ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
The first step in managing symptoms is to get an accurate diagnosis. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, family doctors) who is skilled in ADHD evaluations.
The specialist will conduct an interview structured to review your past. They might request old reports and speak to family members, teachers or friends to learn 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 can also interfere with relationships and learning at school, work and home. If you or your child is suffering from these symptoms, talk to an GP. They cannot diagnose ADHD formally, but can discuss your concerns and recommend you to specialists if required.
A GP will be able to determine if you have ADHD symptoms by asking questions, looking over medical records and your medical history, and conducting physical examination. You can also mention the history of your family's ADHD to help with diagnosis. The GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation could include an explanation of your symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are 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 by following established guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. They will look for a pattern of inattention or hyperactivity that lasts for at least six months and determining if these symptoms are affecting your life at home, work and school.
Adults may also be diagnosed with ADHD however, their symptoms will likely present 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 adhd diagnosing meet the criteria for diagnosis, you may be treated with medication. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are often prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications improve concentration and focus, as well as increasing alertness and energy. They can be prescribed as extended-release versions to minimize adverse effects. Adults who present with inattention ADHD might be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor, affect neurotransmitters, and improve mood and concentration.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in controlling the symptoms that may be affecting your daily life, both professionally and personally. A psychiatric evaluation is performed by an accredited mental health specialist 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 adhere to certain guidelines set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association.
During an ADHD evaluation, your healthcare provider will ask questions regarding your child's behavior in school, at home and in social environments. They will also review your child's developmental, medical and family history. Then, they will evaluate your child's behavior against that of other children of similar age. They can use standard rating scales that assess the frequency of certain behavioral 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 be present in more than one setting, affect your child's functioning and cause dysfunction, and have been present for at least six months.
If your child does not meet 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 thorough psychiatric assessment may include neuropsychological and psychological testing, and cognitive tests that are computer-based. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and check your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical conditions like thyroid disorders and head injuries that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms. Teachers may also ask and parents for a thorough background and conduct an extensive interview with your child and family members. They will consider whether there is a family history of ADHD since the condition is highly heritable.
Treatment
If someone has been diagnosed as having ADHD it is possible that they will require medication or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy may include individual and family counseling, as well as group therapy such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step to receive treatment is to find an expert in diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurance provider or a local mental support group such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find professionals who specialize in ADHD in your region. Some doctors use computer programs, such as continuous tests of performance, to test for problems with attention and impulsivity. Others use brain scans, such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to look for abnormalities. However, experts agree that the most significant element of an evaluation is an interview with the patient.
During an interview, the clinician will review the symptoms that led to the appointment. The doctor may also seek information from someone who knows the patient very well for example, siblings, spouses or a parent. The doctor will also interview teachers or coaches, nannies, and other adults who spend considerable time with the patient. This is a very thorough procedure that can take up to an hour. The clinician will prepare an evaluation report and then discuss the results with the patient.
It is essential to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the degree to that the symptoms affect the individual's daily activities. This means that symptoms have to be significantly affecting two important settings like at work and at home. The impairment must have been present for at least six months to be considered an acceptable diagnosis of ADHD.
During the interview, the clinician will review the patient's medical and mental health 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 requires at minimum three of the following five symptoms such as difficulty paying attention details, making careless errors and having difficulty focusing on work or other activities, and difficulty listening to someone's words when they speak.
Prevention
People with inattentional ADHD are typically not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive as the hyperactive or impulsive kinds of ADHD, and they can be easily ignored. However, their issues can have consequences: they could be unable to perform at school, have a conflict with peers or find it difficult to find an occupation. These individuals must be treated too.
The term ADD is still used infrequently however the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines the condition as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer designation takes into account the fact that children could be suffering from symptoms of inattention on their own.
There are differences in the manner in which the disorder is presented by 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 seek treatment.
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is required to establish an accurate diagnosis. This includes an assessment of medical history, a clinical interview and a physical exam. It is a process of examining reports from parents, teachers or other adults who have a good knowledge of the individual, as well as normative ratings scales, both by loved ones as well as educators. These can assist in determining if the symptoms are present to an extent that they affect the way you function.
A careful evaluation is also crucial to determine if the symptoms are caused by a different psychiatric or medical condition like anxiety or depression. In some cases, treating these other disorders can help relieve or eliminate the ADHD symptoms.
Anyone diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of what to expect from the treatment they receive and potential adverse effects. They should also remain in contact with their doctor to ensure that the medication is working as it should.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment of inattentive ADHD. They can improve concentration and decrease the impulsive behavior. Adults and children suffering from ADHD with inattentiveness can benefit from other treatments like cognitive behavior therapy or parent training. People who are prescribed ADHD medications are advised to have regular check-ups with their healthcare providers, as some patients require adjustments in dosage or other treatment options.