ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
Making an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards understanding and addressing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologists, family physicians) who is experienced in ADHD assessments.
The specialist will conduct an interview designed to look at your past. They might want to look at old report cards and speak with family members, teachers or classmates about your childhood habits.
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. The symptoms also may interfere with relationships and learning at work, school and home. Consult your GP when you or your child is showing these symptoms. They cannot diagnose ADHD in a formal manner, but they can discuss your concerns and refer you to specialists if required.
A GP can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, reviewing your health history and medical records, and performing an examination. It is also possible to mention the history of ADHD in your family to help with the diagnosis. The GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation may include the description of your symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by your caregivers, you and teachers as well as a psychiatric history, physical exam and lab tests.
Psychiatrists and psychologists can diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents with the help of 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 at least six months and determine if these symptoms impact your daily life, at home at work, at home, and at school.
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner but their symptoms are more likely 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 you meet the requirements for diagnosis and your symptoms are adult-specific, you may be prescribed medication. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications increase energy and alertness, improving concentration and focus. They are available in extended-release forms to lessen side effects. Adults who present with inattention ADHD can be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters and can improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step in managing the symptoms that may be affecting your life both personally and professionally. A psychiatric evaluation is performed by an accredited mental health professional or a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, family doctor, or any other kind of medical specialist). To receive treatment for ADHD or other disorders, a person who has an underlying symptom-based diagnosis (such as ADHD) must follow certain guidelines set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.
During an ADHD assessment, your healthcare provider will inquire about your child's behavior at home, school and social settings. They will also go over your child's development as well as medical history and family history. They will then evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children of similar age. They may use standardized rating scales that assess the frequency of certain behavior problems, such as difficulty in 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 occur in more than one setting that affect your child's behavior and cause problems and be present for at least six (6) months.
If your child is not able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD, your healthcare provider 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 evaluation may include neuropsychological and psychological tests, as well as cognitive tests that are computer-based. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and examine your child's heart rate to rule out medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and head injuries that can mimic ADHD symptoms. They may also request details about the issue from teachers and caregivers and conduct a thorough discussion with your child as well as family members. They will take into consideration whether there is a family history of ADHD because the condition is highly genetically inherited.
Treatment
If a person has been diagnosed as having ADHD the person may require treatment or medication for their behavior. Behavioral therapy can include family and individual counseling, as in addition to group therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). To begin treatment, you need to locate a professional who has expertise in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by 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. Some doctors employ computer tests, such as continuous performances tests, to check for problems with attention and impulse control. Some doctors also use 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 the interview, the doctor will go over the symptoms that led up to the appointment. The doctor may also ask for details from someone who knows the patient very well for example, the spouse, sibling or parent. The clinician will also interview teachers, coaches, nannies and other adults that spend long periods of time with the patient. This is a lengthy process that could take an hour or more. The doctor will then write a report and discuss the results of the examination with the patient.
It is vital to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is determined by how the symptoms interfere with a person's life. This means that symptoms have to be significant in two important settings like at work and at home. The impairment must have been 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 psychiatric histories 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 these five symptom categories: difficulty paying close attention to details and making careless mistakes, difficulty staying focused on work or activities and difficulty listening when being talked to or daydreaming, or appearing to be distracted.
The following is a list with preventions.
Most people with inattentional ADHD symptoms aren't diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive or as impulsive as hyperactive ADHD and are often ignored. However, their problems can result in consequences: they might underperform at school, clash with peers or have difficulty to find an occupation. These people also need to be treated with respect.
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 name is based on the fact that children might only be suffering from an inattention symptom.
While many of the symptoms are present in all instances, there are 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 makes it more likely that they will go undiagnosed and receive less treatment.
An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a medical professional. This may include an assessment of medical history as well as a clinical interview and a physical exam. It includes analyzing reports from teachers, parents or other adults with a good understanding of the individual as well as normative rating scales completed both by loved ones as well as teachers. These can be useful in determining whether the symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in functioning.
It is important to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the symptoms are related to another psychiatric or medical issue such as depression or anxiety. In some instances treatment of other disorders can aid in reducing or eliminating 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 doctor to make sure that the medication is functioning exactly as it should.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for inattention ADHD. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment can help improve concentration and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. Children and adults with ADHD with inattentiveness may benefit from other treatment options like cognitive behavior therapy or parent training. It is essential to remind those prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctor regularly, since certain patients may require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.