the most popular. The newer version is based on the fact that children may only be suffering from an inattention symptom.
There are differences in the manner in which the disorder is presented by boys and girls. Girls and children assigned female at birth (AFAB) tend to show more inattentive symptoms, which are less noticeable, than the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This makes them more likely to go undiagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment.
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is essential to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This includes an interview with a clinician, a medical history review, and a physical examination. It involves examining reports from parents, teachers or other adults with a good knowledge of the individual, as well as normative rating scales, both by loved ones as well as educators. These are helpful in determining whether the symptoms are present to a degree that affects functioning.
It is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the symptoms are caused by another psychiatric or medical issue like depression or anxiety. In some instances the treatment of other disorders may help to alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.
Those who are diagnosed with the disorder must be aware of what to expect in terms of the treatment and possible side effects. They should also stay in contact with their physician or nurse to ensure that the medication is working exactly as they should.
The most commonly used treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant drugs that can aid in improving concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and parent education can be extremely effective for children and adults with this condition too. People who are prescribed ADHD medications should also be advised to have regular check-ups with their health professionals since some patients may require adjustments in dosage or other treatment options.