ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Getting an assessment is the first step in understanding and managing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologists, family physicians) who is proficient in ADHD evaluations.
The expert will conduct an organized interview to review your background. They might want to look at old reports and talk to parents, relatives or even friends about childhood behavior.
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 home, school and at work. Talk to your GP when you or your child is showing these symptoms. They aren't able to officially diagnose ADHD however, they can discuss your concerns with you and recommend specialist services, if necessary.
A GP will be able to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms by asking questions, reviewing medical records and your medical history, and conducting a physical examination. You can also discuss the history of your family's ADHD to aid in the diagnosis. The GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to complete a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation could include a description of your symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by you, your caregivers and teachers along with a psychiatric assessment, physical exam and lab tests.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can 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 look for hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity patterns that last for a period of six months or more and assess whether the symptoms interfere with your life, at home at work, at home, and at school.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD however, the symptoms of ADHD will likely 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 meet the criteria for diagnosis, you can be treated with medication. Psychostimulants are substances that alter neurotransmitters within the brain, are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications increase energy and alertness, improving focus and concentration. They may be given as extended-release versions to minimize side effects. Adults with inattentive ADHD may be treated with antidepressants. These drugs, like Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters and can improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control of the symptoms that could be affecting both your professional and personal lives. A psychiatric examination is performed by a licensed mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor, or any other kind of medical specialist). To receive treatment for ADHD someone with an underlying symptom-based diagnosis (such as ADHD) must meet certain guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the ADHD assessment, you will be asked questions about your child’s behavior at home, in school as well as in social situations. adhd uk diagnosis will also go over your child's development as well as medical and family history. Then, they will compare your child's behavior with the behavior of other children his age. They can use standard rating scales that assess the frequency of specific behaviors, like 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 settings, make your child perform poorly, and last for six months.
If your child is not able to meet the criteria to qualify for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD the healthcare professional will assign them an 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 could include computer-based cognitive and psychological tests and neuropsychological and psychological testing. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and examine your child's heart rate to rule out medical issues like thyroid disorders or head injuries that can be similar to ADHD symptoms. They can also ask teachers and caregivers to provide a full history of your child's development and conduct a thorough interview with your child and family. They'll also look into whether there is a history of ADHD in the family, since it is highly genetically inherited.
Treatment
If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD, he or she might require medication and/or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy may include individual and family counseling and group therapy like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step to receive treatment is to locate an specialist in diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. Start by contacting your insurer or asking your 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. Some doctors employ computer tests, like continuous performances tests, to test for problems with attention and impulse control. Other doctors use brain scans, like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for signs of abnormalities. However, experts agree that the most significant element of an examination is a patient interview.
During the interview, the clinician will go over the symptoms that led up to the appointment. The clinician may also seek out 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. It is a long procedure that could take up to an hour. The clinician will complete a report, and discuss the results with the patient.
It is essential to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the degree to which the symptoms interfere with the person's daily life. This means that the symptoms have to be causing significant impairment in two main settings, such as at work and at home. The impairment must be present for at least six months to be considered a valid diagnosis of ADHD.
During the interview, the doctor will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and determine if the patient is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association in the 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 symptoms: trouble paying close attention to details and making erroneous mistakes, difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities or tasks, difficulty in listening to what you are spoken to and daydreaming or seeming distracted.
Prevention
In many cases, people who have inattention ADHD symptoms aren't identified. They're not as disruptive, or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and are often overlooked. The issues they face can have severe consequences. They may not perform well at school, have disagreements with their peers or struggle to hold a job. These individuals must be treated too.
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 designation takes into account the fact that children can be suffering from symptoms of inattention on their own.
There are some differences in the manner in which the disorder is exhibited 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 increases the likelihood that they are not diagnosed and receive less treatment.
A thorough examination by a healthcare professional is essential to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This includes a medical history review, a clinical interview, and physical examination. It also involves reviewing reports by teachers parents, teachers or other people who know the person, as well as normed scales of rating completed by loved ones and teachers. These can assist in determining whether the symptoms are present to a degree that affects functioning.
A thorough examination is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by a different medical or psychiatric condition like depression or anxiety. In some cases the treatment of other disorders may aid in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms.
Those who are diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of what to expect from their treatment and possible medication adverse effects. They should also stay in touch with their doctor to make sure that the medication is working as it should.
The most popular treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant medications, which can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, including cognitive behavior therapy and parent training are very beneficial for adults and children with this condition as well. It is important to remind those who are prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctor regularly, since certain patients may require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.