ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Making a diagnosis is the first step in understanding and managing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists and neurologists, family doctors) who is proficient in ADHD assessments.
The specialist will conduct an interview structured to examine your past. They may ask to see old reports and speak to family members, teachers or your friends to find out about your childhood behaviors.
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 also may interfere with relationships and learning at school, work and at home. Speak to your GP in the event that you or your child exhibits these signs. They cannot diagnose ADHD formally, but can discuss your concerns and recommend you to specialists when needed.
A GP can determine if you have ADHD symptoms by asking questions, examining medical documents and your health history, and then performing a physical examination. You may also provide 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 complete a psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation could 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 will look for a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that lasts for a period of six months or more and determining if these symptoms have a significant impact on your daily routine at home, at work or school.
Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner, but their symptoms are more likely to present differently as they grow 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 could be treated with medication. Psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are often prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs improve concentration and focus, while increasing energy and alertness. They may be given in extended-release forms to lessen adverse effects. Antidepressants can be used to treat the inattention presentation of ADHD in adults. These drugs, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine), affect neurotransmitters in the brain and enhance mood and focus.
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 physicians) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. To receive treatment for ADHD someone with a diagnosis based on symptoms (such as ADHD) must meet certain guidelines set forth 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 at home, school and social settings. They will also review your child's growth, medical history and family history. They will then assess your child's behavior to those of other children of similar age. They can use standard ratings scales to determine the frequency of certain behavioral issues, such as the 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 two or more settings that affect your child's behavior and cause disruption and be present for at least six (6) months.
If your child does not meet all of the criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD, your healthcare provider will assign them an 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 may include computer-based cognitive and psychological tests, as well as psychological and neuropsychological tests. Your healthcare provider will also conduct a physical exam and examine your child's heart rate to rule out medical issues like thyroid disorders or head injuries that could mimic ADHD symptoms. Teachers may also ask and caregivers to provide a full background and conduct an extensive interview with your child and family members. They will consider whether there is any family history of ADHD since the condition is highly genetically inherited.
Treatment
If a person has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been diagnosed with ADHD, they may need medication and/or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy could include individual and family counseling, as well as group therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). To start treatment, you must first locate a professional who has expertise in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurance company or your local mental health support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of professionals in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors use computer programs, such as continuous performance tests, to check for impulsivity and attention issues. Some doctors also use brain scans such as single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to check for abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient interview is the most important component of an evaluation.
During an interview, the doctor will review the symptoms that led to the appointment. The doctor may also request details from someone who knows the patient well like siblings, spouses or a parent. The clinician will also talk to nannies, teachers, coaches and other adults who spend much time with the patient. This is a thorough procedure that could take up to an hour. The doctor will write an evaluation report and then discuss the results with the patient.
It is essential to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the degree to that the symptoms affect the individual's daily activities. This means that symptoms have to be significantly affecting two main settings, such as at work and at home. In order for ADHD to be considered a diagnosis the disorder must have been present at least six month.
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 Association'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 erroneous mistakes, difficulty in staying focused on activities or tasks or tasks, difficulty in listening to what you are talking to others and daydreaming or appearing distracted.
Prevention
People who have inattentive ADHD are typically not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive, or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and can be overlooked. Their issues can have serious consequences. They might not do well in school, have conflicts with their classmates or struggle to find jobs. These people also need to be treated with respect.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official name of the condition. The term ADD can be occasionally used, but it is not the most popular. The newer name is based on the fact that children may only be suffering from an inattention symptom.
While many of the symptoms are present in all cases, there are some distinct ways in which the disorder presents itself between boys and girls. Girls and children assigned female at here birth (AFAB) tend to show more inattentive symptoms, which are less noticeable, than the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This increases the likelihood that they will not be diagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment.
A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a medical professional. This includes an assessment of medical history, a clinical interview and a physical exam. It includes analyzing reports from teachers, parents, or other adults with an understanding of the person, as well as normative rating scales completed both by loved ones and by teachers. These can be useful in determining if the symptoms are severe enough to impact functioning.
A thorough examination is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by a different medical or psychiatric condition, such as anxiety or depression. In some cases treating these other disorders can help relieve or eliminate the ADHD symptoms.
Those who are diagnosed with the disorder need be aware of potential side effects and treatment. They should also stay in contact with their doctor or nurse to ensure that the medications are working in the way they should.
Stimulant medications are the most popular treatment for inattention ADHD. They can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and parent education, can be very beneficial for adults and children with this condition too. It is essential to remind those prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctor on a regular basis, as some patients may require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.