ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses

Finding a diagnosis is the first step to understanding and addressing symptoms. Find a licensed mental healthcare professional (psychiatrists and neurologists, family physicians) who is proficient in ADHD evaluations.

The specialist will conduct an interview structured to review your past. They might want to look at old report cards and talk to family members, teachers or classmates about childhood behaviors.

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 interfere with relationships and learning at school, at home and at work. Speak to your GP when you or your child displays these signs. They're not able to definitively diagnose ADHD however, they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you to specialist services, if necessary.

A GP can help you determine if your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, looking over your medical history and health records and completing a physical exam. You may also provide the background of ADHD in your family to help with the diagnosis. The GP can then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation could comprise a description and scales of your symptoms completed by you and your family members, along with physical examination, lab tests and a psychiatric exam.

Psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children by using established guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. They examine for hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity behaviors that last for six months or longer and assess whether the symptoms impact your daily life, at home at work, at home, and in school.

Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD, but 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 are in line with 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 medications improve concentration and focus, as well as increasing energy and alertness. They may be given in extended-release forms to lessen adverse effects. Adults who present with inattentive ADHD may be treated with antidepressants. These medications, like Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters, and improve mood and concentration.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD can help you take control of your symptoms that could be affecting both your personal and professional life. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologist or family physicians) can conduct a psychiatric examination. A person who is diagnosed with a diagnosis based on symptoms, such as ADHD, must meet certain guidelines laid out in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, to receive treatment for ADHD.

During the ADHD evaluation, you will be asked questions about your child’s behavior at home, in school and in social settings. They will also review your child's growth, medical and family history. They will then compare your child's behavior to those of children who are of similar age. They can use standard rating scales that measure the frequency of specific behavior problems, such as difficulty in paying attention, forgetting things and interrupting other children.

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 and cause your child to perform poorly, and last for six months.

If your child doesn't meet all of 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 thorough psychiatric assessment could include neuropsychological and psycho-psychological testing, and computer-based cognitive tests. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and examine your child's heart rate to eliminate medical issues like thyroid disorders and head injuries that can be similar to ADHD symptoms. They can also ask teachers and caregivers to provide a full history and conduct a thorough interview with your child as well as your family. They will also consider whether there is an ancestry of ADHD in the family, as it is highly genetically inherited.

Treatment

If a person has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been diagnosed with ADHD, they may need medication and/or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy can include family and individual counseling, and group therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. To begin treatment, it is necessary to find a professional who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and is covered website by insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurance company or a local mental health support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find a professional who specialize in ADHD in your region. Some doctors use computer programs, like continuous performance tests, to check for impulsivity and attention issues. Other doctors utilize brain scans such as single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to detect abnormalities. But experts agree that the most crucial element of an examination is a patient-patient interview.

During the interview, the doctor will review the symptoms that led up to the appointment. The doctor will also ask for information from someone who is familiar with the patient very well, such as a spouse, sibling or parent. The clinician will also talk to nannies, teachers, coaches and other adults who spend much time with the patient. This is a thorough process that could be a long time. The clinician will then complete a report and discuss the findings of the assessment with the patient.

It is vital to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD depends on how the symptoms impact the person's daily life. This means that the person's symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two major settings, such as home and work. The impairment must be present for at least six months in order to be considered an acceptable diagnosis of ADHD.

During the interview the clinician will discuss with the patient their medical and mental health history and determine if they satisfy 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 requires at minimum three of the following five symptoms such as difficulty paying attention specifics, making erroneous mistakes and having difficulty focusing on other tasks or activities, and difficulty listening to someone's words when they speak.

Prevention

Often, people with inattentive ADHD symptoms aren't diagnosed. They're not as disruptive, or impulsive as those with hyperactive ADHD and are often dismissed. Their problems can have serious consequences. They might not do well in school, have problems with their peers, or struggle to keep a job. They also have to be treated.

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 new definition includes the fact that children may be affected by inattention symptoms on their own.

While many of the symptoms are present in all cases, there are a few variations in the way that 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 means they are more likely to be undiagnosed and less likely to receive treatment.

A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a health care professional. This may include a medical history review as well as a clinical interview, and a physical exam. It is a process of examining reports from parents, teachers or other adults with a good understanding of the individual and normative rating scales that are completed by family members and teachers. These can assist in determining whether the symptoms are present in a way that affects functioning.

A thorough examination is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by another medical or mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. In some cases, treating other disorders can aid in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms.

Those who are diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of what to expect in terms of their treatment and possible medication adverse effects. They should also keep in contact with their physician or nurse to make sure that the medication is working in the way they should.

The most popular treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant drugs which can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive behaviors. Adults and children with inattentive ADHD can benefit from other treatments like cognitive behavior therapy or parent training. People who are prescribed ADHD medications should also be advised to schedule regular checks with their health professionals since some patients may require adjustments in dosage or other treatment options.