ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Getting an assessment is the first step in understanding and addressing symptoms. Find an accredited mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor) who is specialized in ADHD evaluations and diagnoses.
The expert will conduct an interview that is designed to look at your past. They might request old reports, and talk to family members, teachers or your friends to find out about your childhood behaviors.
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 cause problems with relationships and learning at work, school and at home. If you or your child exhibit these symptoms, consult an GP. They can't formally diagnose ADHD however, they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you to specialist services, if needed.
A GP will be able to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms by asking questions, looking over medical records and your medical history, and performing a physical examination. You can also mention the background of ADHD in your family members to aid in diagnosis. The GP can then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation may include the description of your symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by you, your caregivers and teachers along with a psychiatric assessment, physical examination and laboratory tests.
Psychiatrists and psychology can diagnose ADHD among adolescents and children using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. They examine for hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity patterns that last for a period of six months or more, and evaluate whether these symptoms interfere with your family life, at home at work, or in school.
Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner, but their symptoms are more likely to present 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 your adult symptoms are in line with the criteria for diagnosis, you could be treated with medication. Psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are typically prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications improve concentration and focus, as well as increasing alertness and energy. They can be prescribed in extended-release versions to lessen the effects of the risk of adverse effects. Adults with inattentive ADHD can be treated with antidepressants. These medications, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) alter neurotransmitters in the brain and improve mood and focus.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards controlling the symptoms that could be affecting your daily life, both personally and professionally. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, or family physicians) can conduct a psychiatric examination. A person with a diagnosis based on symptoms such as ADHD must follow specific guidelines laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, to receive treatment for ADHD.
During the ADHD evaluation, you will be asked questions about your child's behavior at home, in school and in social settings. The medical history of your child, development and family history will be reviewed. They will then compare your child's behavior to that of other children their age. They can employ standardized ratings scales to measure the frequency of certain behavioral problems, like inability to pay attention, 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 at least two different settings, make your child perform poorly and last for a minimum of six months.
If your child is not able to meet all the criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD the healthcare professional will assign them 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.
diagnosis for adhd can include tests for psychological and cognitive abilities that are computer-based as well as psychological and neuropsychological tests. Your doctor will check your child's blood pressure, and perform 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 teachers and caregivers for a detailed background and conduct an extensive interview of your child and family. They'll also be looking into whether there is a history of ADHD in the family, as it is highly genetically inherited.
Treatment
If a person has been diagnosed as having ADHD, they may need medication or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy includes individual and family counseling and group therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step to receive 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 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 performance tests, to determine attention and impulse control problems. Other doctors utilize brain scans, such as single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to look for abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient's interview is the most crucial component of an assessment.
During an interview, the doctor will discuss the symptoms that prompted the appointment. The doctor will also seek details from someone who knows the patient very well for example, a spouse, sibling or parent. The clinician will also interview teachers, coaches, nannies and other adults who spend long periods of time with the patient. It is a long process that can take up to an hour. The physician will then write a report and discuss the results of the exam with the patient.
It is crucial to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD is based on how the symptoms interfere with a person's life. This means that symptoms must be significantly affecting two main settings, such as at work and at home. The impairment must have been present for at least six months in order to be considered an appropriate diagnosis of ADHD.
During the interview the clinician will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric histories and determine if they are in compliance with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Society'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: difficulty paying attention to particulars, making mistakes or omissions, difficulty staying focused on tasks or other activities, and trouble listening to someone when they speak.
Prevention
Most people with inattentional ADHD symptoms don't get diagnosed. They're not as disruptive, or impulsive as those with hyperactive ADHD and are often dismissed. But their problems do result in consequences: they might underperform at school, clash with classmates or have difficulty to hold their job. They also have to be treated with respect.
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 an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer version takes into account that children may only be suffering from an inattention symptom.
While many of the symptoms are present in all cases, there are a few distinct ways in which the disorder manifests 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 increases the likelihood that they will not be diagnosed, and less likely to receive treatment.
A thorough examination by a medical professional is required to establish an accurate diagnosis. This includes a clinical interview, medical history review and physical examination. It involves examining reports from parents, teachers or other adults who have a good knowledge of the individual, as well as normative ratings scales that are completed by loved ones and by teachers. These are helpful in determining whether the symptoms are present to an extent that they affect the way you function.
It is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to another medical or psychiatric condition like depression or anxiety. In some cases the treatment of other disorders may help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.
Anyone who are diagnosed with the disorder need be aware of potential adverse effects and treatments. They should also keep in contact with their physician to ensure that the medication is functioning exactly as it should.
Stimulant medications are the most popular treatment for inattention ADHD. They can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy and parent training are very beneficial for adults and children who suffer from this condition, too. People who are prescribed ADHD medication should be advised to seek regular checks with their healthcare providers since some patients may require adjustments in dosage or other treatment options.