The 10 Most Terrifying Things About ADHD Diagnoses
ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses
The first step in managing symptoms is to receive a diagnosis. Find how to get diagnosed with adhd licensed mental healthcare professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, family doctors) who is skilled in ADHD evaluations.
The specialist will conduct an interview designed to look at your past. They might want to look at old report cards and talk to teachers, relatives or friends 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 cause problems with learning and relationships at school, at home and work. Speak to your GP in the event that you or your child exhibits these symptoms. They cannot diagnose ADHD in a formal manner, but they can discuss your concerns and recommend you to specialists if needed.
A GP can assist you in determining whether your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, reviewing your health history and medical records and completing a physical exam. You can also discuss the history of your family's ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation could include a description of your symptoms as well as questionnaires and scales filled out by your caregivers, you and teachers as well as a psychiatric history, physical exam and lab tests.
Psychologists and psychiatrists 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. These include looking for an inattention pattern or hyperactivity, which lasts for six months or more and determining if these symptoms significantly interfere with your life at home, work and school.
Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner, but their symptoms are more 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 you meet the requirements for diagnosis and your symptoms are adult-specific You may be prescribed medication. Adults with ADHD are usually prescribed psychostimulants to alter neurotransmitters. These medications increase energy and alertness, as well as improving concentration and focus. They may be given as extended-release versions to minimize side effects. Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD may be treated with antidepressants. These drugs, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine), affect the brain's neurotransmitters and enhance mood and focus.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control of symptoms which may affect your personal and professional life. A psychiatric assessment can be performed by an accredited mental health professional or a physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor or other type of medical specialist). A person who is diagnosed with an underlying symptom-based diagnosis like ADHD, must meet certain guidelines set forth in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, to receive 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, development and family history will be reviewed. They will then evaluate your child's behavior with the behavior of other children their age. They may use standardized rating scales that assess the frequency of specific behavioral problems like difficulty paying attention, forgetting things or 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 disruption, and have been present for at least six months.
If your child does not meet all of the criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD Your healthcare provider will assign them 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 may include neuropsychological and psychological tests, as well as computer-based cognitive tests. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and check your child's heart rate to rule out medical issues like thyroid disorders or head injuries that can be similar to ADHD symptoms. They may also ask for an extensive history of the problem from parents and teachers and conduct a thorough discussion with your child and other family members. They'll also look into whether there is any history of ADHD in the family, since it is highly inheritable.
Treatment
If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD the person may need medication and/or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy could include family and individual counseling, as well as group therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). To start treatment, it is necessary to find a professional who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. You can start by calling your insurance provider or asking the local mental health support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of specialists in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors use computer programs, like continuous performance tests, to check for problems with attention and impulsivity. Others utilize brain scans, like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for signs of abnormalities. But experts agree that the most significant element of an evaluation is an interview with the patient.
During an interview, the physician will discuss the symptoms that prompted the appointment. The doctor may also ask for details from someone who knows the patient well, such as the spouse, sibling or parent. The doctor will also speak with teachers, coaches, nannies and other adults who spend a lot of time with the patient. This is a very thorough procedure that can take an hour or more. The doctor will then write an evaluation report and then discuss the results of the assessment with the patient.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is based on the degree to which the symptoms impact the individual's daily activities. This means that the patient's symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two major situations, including work and home. In order for ADHD to be diagnosed the disorder must have been present for at least six months.
During the consultation, the doctor will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric history and determine if they are in compliance with the diagnostic criteria outlined 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 the five symptoms: trouble paying close attention to details and making erroneous mistakes, difficulty remaining focused on work or activities and difficulty listening when talking to others and daydreaming or seeming distracted.
Prevention
Often, people with inattentive ADHD symptoms aren't diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive as the hyperactive or impulsive types of ADHD and are often overlooked. Their problems can have serious consequences. They may not do well in school, have problems with their peers, or struggle to hold jobs. These people need to be treated, as well.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official term used to describe the condition. The term ADD may still be occasionally used however it is not the most popular. The newer designation takes into account the fact that children can be affected by inattention symptoms on their own.
There are some differences in the manner in which the disorder is exhibited 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 go undiagnosed and receive less treatment.
An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a health care professional. This involves a medical history review, a clinical interview and a physical exam. It is also a matter of reviewing reports from teachers, parents or other adults who know the person as well as standard rating scales completed by loved ones and educators. These can be helpful in determining if the symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in functioning.
A careful evaluation is also essential to determine if symptoms are due to another psychiatric or medical condition such as depression or anxiety. In some instances treating these other disorders can aid in reducing or eliminating the ADHD symptoms.
People who have been diagnosed with the disorder must be aware of what to expect in terms of the treatment and possible adverse effects. They should also remain contact with their physician or nurse to make sure that the medications are functioning in the way they should.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment of inattention ADHD. They can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and parent education, can be very efficient for both adults and children with this condition too. It is essential to remind those prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctors regularly, as some patients may need adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.