ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
The first step in managing symptoms is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Find a licensed mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician) who is specialized in ADHD evaluations and diagnoses.
The specialist will conduct an interview that is structured to look into your past. They may ask to see old reports, and talk to family members, teachers or your friends to find out about your 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. The symptoms can also interfere with relationships and learning at work, school and home. If you or your child exhibit these symptoms, talk to a GP. They are unable to diagnose ADHD formally, but can discuss your concerns and refer you to specialists when 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 conducting an exam. You may also provide the history of ADHD in your family to help with diagnosis. The GP can then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation may consist of the description of your symptoms as well as questionnaires and scales filled out by your caregivers, you and teachers, a psychiatric history and physical exam and lab tests.
Psychiatrists and psychologists can diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents by using 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 six months or longer, and evaluate whether these symptoms impact your daily life at home at work, or in school.
Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD however their symptoms are likely 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 meet the requirements 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 improve concentration and focus, while increasing energy and alertness. They can be prescribed as extended-release versions to minimize side effects. Antidepressants are often employed to treat the inattention presentation of ADHD in adults. These drugs, like Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters, and improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step towards taking control of symptoms that may be affecting your life both professionally and personally. A psychiatric evaluation is performed by an accredited mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, family doctor, or any other kind of medical specialist). To receive treatment for ADHD someone with a diagnosis based on symptoms (such as ADHD) must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.
During an ADHD evaluation your healthcare provider will inquire regarding your child's behavior in the home, school and social environments. They will also discuss your child's development medical and family history. They will then assess your child's behaviors to the behaviors of other children who are who are similar to them. They can use standard ratings scales to gauge the frequency of certain behavior problems, like inability to pay attention, ignoring things, or 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, cause your child to function poorly and last for a minimum of six months.
If your child does not meet the criteria for an inattentive ADHD diagnosis the healthcare professional 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 thorough psychiatric examination could include neuropsychological and psycho-psychological tests, as well as computer-based cognitive tests. Your healthcare provider will also check your child's blood pressure and conduct 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). Teachers may also ask and parents for a thorough history of your child's development and conduct a thorough interview of your child and family members. They'll also be looking into whether there is a history of ADHD in the family, as it is highly heritable.
Treatment
If someone has been diagnosed as having ADHD, they may need treatment with medication or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy could include family and individual counseling, as also group therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The first step to receive treatment is to locate an specialist in the field of diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. You can start by calling your insurer or asking your local mental health support group like the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for names of professionals in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors make use of computer programs, like continuous performance tests, to check for impulsivity and attention issues. Others utilize brain scans, for instance single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for signs of abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient's interview is the most crucial component of an evaluation.
During an interview, the doctor will go over the symptoms that prompted the appointment. The doctor will also request details from someone who knows the patient well like siblings, spouses or a parent. The doctor will also interview teachers as well as coaches, nannies, and other adults who spend a lot of time with the patient. This is a thorough procedure that could take up to an hour. The clinician will complete an evaluation report and then discuss the findings with the patient.
It is important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the extent to which the symptoms impact the person's everyday life. This means that the symptoms have to be significant in two main settings, such as at work and at home. In order for ADHD to be recognized the disorder must have been present for at least six month.
During the interview, the clinician will discuss the person's medical and mental health history and determine whether or not the person meets the diagnostic criteria set 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 symptom categories: trouble paying attention to small specifics and making mistakes, difficulty remaining focused on work or activities or tasks, difficulty in listening to what you are being talked to or daydreaming, or appearing distracted.
https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment with inattentional ADHD are usually not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive as the hyperactive or impulsive forms of ADHD and can be easily missed. However, their issues can result in consequences: they might be unable to perform at school, have a conflict with peers or struggle to keep an occupation. These people require treatment, 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 commonly used. The newer designation takes into account the fact that children may suffer from inattentive symptoms alone.
There are differences in the way 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 go undiagnosed and receive less treatment.
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is required to establish an accurate diagnosis. This includes a medical history review, a clinical interview, and a physical exam. It is also a matter of reviewing reports from teachers parents, teachers or other people who know the person well and also standard ratings scales that are completed by loved ones and educators. These can be helpful in determining if the symptoms are present in a way that impacts the functioning.
It is essential to conduct a thorough examination in order to determine whether the symptoms are due to another psychiatric or medical issue, such as anxiety or depression. 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 from the treatment they receive and potential side effects. They should also keep in contact with their doctor or nurse to make sure that the medications are functioning exactly as they should.
The most commonly used treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant medications that can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Children and adults with ADHD with inattentiveness might benefit from other treatments like cognitive behavior therapy or parent training. It is crucial to remind people who are prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctors regularly, as certain patients may require adjustments in dosages or alternative treatment options.