ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
The first step in managing symptoms is to receive a diagnosis. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists and neurologists, family doctors) who is experienced in ADHD evaluations.
The expert will conduct an interview that is structured to look into your history. They may want to see old report cards and speak to parents, relatives or even friends about 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 cause issues with relationships and learning at home, school and at work. Speak to your GP when you or your child displays these symptoms. They are unable to diagnose ADHD in a formal manner, but they can discuss your concerns and refer you to specialists if needed.
A GP can assist you in determining if your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, reviewing your medical and health records and completing a physical exam. You can also discuss the history of your family's ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation may consist of a description of your symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by your caregivers, you and teachers along with a psychiatric assessment, physical exam and lab 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. These include looking for a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that lasts for at least six months and determining whether these symptoms are affecting your daily life at home, at work or school.
Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner, but their symptoms tend 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 guidelines for diagnosis, you may be treated with medication. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are typically prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications boost energy and alertness, improving focus and concentration. These medications can be administered in an extended-release version to lessen the effects of the risk of adverse effects. Adults with inattentive ADHD can be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters, and improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing the symptoms that may be affecting your daily life, professionally and personally. A psychiatric assessment can be conducted by a licensed mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family doctor or other type of medical specialist). A person who is diagnosed with a diagnosis based on symptoms such as ADHD must adhere to certain guidelines set forth 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 as well as in social situations. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult will also go over your child's developmental medical history and family history. Then, they will evaluate your child's behavior to that of other children of similar age. They can use standard ratings scales to gauge the frequency of certain behavioral issues, such as the inability to focus, forgetting about 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 different settings that cause your child to perform poorly and last for at least at least six months.
If your child is not able to meet all of the criteria needed to be diagnosed of inattentive ADHD, your healthcare provider 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.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can include tests for psychological and cognitive abilities that are computer-based as well as psychological and neuropsychological testing. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and assess your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and head injuries that can be similar to ADHD symptoms. They might also request details about the issue from caregivers and teachers, and conduct a thorough interview with your child and family members. They will also consider whether there is a history of ADHD in the family, since it is highly heritable.
Treatment
If a person has been diagnosed with ADHD the person may need medication and/or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy can include individual and family counseling, as well as group therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The first step in getting treatment is to find an expert in the field of diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurer or a local mental support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find a professional who specialize in ADHD in your area. Certain doctors utilize computer tests, like continuous performance tests, to test for issues with impulse control and attention. Other doctors use brain scans, like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to look for signs of abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient's interview is the most important element of an assessment.
During an interview, the physician will discuss the symptoms that led to the appointment. The doctor may also ask someone who is familiar with the patient, such as their spouse, parent or sibling, for information. The clinician will also talk to teachers, coaches, nannies and other professionals who spend much time with the patient. This is a thorough procedure that can take an hour or more. The clinician will prepare a report, and discuss the findings with the patient.
It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD will depend on the degree to that the symptoms affect the person's everyday life. The symptoms have to be significantly affecting two important settings like at work and at home. The impairment must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a valid diagnosis of ADHD.
During the consultation, the doctor will discuss with the patient their medical and mental health history and determine if they are in compliance with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5. A valid diagnosis of ADHD must be backed by at least three of the five symptom categories: trouble paying attention to small specifics and making mistakes, difficulty in staying focused on tasks or activities or tasks, difficulty in listening to what you are being talked to or daydreaming, or appearing to be distracted.
Prevention
People with inattentional ADHD are often not diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive as the hyperactive or impulsive kinds of ADHD, and they can be easily overlooked. The issues they face can have severe consequences. They may not perform well in school, experience problems with their peers, or struggle to hold an occupation. These people must be treated as well.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official name for the condition. The term ADD is still occasionally used, but it is not the most common. The newer version recognizes that children might only be suffering from an inattention symptom.
While many of the symptoms are present in all cases, there are some variations in the way that the disorder presents itself 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 increases the likelihood that they will not be diagnosed, and less likely to receive treatment.
A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a health professional. This may include an examination of the medical history, a clinical interview, and physical examination. It is also a matter of reviewing reports from teachers, parents or other adults who know the person well, as well as normed rating scales completed by loved ones and educators. These can be useful in determining whether the symptoms are severe enough to affect functioning.
A thorough evaluation is essential to determine if symptoms are caused by a different medical or mental illness like depression or anxiety. In some cases treating these other disorders will aid in reducing or eliminating the ADHD symptoms.
Those who are diagnosed with the disorder need be aware of potential adverse effects and treatments. They should also keep in contact with their physician or nurse to make sure that the medications are functioning exactly as they should.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for inattention ADHD. They can improve concentration and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. Adults and children with ADHD who are inattentive can benefit from other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or parent training. It is important to remind those who are prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctors regularly, as certain patients may require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.