ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
The first step in managing symptoms is to obtain a diagnosis. Find a licensed mental healthcare professional (psychiatrists and neurologists, family physicians) who is proficient in ADHD assessments.
The specialist will conduct an interview that is structured to examine your past. They may request old reports and speak to your family members, teachers or your friends to find out about your childhood behavior.
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. These symptoms can also interfere with relationships and learning at school, home and at work. If you or your child exhibit these symptoms, consult a GP. They are unable to diagnose ADHD in a formal way, but they can discuss your concerns and recommend you to specialists if needed.
A GP can determine if you have ADHD symptoms by asking questions, reviewing medical documents and your health history, and conducting physical exam. You may also mention the history of your family's ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation could include an explanation and scales of your symptoms that are completed by you and your caregivers and physical examination, lab tests and a psychiatric exam.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. adhd diagnosis in adults look for hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity patterns that last for a period of six months or more and determine if these symptoms interfere with your family life, at home, at work, and at school.
Adults may also be diagnosed with ADHD, but their symptoms are likely to 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 criteria for diagnosis, you can be treated with medication. Psychostimulants are substances that alter neurotransmitters within the brain, are often prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications increase energy and alertness, while also improving concentration and focus. These medications may be given in an extended-release version to reduce side effects. Antidepressants can be used to treat the inattentive manifestation of ADHD in adults. These medications, like Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters and can improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can help you take control of the symptoms that could affect your personal and professional life. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, or family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. To receive treatment for ADHD someone with a diagnosis based on symptoms (such as ADHD) must follow certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the ADHD evaluation, you will be asked questions about your child's behavior at home, at school, and in social situations. They will also review your child's development, medical and family history. They will then assess your child's behaviors to the behaviors of other children who are of similar age. They may use standardized rating scales to measure the frequency of certain behaviors, such as difficulty paying attention, ignoring 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 at least two environments, cause your child to perform poorly and last for at least at least six months.
If your child does not meet the criteria 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 complete psychiatric examination can include computer-based psychological and cognitive tests, as well as neuropsychological and psychological testing. Your doctor will examine your child's blood pressure, and perform an examination to rule out any medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms like thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman, 2015). They may also ask for details about the problem from caregivers and teachers, and conduct a thorough interview with your child and family members. They'll also look into whether there is any history of ADHD in the family, as it is highly genetically inherited.
Treatment
If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD the person might require medication and/or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy can include individual and family counseling, as also group therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). To start treatment, you need to find a professional who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. You can start by calling your insurer or asking a 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 tests for performance, to look for problems with attention and impulsivity. Others use brain scans, for instance single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to look for abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient's interview is the most important component of an evaluation.
During an interview, the clinician will discuss the symptoms that prompted the appointment. The clinician may also ask anyone who is familiar with the patient, such as their spouse, parent, or sibling, for details. The clinician will also interview nannies, teachers, coaches and other adults that spend much time with the patient. This is a very thorough process that could take up to an hour. The physician will then write a report and discuss the findings of the exam with the patient.
It is extremely important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD depends on the extent to which the symptoms affect a person's life. This means that the person's symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two major environments, like work and home. The impairment must be present for at least six months to be considered an acceptable diagnosis of ADHD.
During the interview, a clinician will discuss the person's medical and mental health history and determine whether or not the patient meets the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). A valid diagnosis of ADHD is based on at least three of these five symptom categories: trouble paying attention to the smallest of specifics and making mistakes, difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities, trouble listening when talking to others and daydreaming or appearing distracted.
Prevention
Most people with inattentional ADHD symptoms aren't identified. They aren't as disruptive or impulsive as those with hyperactive ADHD and can be dismissed. Their issues can have serious consequences. They may not do well at school, have disagreements with their peers or struggle to hold a job. These individuals also need to be treated.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official name for the condition. The term ADD is still occasionally used but it's not the most popular. The newer version recognizes that children can suffer from inattentive symptom.
There are differences between the way that 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 makes it more likely that they will go undiagnosed and receive less treatment.
A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a health care professional. This may include an assessment of medical history along with a medical interview, and a physical exam. It includes analyzing reports from teachers, parents or other adults with a good understanding of the individual as well as normative rating scales completed both by loved ones and by teachers. These can assist in determining whether the symptoms are present to an extent that they affect the way you function.
A careful evaluation is also essential to determine if symptoms are caused by another psychiatric or medical condition like depression or anxiety. In some instances, treating other disorders can help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.
Those who are diagnosed with the disorder must be aware of what is expected of the treatment and possible adverse effects. They should also keep in contact with their doctor to ensure that the medication is working exactly as it should.
The most popular treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant medications which can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Adults and children with ADHD who are inattentive may benefit from other treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy or parent training. It is essential to remind those prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctor regularly, since some patients may require adjustments in dosages or other treatment options.