ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards understanding and addressing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists and neurologists, family doctors) who is experienced in ADHD evaluations.
The specialist will conduct an interview that is designed to look at your past. They may request old reports and talk to teachers, family members or friends to get information 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. These symptoms can cause issues with learning and relationships at home, school and at work. If you or your child exhibit these symptoms, talk to a GP. They can't formally diagnose ADHD however, they can discuss your concerns with you and recommend specialist services, if needed.
A GP can help you determine whether your symptoms are linked to ADHD by asking questions, reviewing your health history and medical records, and performing a physical exam. You may also mention your family's history of ADHD to aid in the diagnosis. The GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation may include an explanation of your symptoms as well as questionnaires and scales filled out by your caregivers, you and teachers as well as a psychiatric history, physical examination and laboratory tests.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD among children and adolescents using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. They look for hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity behaviors that last for six months or longer and assess whether the symptoms interfere with your family life, at home at work, at home, and in school.
Adults may 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 with ADHD are often prescribed psychostimulants that alter neurotransmitters. These drugs boost energy and alertness, improving focus and concentration. They can be prescribed as extended-release versions to minimize side effects. Adults who present with inattention ADHD may be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) alter neurotransmitters in the brain to enhance mood and focus.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in taking control of the symptoms that could affect your personal and professional life. A psychiatric evaluation is conducted by a licensed mental health professional or a physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor, or any other kind of medical specialist). To receive treatment for ADHD or other disorders, a person who has a 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 evaluation Your healthcare provider will inquire about your child's behavior in school, at home and in social environments. They will also go over your child's development as well as medical history and family history. Then, they will compare your child's behavior to that of other children their age. They can use standard ratings scales to determine the frequency of certain behavioral issues, such as the 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 occur in two or more settings that affect your child's behavior and cause disruption, and have been present for at least six months.
If your child isn't meeting the requirements 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 can include psychological and neuropsychological tests, as well as cognitive tests that are computer-based. Your doctor will check your child's blood pressure and conduct an examination to determine if there are any medical conditions that may be related to ADHD symptoms such as thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman 2015). They may also ask for an extensive history of the problem from parents and teachers and conduct a thorough discussion with your child and other family members. They'll also look into whether there is any history of ADHD in the family, since it is highly genetically inherited.
Treatment
If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been diagnosed with ADHD, they might require medication and/or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy may include individual and family counseling as well as group therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. To begin treatment, it is necessary to locate a professional who has expertise in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurance company or a local mental support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find a professional who specialize in ADHD in your region. Some doctors use computer tests, such as continuous performances tests, to test for problems with attention and impulse control. Other doctors utilize brain scans like single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to look for abnormalities. But experts agree that the most important element of an evaluation is a patient interview.
During the interview, the clinician will go over the symptoms that led up to the appointment. The doctor might also request anyone who is familiar with the patient, such as their spouse, parent or sibling, for information. The clinician will also talk to teachers or coaches, nannies, and other adults who spend considerable time with the patient. This is a lengthy process that can take up to an hour. The doctor will then write an assessment report and discuss the findings of the examination with the patient.
It is extremely important to keep in mind that the definition of ADHD is based on the extent to which the symptoms affect a person's life. This means that symptoms have to be causing significant impairment in two important settings like at work and at home. The impairment must have been present for at least six months in order to be considered a valid diagnosis of ADHD.
During the interview, the doctor will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history and determine if the patient meets 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 must be backed by at least three of the five symptoms: trouble paying close attention to details and making careless mistakes, difficulty staying focused on activities or tasks, trouble listening when spoken to and daydreaming or seeming distracted.
The following is a list with preventions.
Often, people with inattentive ADHD symptoms aren't identified. They're not as disruptive or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and can be ignored. But their problems do result in consequences: they might not perform well at school, get into trouble with their peers, or have difficulty to find an occupation. These individuals also need to be treated.
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 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer definition is based on the fact that children may be affected by inattention symptoms on their own.
While many of the symptoms are present in all cases, there are some differences in how the disorder presents itself between 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 means they are more likely to be undiagnosed and less likely to seek treatment.
A thorough assessment by read more a medical professional is required to establish an accurate diagnosis. This includes the clinical interview, 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 ratings scales, both by loved ones as well as educators. These can be useful in determining if the symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in functioning.
A thorough examination is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by another medical or mental illness like depression or anxiety. In some instances, treating other disorders can help to alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.
Anyone diagnosed with the disorder must be aware of what to expect in terms of the treatment they receive and potential adverse effects. They should also keep in touch with their doctor to ensure that the medication is working as it should.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment of inattention ADHD. They can improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Other treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and parent training are very beneficial for adults and children with this condition too. People who are prescribed ADHD medication should be advised to seek regular check-ups with their health professionals, as some patients require adjustments in dosage or other treatment options.