ADHD Diagnoses The Process Isn't As Hard As You Think
ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
The first step in managing symptoms is to receive a diagnosis. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologists, family physicians) who is skilled in ADHD assessments.
The expert will conduct a structured interview to examine your background. They might request old reports, and talk to your family members, teachers or friends to learn about your childhood habits.
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. The symptoms also may interfere with learning and relationships at work, school and home. Consult your GP when you or your child exhibits these signs. They can't formally diagnose ADHD, but they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you to specialist services, if needed.
A GP can assist you in determining whether your symptoms are linked to ADHD by asking questions, reviewing your health history and medical records and completing an examination. You may also discuss the background of ADHD in your family members to aid in the diagnosis. The GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation could comprise the description and scales of your symptoms that are completed by you and your family members, and physical examination, laboratory tests and a psychiatric evaluation.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children by following established guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. They look for inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity behaviors that last for six months or longer and determine if these symptoms impact your daily life, at home at work, or at school.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD however, the symptoms of ADHD will likely 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 requirements for diagnosis and your symptoms are specific to adults you could be prescribed medication. Psychostimulants are substances that alter neurotransmitters within the brain, are often prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs improve concentration and focus, while increasing alertness and energy. They may be given as extended-release versions to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Adults with inattention ADHD may be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor, affect neurotransmitters and improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step in managing the symptoms that may be affecting your life, both personally and professionally. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, or family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. To receive treatment for ADHD, a person with an underlying symptom-based diagnosis (such as ADHD) must follow certain guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.
During an ADHD assessment your healthcare provider will inquire about your child's behavior in the home, school and social environments. They will also discuss your child's growth as well as medical and family history. They will then assess your child's behavior to the behaviors of other children who are their age. They may use standardized ratings scales to measure the frequency of certain behavioral problems, like inability to pay attention, forgetting about things, and interrupting others.
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 more than one setting, affect your child's functioning and cause dysfunction and be present for at least six (6) months.
If your child does not meet the criteria for an inattentive ADHD diagnosis the healthcare professional may 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 assessment can include psychological and neuropsychological testing, and cognitive tests that are computer-based. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and assess your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical conditions like thyroid disorders or head injuries that could be similar to ADHD symptoms. They may also request a detailed history of the issue from parents and teachers and conduct a thorough interview with your child as well as family members. They will also consider whether there is any family history of ADHD, as the condition is highly heritable.
Treatment
If a person has been diagnosed as having ADHD, they may need treatment or medication for their behavior. Behavioral therapy may include individual and family counseling, as in addition to group therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). To start treatment, it is necessary to find a professional who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. Start by contacting your insurer or asking a local mental health support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for names of professionals in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors use computer tests, such as continuous performance tests, to determine problems with attention and impulse control. Others utilize brain scans, for instance single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for abnormalities. But experts agree that the most significant element of an evaluation is a patient-patient interview.
During the interview, the therapist will review the symptoms that led to the appointment. The doctor may also seek out someone who is very familiar with the patient, such as their spouse, parent, or sibling, for information. The clinician will also interview teachers or coaches, nannies, and other adults who spend significant time with the patient. This is a lengthy procedure that can be a long time. The clinician will then complete an evaluation report and then discuss the results of the exam with the patient.
It is important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD is based on the extent to that the symptoms affect the person's everyday life. This means that symptoms must be significant in two major settings such as at work and at home. To be eligible for ADHD to be recognized the condition must have been present for at minimum six months.
During the interview, a clinician will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and determine if the patient is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). A valid diagnosis of ADHD is based on at least three of these five symptom categories: difficulty paying close attention to details and making careless mistakes, difficulty staying focused on activities or tasks and difficulty listening when talking to others and daydreaming or appearing to be distracted.
Prevention
People with inattentive ADHD are typically not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and are often dismissed. The issues they face can have severe consequences. They might not do well at school, have disagreements with their peers or struggle to hold jobs. They require treatment, too.
The term ADD is still used infrequently however the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines the condition as an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The new definition takes into account the fact that children can suffer from inattentive symptoms alone.
There are differences in the way the disorder is presented by girls and boys. Girls and children assigned female at birth (AFAB) tend to show more inattentive symptoms, which are less noticeable, than the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This increases the likelihood that they will be undiagnosed and less likely to seek treatment.
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is required to establish an accurate diagnosis. This involves an examination of the medical history along with a medical interview and a physical exam. Read Far more involves reviewing the reports of teachers or parents, or other adults who know the person as well as standard scales of rating that are completed by family members and educators. These can assist in determining if the symptoms are present in a way that impacts the functioning.
A thorough examination is important to determine if the symptoms are due to another medical or mental illness like anxiety or depression. In some instances, treating these other disorders can help relieve or eliminate the ADHD symptoms.
Anyone diagnosed with the disorder must be aware of what is expected of their treatment and possible medication adverse effects. They should also stay in touch with their doctor to ensure that the medication is functioning as it should.
The most common treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant drugs, which can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and parent training, can be very efficient for both adults and children who suffer from this condition, too. It is essential to remind those who are prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctor regularly, since certain patients may require adjustments in dosages or other treatment options.