ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses

The first step in managing symptoms is to get an accurate diagnosis. Find a licensed mental healthcare professional (psychiatrists and neurologists, family doctors) who is proficient in ADHD evaluations.

The specialist will conduct a structured interview to examine your history. They might request old reports, and talk 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. These symptoms can also cause problems with relationships and learning at school, home and work. If you or your child is suffering from these symptoms, consult an GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose ADHD, but they can discuss your concerns with you and recommend specialist services, if needed.

A GP will be able to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms by asking questions, examining medical records and your health history, and then performing a physical exam. You can also mention the background of ADHD in your family members to aid in the diagnosis. The GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to complete a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation could include an explanation and scales of your symptoms completed by you and your caregivers along with a physical exam, lab tests and a psychiatric exam.

Psychology and psychiatry can help diagnose ADHD among adolescents and children using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. These include looking for patterns of inattention or hyperactivity that lasts for six months or more, and evaluating whether these symptoms have a significant impact on your daily routine at home, at work or school.

Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner but their symptoms are more likely to manifest differently as they grow 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 meet the guidelines for diagnosis, you may be treated with medication. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed psychostimulants that alter neurotransmitters. These medications help improve concentration and focus, as well as improving alertness and energy. They can be prescribed as extended-release versions to reduce side effects. Antidepressants are often used to treat the inattention presentation of ADHD in adults. These medications, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine), affect neurotransmitters in the brain to enhance mood and focus.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in taking control of symptoms which may affect your personal and professional life. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologist or family physicians) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. A person with a symptom-based diagnosis, such as ADHD, must meet certain guidelines set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to be eligible for treatment for ADHD.

During the ADHD assessment, you will be asked questions about your child's behavior at home, in school and in social settings. The medical history of your child as well as family history and development will be studied. They will then compare your child's behavior with those of children who are their age. They may use standardized ratings scales to gauge the frequency of certain behavior problems, like inability to pay attention, ignoring things and 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 settings, cause your child to perform poorly and last for at least six months.

If your child isn't meeting the criteria 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 examination could include neuropsychological and psycho-psychological testing, and cognitive tests that are computer-based. Your doctor will examine your child's blood pressure, and perform an examination of the body to determine if there are any medical conditions that may be related to ADHD symptoms such as thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman 2015). They may also ask teachers and caregivers to provide a full history of your child's development and conduct a thorough interview of your child and your family. They will consider whether there is an ancestral history of ADHD since the condition is highly heritable.

Treatment

If a person has been diagnosed as having ADHD, they may need treatment with medication or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy may include family and individual counseling, as also group therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The first step to receive treatment is to find an expert in the field of diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurance provider or asking your local mental health support group like the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD, for names of specialists in your area who specialize in ADHD. Certain doctors utilize computer programs, like continuous tests for performance, to look for impulsivity and attention issues. Others use brain scans, for instance single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for signs of abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient interview is the most crucial component of an evaluation.

During the interview, the therapist will review the symptoms that led up to the appointment. The clinician will also seek information from someone who is familiar with the patient very well for example, a spouse, sibling or parent. The clinician will also interview nannies, teachers, coaches and other adults who spend a lot of time with the patient. This is a very thorough process and can be a long time. The clinician will complete an evaluation report and then discuss the findings with the patient.

It is vital to keep in mind that the definition of ADHD is determined by how the symptoms impact a person's life. This means that the symptoms must be causing significant impairment in two important settings like at work and at home. The impairment must be present for at least six months to be considered an acceptable diagnosis of ADHD.

During the interview, the doctor will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric histories and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria set forth 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 supported by at least three of the five symptom categories: trouble paying attention to small specifics and making mistakes, difficulty in staying focused on activities or tasks and difficulty listening when talking to others and daydreaming or appearing to be distracted.

The following is a list of preventatives.

People with inattentional ADHD are often not diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive as those with hyperactive or impulsive kinds of ADHD and are often ignored. Their problems can have serious consequences. They may not perform well at school, have problems with their peers, or struggle to hold a job. These individuals also need to be treated with respect.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official name of the condition. The term ADD can be used from time to time but it's not the most popular. The newer name recognizes that children may only have symptoms of inattention.

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 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 the clinical interview, medical history review, and a physical examination. It also involves reviewing reports by teachers, parents or other adults who know the person well and also standard ratings scales that are that are completed by family members and teachers. These are helpful adhd diagnosis for adults in determining whether the symptoms are present to a degree that affects functioning.

It is essential to conduct a thorough assessment to determine if the symptoms are caused by other psychiatric or medical condition, such as anxiety or depression. In some cases treatment of other disorders can help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms.

Anyone diagnosed with the disorder need be aware of the potential adverse effects and treatments. They should also stay in contact with their physician to ensure that the medication is working exactly as it should.

The most common treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant medications, which can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Adults and children with ADHD with inattentiveness may benefit from other treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy or parent training. It is crucial to remind those who are prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctor regularly, since some patients may require adjustments in dosages or alternative treatment options.