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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Making an assessment is the first step in understanding and managing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, family doctor) who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and evaluation.
The expert will conduct a structured interview to examine your past. They may want to see old report cards and speak to teachers, relatives or friends about 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 also cause problems with relationships and learning at school, work and home. Speak to your GP when you or your child is showing these signs. They're not able to definitively diagnose ADHD, but they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you to specialist services, if necessary.
A GP will be able to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms by asking questions, reviewing medical records and your medical history, and performing an examination. You can also mention your family's history of ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to complete a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation may include a description of your symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by your caregivers, you and teachers as well as a psychiatric history, physical exam and lab tests.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. These include looking for an inattention pattern, hyperactivity and impulsivity that lasts for a period of six months or more and determining whether these symptoms significantly interfere with your daily routine at home, at work or school.
Adults can also be diagnosed with ADHD however their symptoms are likely to manifest differently as they age. They can have a predominantly inattentive presentation of the disorder, a predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation or a combination of both.
If you meet the criteria for diagnosis and your symptoms are adult-specific, you may be prescribed medication. Adults suffering from ADHD are often prescribed psychostimulants to alter neurotransmitters. These medications help improve concentration and focus, while increasing alertness and energy. They can be prescribed in extended-release forms to lessen side effects. Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat the inattention presentation of ADHD in adults. These drugs, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) alter neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood and focus.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in taking control of symptoms which may affect your professional and personal lives. A psychiatric evaluation can be conducted by a licensed mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, family physician or another type of medical specialist). To receive treatment for ADHD or other disorders, a person who has a symptom based diagnosis (such as ADHD) must follow certain guidelines set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the ADHD evaluation, you'll be asked questions about your child’s behavior at home, at school as well as in social situations. They will also discuss your child's development, medical and family history. They will then compare your child's behavior with those of children who are their age. They could use standardized rating scales that assess the frequency of specific behavioral problems like difficulty paying attention, forgetting things and interrupting other children.
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 at least at least six months.
If your child doesn't meet all of the criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD Your healthcare provider will assign them 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 complete psychiatric examination can include computer-based cognitive and psychological tests, as well as neuropsychological and psychological testing. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and examine your child's heart rate to eliminate medical issues like thyroid disorders and head injuries that can be similar to ADHD symptoms. They can also ask teachers and caregivers to provide a full history of your child's development and conduct a thorough interview with your child and your family. They will also consider whether there is a history of ADHD in the family, as it is highly heritable.
Treatment
If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been diagnosed with ADHD, they might require medication or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy can include family and individual counseling as well as group therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The first step in getting treatment is to find an specialist in the field of diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. Start by contacting your insurer or a local support group such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find a professional who specialize in ADHD in your area. Some doctors use computer programs, such as continuous performance tests, to check for problems with attention and impulsivity. Some doctors also use brain scans such as single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to check for abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient's interview is the most crucial component of an evaluation.
During an interview, the clinician will review the symptoms that prompted the appointment. The doctor might also seek out someone who is very familiar with the patient like their spouse, parent, or sibling, for details. The clinician will also talk to nannies, teachers, coaches and other adults that spend much time with the patient. This is a very thorough procedure that can be a long time. The clinician will then complete a report and discuss the results of the assessment with the patient.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the degree to that the symptoms affect the person's daily life. This means that the symptoms have to be causing significant impairment in two main settings, such as at work and at home. To be eligible for ADHD to be diagnosed, the impairment must have been present at minimum six months.
During the consultation, the doctor will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric histories and determine if they satisfy the diagnostic criteria laid out 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 supported by at least three of these five symptom categories: trouble paying attention to the smallest of details and making careless mistakes, difficulty in staying focused on work or activities, trouble listening when spoken to and daydreaming or appearing to be distracted.
Prevention
Most people with inattentional ADHD symptoms aren't identified. They're not as disruptive, or as impulsive as hyperactive ADHD and are often overlooked. But their problems do result in consequences: they might not perform well at school, get into trouble with classmates or struggle to hold a job. These individuals also need to be treated.
The term ADD is still used occasionally however the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines the condition as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer definition includes the fact that children could suffer from inattentive symptoms alone.
There are differences between 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 it more likely that they go undiagnosed and receive less treatment.
An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a health professional. This includes a medical history review as well as a clinical interview, and a physical exam. It involves examining reports from parents, teachers, or other adults with a good understanding of the individual as well as normative ratings scales completed both by loved ones as well as teachers. These can be helpful in determining if the symptoms are present in a way that affects functioning.
A thorough evaluation is essential to determine if symptoms are caused by another medical or psychiatric condition like anxiety or depression. In some instances the treatment of other disorders may help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.
adhd adult diagnosis who have been diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of what is expected of the treatment and possible side effects. They should also keep in touch with their doctor to ensure that the medication is functioning exactly as it should.
Stimulant drugs are the most popular treatment for inattentive ADHD. They can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and parent training, can be very efficient for both adults and children who suffer from this condition, too. Those who are prescribed ADHD medications should also be advised to seek regular check-ups with their health professionals, as some patients require adjustments in dosage or other treatment options.