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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses The first step in managing symptoms is to get an accurate diagnosis. Find a licensed mental healthcare professional (psychiatrists, neurologists, family doctors) who is proficient in ADHD assessments. The expert will conduct an interview that is structured to review your past. They may want to see old reports and speak to family members, teachers or classmates about your childhood habits. 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 at work. If you or your child have these symptoms, consult an GP. They can't formally diagnose ADHD but they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you to specialist services, if needed. A GP can assist you in determining whether your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, looking over your medical and health records and completing physical examination. You can also mention the background of ADHD in your family to help with diagnosis. The GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to complete a psychiatric assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults may include the description of your symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by you, your caregivers and teachers as well as a psychiatric history, physical examination and laboratory tests. Psychiatrists and psychology can diagnose ADHD in adolescents and children using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. They look for hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity patterns that last for at least six months and determine if these symptoms interfere with your family life, at home at work, or in school. Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner however, their symptoms are more likely to manifest differently as they get older. 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 specific to adults, you may be prescribed medication. Psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are typically prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs improve concentration and focus, while improving alertness and energy. They can be prescribed in extended-release forms to lessen the risk of adverse effects. Adults with inattentive ADHD might be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters and can improve mood and concentration. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in taking control of the symptoms that could be affecting both your professional and personal life. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologist or family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. To receive treatment for ADHD or other disorders, a person who has an underlying 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 about your child's behavior in the home, school and social settings. The medical history of your child, development and family history will be examined. They will then compare your child's behavior with that of other children of similar age. They can use standard ratings scales to determine the frequency of certain behavioral problems, like inability to focus, forgetting about 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 different settings that cause your child to function poorly and last for a minimum of at least six 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 comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may include neuropsychological and psychological testing, and computer-based cognitive tests. Your healthcare provider will also assess your child's blood pressure and conduct an examination to rule out any medical conditions that may be related to ADHD symptoms such as thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman 2015). They may also request a detailed history of the issue from parents and teachers and conduct a thorough interview with your child and other family members. They will consider whether there is an ancestral history of ADHD, as the condition is highly genetically inherited. Treatment If a person has been diagnosed with ADHD, he or she may need medication and/or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy includes family and individual counseling, and group therapy like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step to get treatment is to find an specialist in the field of diagnosing ADHD who is covered by your insurance. You can start by contacting your insurer or a local mental support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find professionals who specialize in ADHD in your region. Some doctors make use of computer programs, such as continuous tests for performance, to look for impulsivity and attention issues. Some doctors also use brain scans like single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to check for abnormalities. But experts agree that the most crucial element of an examination is an interview with the patient. During an interview, the doctor will go over the symptoms that prompted the appointment. The doctor may also seek details from someone who knows the patient well, such as a spouse, sibling or parent. The clinician will also talk to nannies, teachers, coaches and other adults who spend a lot of time with the patient. This is a lengthy procedure that can last up to an hour. The doctor will then write an evaluation report and then discuss the results of the assessment with the patient. It is extremely important to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD is based on the extent to which the symptoms affect the person's daily life. This means that the symptoms must be significant in two major settings such as at work and at home. For ADHD to be diagnosed the condition must have been present for at minimum six months. During the interview the clinician will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric histories and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association'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: difficulty paying attention to specifics, making erroneous mistakes or omissions, difficulty staying focused on other tasks or activities, and difficulty listening to someone when they speak. Prevention People with inattentive ADHD are usually not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and are often dismissed. Their issues can have serious consequences. They may not perform well in school, have conflicts with their classmates or struggle to find a job. These people also need to be treated with respect. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official name of the condition. The term ADD may still be used from time to time but it's not the most popular. The new definition includes the fact that children may be suffering from symptoms of inattention on their own. There are some differences in the way that 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 means they are more likely to not be diagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment. A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is required to make an accurate diagnosis. This includes a medical history review as well as a clinical interview, and a physical exam. It also involves reviewing the reports of teachers or parents, or other adults who know the person as well as standard scales of rating that are completed by family members and educators. These can be helpful in determining whether the symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in functioning. It is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the symptoms are related to another psychiatric or medical issue like depression or anxiety. In some instances, treating other disorders can help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Those who are diagnosed with the disorder must be aware of what to expect from the treatment they receive and potential adverse effects. They should also keep in contact with their physician to ensure that the medication is working in the way it should. The most commonly used treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant drugs, which can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, including cognitive behavior therapy and parent training are very beneficial for adults and children with this condition as well. It is essential to remind those prescribed ADHD medication to visit their doctors regularly, as some patients may need adjustments in dosages or alternative treatment options.