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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step in understanding and addressing symptoms. Find an accredited mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician) who is skilled in ADHD evaluations and diagnoses. The specialist will conduct an organized interview to review your past. They may ask to see 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 work, school and at home. If you or your child is suffering from these symptoms, talk to an GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose ADHD however, they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you to specialist services, if necessary. A GP will be able to determine if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms by asking questions, looking over medical records and your health history, and then performing a physical exam. You can also mention your family's history of ADHD to help with diagnosis. The GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation may include an explanation and scales of your symptoms completed by you and your caregivers and a physical exam, lab tests, and a psychiatric examination. Psychologists and psychiatrists 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 will look for an inattention pattern, hyperactivity and impulsivity that lasts for a period of six months or more and determining if these symptoms are affecting your life at home, work and school. Adults may also be diagnosed with ADHD however, their symptoms are 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 your adult symptoms are in line with the guidelines 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 increase energy and alertness, improving concentration and focus. These medications may be given in extended-release versions to minimize the risk of the effects of side effects. Adults who present with inattention ADHD can be treated with antidepressants. These drugs, like Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters and improve mood and concentration. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can help you take control of symptoms which may affect your personal and professional life. A psychiatric assessment is conducted by an accredited mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, family doctor or other type of medical specialist). To receive adhd diagnosis uk adults for ADHD someone with a symptom based diagnosis (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 assessment Your healthcare provider will ask questions regarding your child's behavior in home, school and social settings. They will also discuss your child's developmental medical history and family history. They will then evaluate your child's behaviors to the behaviors of other children who are who are similar to them. They could use standardized rating scales to measure the frequency of specific behavioral problems such as difficulty in 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 at least two different settings, cause your child to perform poorly, and last for 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 can include psychological and neuropsychological tests, as well as computer-based cognitive tests. Your doctor will examine your child's blood pressure and complete an examination to determine if there are any medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms like thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman, 2015). They may also ask teachers and caregivers for a detailed background and conduct an extensive interview with your child and your family. They will also consider whether there is any family history of ADHD since ADHD is highly hereditary. 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, as also group therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The first step to receive treatment is to find an specialist in the field of diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. Start by contacting your insurer or asking a local mental health support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of professionals in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors use computer-based tests, like continuous performance tests, to test for attention and impulse control problems. Others utilize brain scans, such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for abnormalities. Experts agree that the interview with the patient is the most important element of an evaluation. During the interview, the doctor will review the symptoms that led up to the appointment. The doctor may also request information from someone who is familiar with the patient well for example, the spouse, sibling or parent. The doctor will also speak with nannies, teachers, coaches and other professionals who spend a lot of time with the patient. This is a lengthy process that could be a long time. The physician will then write a report and discuss the findings of the assessment with the patient. It is essential to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the extent to which the symptoms impact the person's everyday life. This means that the individual's symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two main 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 Association'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 attention to the smallest of details and making erroneous mistakes, difficulty in staying focused on tasks or activities, trouble listening when talking to others and daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. The following is a list of preventatives. People with inattentional ADHD are usually not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive, or as impulsive as hyperactive ADHD and can be overlooked. The issues they face can have severe consequences. They may not perform well at school, have disagreements with their peers or struggle to hold a job. These individuals also need 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 an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer name takes into account that children may only suffer from inattentive symptom. There are differences in the way the disorder is manifested by 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 increases the likelihood that they will go undiagnosed and receive less treatment. A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a medical professional. This includes an examination of the medical history as well as a clinical interview, and physical examination. It is a process of examining reports from teachers, parents or other adults who have a good understanding of the individual and normative rating scales completed both by family members and teachers. These are useful in determining whether the symptoms are severe enough to affect functioning. It is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to another psychiatric or medical issue, such as depression or anxiety. In some cases treating these other disorders can alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms. People who are who have been diagnosed with the disorder should to be aware of possible side effects and treatment. They should also stay in touch with their physician or nurse to ensure that the medications are working as they should. Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for inattentive ADHD. They can improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Adults and children suffering from inattentive ADHD may benefit from other treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy or parent training. It is important to remind people who are prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctor regularly, since some patients may require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.