ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Making an accurate diagnosis is the first step in understanding and managing symptoms. Find an accredited mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family doctor) who is skilled in ADHD diagnosis and evaluation.
The specialist will conduct an interview structured to examine your past. They might request old reports and speak to your family members, teachers or your friends to find out 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 also cause problems with relationships and learning at work, school and home. Consult your GP when you or your child exhibits these signs. 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, examining medical records and your health history, and conducting an exam. You can also discuss the history of your family members with ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation may consist of a description of your symptoms as well as questionnaires and scales filled out by your caregivers, you and teachers along with a psychiatric assessment, physical examination and laboratory tests.
Psychiatrists and psychologists can diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents by following established guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. They examine for hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity patterns that last for six months or longer, and evaluate whether these symptoms interfere with your family life, at home at work, or at school.
Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner, but their symptoms tend 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 your adult symptoms are in line with the guidelines for diagnosis, you can be treated with medication. Psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs boost energy and alertness, while also improving focus and concentration. They can be prescribed in extended-release versions to minimize the risk of the risk of adverse effects. Adults who present with inattentive ADHD might be treated with antidepressants. These medications, like Wellbutrin and Effexor can affect neurotransmitters, and improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can help you take control of the symptoms that could be affecting both your personal and professional life. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologist or family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. A person with an underlying symptom-based diagnosis such as ADHD must adhere to certain guidelines laid out in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, to receive treatment for ADHD.
During the ADHD evaluation, you'll be asked questions about your child's behavior at home, at school and in social settings. They will also review your child's developmental medical and family history. They will then compare your child's behavior to the behavior of other children who are similar to them. They may use standardized ratings scales to gauge the frequency of certain behavior 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 occur in more than one setting, affect your child's functioning and cause dysfunction and be present for at least six (6) 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 comprehensive psychiatric assessment can include computer-based cognitive and psychological tests and psychological and neuropsychological testing. Your healthcare provider will also conduct a physical examination and assess your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical issues like thyroid disorders or head injuries that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms. They can also ask teachers and caregivers for a detailed history of your child's development and conduct a thorough interview with your child as well as family. They will also consider whether there is an ancestral history of ADHD since ADHD is highly hereditary.
Treatment
If a person has been diagnosed as having ADHD the person may require treatment or medication for their behavior. Behavioral therapy may include individual and family counseling as well as group therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). To start treatment, you must first locate a specialist who is skilled in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. You can start by calling your insurance provider or asking a local mental health support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for names of professionals in your area who specialize in ADHD. Certain doctors utilize computer tests, like continuous performance tests, to check for issues with impulse control and attention. Some doctors also use brain scans, such as single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to detect abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient interview is the most important component of an assessment.
During the interview, the clinician will go over the symptoms that led to the appointment. The clinician will also seek details from someone who knows the patient well like a spouse, sibling or parent. The clinician will also talk to nannies, teachers, coaches 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 doctor will then write an assessment report and discuss the findings of the assessment with the patient.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD will depend on the degree to that the symptoms affect the individual's daily activities. This means that symptoms have to be significant in two important settings like at work and at home. For adhd diagnosis uk adults to be diagnosed the condition must have been present at least six month.
During the interview the clinician will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric histories and determine if they satisfy the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5. A valid diagnosis of ADHD is based on at least three of the five symptom categories: difficulty paying attention to the smallest of specifics and making mistakes, difficulty in staying focused on work or activities, trouble listening when spoken to and daydreaming or appearing to be distracted.
Prevention
People who have inattentional ADHD are usually not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive, or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and can be overlooked. The issues they face can have severe consequences. They might not do well in school, experience problems with their peers, or struggle to hold a job. These individuals also need to be treated.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official name of the condition. The term ADD is still used from time to time however it is not the most popular. The newer name recognizes that children might only suffer from inattentive symptom.
While many of the symptoms are common to all cases, there are some differences in how the disorder manifests between 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 not be diagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment.
An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a medical professional. This may include a clinical interview, medical history review and physical examination. It also involves reviewing reports by teachers or parents, or other adults who know the patient well, as well as normed ratings scales that are that are completed by family members and educators. These can be helpful in determining whether the symptoms are severe enough to impact functioning.
It is important to conduct a thorough assessment to determine if the symptoms are due to other psychiatric or medical condition, such as depression or anxiety. In some cases the treatment of other disorders may 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 adverse effects. They should also remain in touch with their doctor to make sure that the medication is functioning exactly as it should.
The most popular treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant medications which can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive behaviors. Adults and children suffering from ADHD who are inattentive may benefit from other treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy or parent training. Patients who are prescribed ADHD medications are advised to have regular checks with their healthcare providers, as some patients require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.