ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Making a diagnosis is the first step to understanding and addressing symptoms. Find an accredited mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor) who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and evaluation.
The expert will conduct an interview that is designed to look at your past. They might want to look at old report cards and talk to family members, teachers or classmates 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 relationships and learning at work, school and at home. Talk to your GP if you or your child exhibits these signs. They're not able to definitively diagnose ADHD, but they can discuss your concerns with you and recommend specialists, if required.
A GP can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, reviewing your medical and health records and conducting a physical exam. You can also mention the history of ADHD in your family to help with diagnosis. The GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation may include a description and scales of your symptoms that are completed by you and your caregivers as well as physical examination, lab tests, and a psychiatric examination.
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 will look for a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that lasts for at least six months and determining if these symptoms have a significant impact on your life at work, home and school.
Adults can also be diagnosed with ADHD however, the symptoms of ADHD will likely manifest 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 guidelines for diagnosis, you could be treated with medication. Adults with ADHD are often prescribed psychostimulants to affect neurotransmitters. These medications boost energy and alertness, improving focus and concentration. These medications may be given in extended-release form to minimize the risk of the effects of side effects. Antidepressants can be used to treat the inattention manifestation of ADHD in adults. These drugs, like Wellbutrin and Effexor can affect neurotransmitters and improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step to managing the symptoms that could be affecting your life professionally and personally. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, or family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. A person with an underlying symptom-based diagnosis like ADHD must adhere to certain guidelines set forth in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition for treatment for ADHD.
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 go over your child's growth, medical and family history. Then, they will compare your child's behavior against that of other children their age. They may use standardized rating scales that assess the frequency of specific behavioral problems such as difficulty in paying attention, ignoring 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 occur in a variety of settings that affect your child's behavior and cause disruption and be present for at least six months.
If your child does not meet the requirements 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 evaluation can include tests for psychological and cognitive abilities that are computer-based and neuropsychological and psychological testing. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and assess your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical conditions like thyroid disorders and head injuries that may mimic ADHD symptoms. Teachers may also ask and parents for a thorough history of your child's development and conduct a thorough interview with your child as well as your family. They will take into consideration whether there is a family history of ADHD, as ADHD is highly hereditary.
Treatment
If a person has been diagnosed with ADHD the person might require medication or therapy for behavioral issues. adhd diagnose may include family and individual counseling, as in addition to group therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The first step to get treatment is to find an expert in the field of diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your 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 professionals who specialize in ADHD in your area. Certain doctors utilize computer tests, such as continuous performances tests, to check for issues with impulse control and attention. Other doctors use brain scans, such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for abnormalities. However, experts agree that the most important element of an examination is an interview with the patient.
During an interview, the clinician will review the symptoms that prompted the appointment. The clinician will also ask for information from someone who is familiar with the patient very well for example, siblings, spouses or a parent. The clinician will also talk to teachers, coaches, nannies and other professionals who spend much time with the patient. This is a thorough process that can take up to an hour. The clinician will complete an evaluation report and then discuss the findings with the patient.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD will depend on the degree to which the symptoms interfere with the person's daily life. This means that symptoms have to be causing significant impairment in two important settings like at work and at home. In order for ADHD to be diagnosed the disorder must have been present for at least six months.
During the interview, the doctor will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric history and determine if they are in compliance with the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5. A valid diagnosis of ADHD requires at least three of the five symptoms such as difficulty paying attention particulars, making mistakes and having difficulty focusing on other tasks or activities, and trouble listening to someone's voice when they speak.
Prevention
People with inattentive ADHD are often not diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive as those with hyperactive or impulsive forms of ADHD, and they are often ignored. Their problems can have serious consequences. They might not do well in school, have problems with their peers, or struggle to keep jobs. They also have to be treated.
The term ADD is still used frequently however the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines the condition as an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer version is based on the fact that children may only suffer from inattentive symptom.
There are differences between the manner in which the disorder is manifested 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 means they are more likely to go undiagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment.
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is required to establish an accurate diagnosis. This may include the clinical interview, medical history review and a physical examination. It is also a matter of reviewing reports from teachers parents, teachers or other people who know the person well and also standard ratings scales that are that are completed by family members and educators. These can be useful in determining whether the symptoms are serious enough to affect functioning.
A thorough examination is important to determine if the symptoms are due to another medical or psychiatric condition like depression or anxiety. In some cases, treating other disorders can help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.
Anyone diagnosed with the disorder must be aware of what to expect in terms of the treatment and possible side effects. They should also keep in contact with their physician to ensure that the medication is functioning exactly as it should.
The most popular treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant drugs that can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsive behaviors. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and parent education, can be very efficient for both adults and children who suffer from this condition, too. People who are prescribed ADHD medications are advised to schedule regular check-ups with their health care providers since some patients may require adjustments in dosage or other treatment options.