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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses Making an accurate diagnosis is the first step to understanding and addressing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician) who specializes in ADHD assessments and diagnoses. The expert will conduct an interview designed to look at your past. They might want to look at old reports and talk to teachers, relatives or friends 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 learning and relationships at school, work and at home. Speak to your GP when you or your child is showing these symptoms. They cannot diagnose ADHD formally, but can discuss your concerns and refer you to specialists if needed. A GP can assist you in determining whether your symptoms are linked to ADHD by asking questions, looking over your health history and medical records and completing a physical exam. You can also provide the background of ADHD in your family to aid in diagnosis. The GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation may include an explanation of your symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by your caregivers, you and teachers, a psychiatric history and physical examination and laboratory tests. 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 at least six months and determine if these symptoms affect your life at home, at work, and at 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 your adult symptoms are in line with the guidelines for diagnosis, you could be treated with medication. Adults suffering from ADHD are often prescribed psychostimulants to affect neurotransmitters. These medications boost energy and alertness, improving concentration and focus. They may be given as extended-release versions to minimize adverse effects. Adults who present with inattention ADHD may be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor can affect neurotransmitters and can improve mood and concentration. Diagnosis Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step to controlling the symptoms that could be affecting your life both personally and professionally. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, as well as family physicians) can conduct a psychiatric assessment. A person with a symptom-based diagnosis, such as ADHD must follow certain guidelines set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition for treatment for ADHD. During the ADHD evaluation, you'll be asked questions about your child's behavior at home, at school as well as in social situations. They will also go over your child's growth medical and family history. They will then evaluate your child's behaviors to the behaviors of other children who are of similar age. They can use standard rating scales that measure the frequency of specific behavior problems, such as difficulty paying attention, forgetting 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 occur in more than one setting that affect your child's behavior and cause problems, and have been present for at least six (6) months. If your child doesn't meet the criteria for an inattentive ADHD diagnosis, your healthcare provider may 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 complete psychiatric examination may include tests for psychological and cognitive abilities that are computer-based, as well as neuropsychological and psychological testing. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and examine your child's heart rate to eliminate medical conditions like thyroid disorders or head injuries that may mimic ADHD symptoms. They may also request details about the problem from teachers and caregivers and conduct a thorough interview with your child and family members. They'll also look into whether there is an ancestry of ADHD in the family, as it is highly heritable. Treatment If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD the person may need medication and/or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy can include individual and family counseling and also group therapy such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step in getting treatment is to locate an expert in diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. Start by contacting your insurance provider or a local mental support group like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find a professional who specialize in ADHD in your area. Some doctors use computer tests, such as continuous performance tests, to determine issues with impulse control and attention. Other doctors utilize brain scans like single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to check for abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient's interview is the most important element of an assessment. During the interview, the doctor 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 like the spouse, sibling or parent. The doctor will also speak with teachers, coaches, nannies and other adults who spend much time with the patient. This is a very thorough procedure that can take an hour or more. The clinician will complete the report, and then discuss the results with the patient. It is crucial to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is determined by how the symptoms impact the life of a person. This means that the symptoms must be significant in two main settings, such as at work and at home. The impairment must have been present for at least six months to be considered a valid diagnosis of ADHD. During the interview, the clinician will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and determine whether or not the person meets the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). A valid diagnosis of ADHD must be backed by at least three of the five symptoms: trouble paying attention to small details and making careless mistakes, difficulty remaining focused on activities or tasks or tasks, difficulty in listening to what you are talking to others and daydreaming or appearing distracted. Prevention Most people with inattentional ADHD symptoms aren't identified. They're not as disruptive as those with hyperactive or impulsive forms of ADHD, and they are often missed. Their issues can have serious consequences. They may not do well at school, have conflicts with their classmates or struggle to keep an occupation. adhd diagnosis uk adults need to be treated, as well. The term ADD is still used frequently, but the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines the condition as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The new definition takes into account the fact that children could suffer from inattentive symptoms alone. While many of the symptoms are present in all cases, there are a few distinct ways in which the disorder presents itself between 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 less likely to seek treatment. An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a medical professional. That includes an interview with a clinician, a medical history review, and a physical examination. It is a process of examining reports from parents, teachers, or other adults with a good understanding of the person, and normative rating scales, both by loved ones as well as educators. These are helpful in determining whether the symptoms are present in a way that impacts the functioning. It is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to another medical or psychiatric condition such as depression or anxiety. In some instances treatment of other disorders can aid in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms. Anyone diagnosed with the disorder need be aware of potential adverse effects and treatments. They should also keep contact with their doctor or nurse to make sure that the medications are functioning exactly as they should. Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for inattention ADHD. They can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy and parent training, can be very efficient for both adults and children with this condition as well. It is essential to remind those prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctor regularly, since certain patients may require adjustments in dosages or alternative treatment options.