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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses The first step to managing symptoms is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologists, family physicians) who is experienced in ADHD assessments. The specialist will conduct an interview that is structured to look into your history. They might request old reports and speak to teachers, family members or your friends to find out 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. The symptoms can also interfere with relationships and learning at work, school and home. If you or your child have these symptoms, talk to an GP. They aren't able to officially diagnose ADHD, but they can discuss your concerns with you and recommend specialists, if required. 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 an examination. You can also mention the history of your family's ADHD to help with diagnosis. The GP can then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to complete a psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation could include a description of your symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by you, your caregivers and teachers along with a psychiatric assessment, physical exam and lab tests. 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 look for hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity behaviors that last for a period of six months or more and determine if these symptoms impact your daily family life, at home at work, at home, and at school. Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner but their symptoms are more likely to present 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 criteria for diagnosis and your symptoms are specific to adults you could be prescribed medication. Adults suffering from ADHD are often prescribed psychostimulants to alter neurotransmitters. These drugs improve focus and concentration, while improving alertness and energy. They can be prescribed in extended-release form to reduce side effects. Antidepressants are often used to treat the inattention presentation of ADHD in adults. These medications, like Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters and can improve mood and concentration. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control of your symptoms that could be affecting both your personal and professional life. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologist or family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric examination. A person with a symptom-based diagnosis like ADHD must adhere to certain guidelines laid out in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition for treatment for ADHD. During an ADHD assessment, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's behavior in the home, school and social settings. They will also review your child's growth medical history and family history. They will then assess your child's behavior with those of other children their age. They can use standard ratings scales to determine the frequency of certain behavior issues, such as the inability to pay attention, 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 settings, make your child perform poorly and last for a minimum of at least six months. If your child does not meet all the criteria to qualify for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD the healthcare professional 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 may include neuropsychological and psychological tests, as well as computer-based cognitive tests. Your healthcare provider will also assess your child's blood pressure and complete a physical exam to determine if there are any medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman 2015). They may also ask for a detailed history of the problem from teachers and caregivers and conduct a thorough discussion with your child as well as family members. They will also consider whether there is any family history of ADHD since ADHD is highly hereditary. Treatment If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been diagnosed with ADHD, they might require medication and/or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy includes individual and family counseling as well as group therapy such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. To start treatment, you need to locate a professional who has expertise in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. Start by contacting your insurer or a local mental health 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 use computer-based tests, like continuous performances tests, to test for issues with impulse control and attention. Others utilize brain scans, for instance single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for signs of abnormalities. However, experts agree that the most crucial element of an evaluation is an interview with the patient. During the interview, the therapist will review the symptoms that led to the appointment. The doctor might also ask someone who is familiar with the patient, such as their spouse, parent or sibling, for details. The clinician will also interview teachers as well as coaches, nannies, and other adults who spend a lot of time with the patient. It is a long procedure that can last up to an hour. The doctor will write the report, and then discuss the results with the patient. It is extremely important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is based on how the symptoms impact the person's daily life. The symptoms have to be significant in two important settings like at work and at home. The impairment must be present for at least six months to be considered a valid diagnosis of ADHD. During the interview, a clinician will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and determine whether or not the patient meets the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). A valid diagnosis of ADHD must be supported by at least three of these five symptoms: trouble paying attention to small specifics and making mistakes, difficulty staying focused on activities or tasks, trouble listening when being talked to or daydreaming, or appearing distracted. Prevention People who have inattentional ADHD are usually not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive, or impulsive as those with hyperactive ADHD and can be dismissed. Their problems can have serious consequences. They may not perform well at school, have problems with their peers, or struggle to hold an occupation. They must be treated too. The term ADD is still used frequently 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 can have symptoms of inattention. While many of the symptoms are common to all cases, there are a few variations in the way that the disorder manifests 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 makes it more likely that they go undiagnosed and receive less treatment. An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a health professional. This may include an examination of the medical history, a clinical interview, and a physical exam. It includes analyzing reports from teachers, parents, or other adults with an understanding of the individual as well as normative ratings scales, both by loved ones as well as teachers. These can be useful in determining whether the symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in functioning. adhd diagnosis uk adults is important to conduct a thorough assessment to determine if the symptoms are related to another psychiatric or medical issue such as depression or anxiety. In some cases treatment of other disorders can help to alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms. People who are who have been diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of the potential side effects and treatment. They should also stay in contact with their physician or nurse to ensure that the medications are functioning as they should. Stimulant medications are the most popular treatment for inattention ADHD. They can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and parent education can be extremely effective for children and adults with this condition too. Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be advised to seek regular checks with their healthcare providers since some patients may require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.