ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Making an accurate diagnosis is the first step in understanding and addressing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor) who is specialized in ADHD assessments and diagnoses.
The specialist will conduct an interview that is structured to look into your past. They might want to look at old report cards and speak with teachers, relatives or friends about your childhood habits.
Signs and 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 can also interfere with learning and relationships at work, school and home. Speak to your GP if you or your child exhibits these symptoms. They're not able to definitively diagnose ADHD however, they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you to specialist services, if needed.
A GP can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, reviewing your medical history and health records, and performing a physical exam. You may also mention the history of your family's ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP can then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to complete a psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation may consist of the description of your symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by your caregivers, you and teachers, a psychiatric history and physical exam and lab tests.
Psychiatrists and psychology can diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. This includes looking for patterns of inattention or hyperactivity that lasts for at least six months and determining whether these symptoms significantly interfere with your life at home, work and school.
Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD however, their symptoms will likely present 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 criteria for diagnosis, you may be treated with medication. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters. These medications improve focus and concentration, while increasing energy and alertness. These medications may be given in extended-release form to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Antidepressants are sometimes employed to treat the inattention manifestation of ADHD in adults. These medications, like Wellbutrin and Effexor, affect neurotransmitters and improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in taking control of symptoms which may affect your personal and professional life. A psychiatric assessment is performed by an accredited mental health professional or a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family doctor, or any other kind of medical specialist). A person with an underlying symptom-based diagnosis, such as ADHD must follow certain guidelines set forth in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to be eligible for treatment for ADHD.
During an ADHD evaluation your healthcare provider will ask questions regarding your child's behavior in home, school and social settings. They will also discuss your child's developmental, medical and family history. Then, they will evaluate your child's behavior with those of children who are of similar age. They can use standard ratings scales to determine the frequency of certain behavior problems, like inability to pay attention, ignoring things, or interrupting other people.
There are undiagnosed adhd in adults 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 that make your child perform poorly, and last for at least six months.
If your child does not meet the requirements for an inattentive ADHD diagnosis, your healthcare provider 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 may include neuropsychological and psychological tests, as well as cognitive tests that are computer-based. Your healthcare provider will also check your child's blood pressure and conduct a physical exam to identify any medical issues that may mimic ADHD symptoms such as thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman, 2015). Teachers may also ask and caregivers for a detailed 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 family history of ADHD since ADHD is highly hereditary.
Treatment
If a person has been diagnosed with ADHD the person may need medication and/or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy could include family and individual counseling as also group therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The first step in getting treatment is to find an specialist in diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurance provider or asking the local mental health support group like the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for names of specialists in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors employ computer-based tests, like continuous performances tests, to check for attention and impulse control problems. Others utilize brain scans, like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to look for abnormalities. But experts agree that the most significant element of an examination is a patient interview.
During an interview, the clinician will review the symptoms that prompted the appointment. The doctor may also request someone who is familiar with the patient like their spouse, parent, or sibling, for details. The doctor will also interview teachers, coaches, nannies and other adults who spend considerable time with the patient. This is a lengthy process and can take up to an hour. The doctor will write a report, and discuss the results with the patient.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD will depend on the extent to which the symptoms interfere with the person's everyday life. This means that the person's symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two major settings, such as work and home. The impairment must have been present for at least six months in order to be considered an acceptable diagnosis of ADHD.
During the interview, the doctor will discuss with the patient their medical and mental health history and determine if they satisfy the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Society'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 the five symptom categories: trouble paying close attention to specifics and making mistakes, difficulty staying focused on activities or tasks or tasks, difficulty in listening to what you are spoken to and daydreaming or appearing distracted.
Prevention
People who have inattentional ADHD are typically not diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and are often dismissed. Their issues can have serious consequences. They might not do well at school, have disagreements with their peers or struggle to keep a job. These people also need to be treated.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official name of the condition. The term ADD can be used from time to time, but it is not the most popular. The newer name is based on the fact that children can be suffering from an inattention symptom.
There are some differences in the way the disorder is manifested 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 go undiagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment.
A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a medical professional. This involves a medical history review as well as a clinical interview and a physical exam. It also involves reviewing the reports of teachers or parents, or other adults who know the patient well as well as standard ratings scales that are completed by loved ones and educators. These are helpful in determining whether the symptoms are present to a degree that impacts the functioning.
It is important to conduct a thorough examination to determine if the symptoms are due to other psychiatric or medical condition like depression or anxiety. In some instances, treating other disorders can help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.
People who have been diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of what to expect in terms of their treatment and possible medication adverse effects. They should also remain in touch with their doctor or nurse to ensure that the medications are functioning in the way they should.
The most common treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant medications that can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsive behaviors. Adults and children with inattentive ADHD might benefit from other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy or parent training. It is crucial to remind those who are prescribed ADHD medication to see their doctors regularly, as some patients may need adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.