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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses The first step to manage symptoms is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Find an accredited mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family physician) who is specialized in ADHD evaluations and diagnoses. The specialist will conduct an organized interview to review your past. They may want to see old report cards and speak with 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. The symptoms also may interfere with learning and relationships at work, school and home. Talk to your GP in the event that you or your child displays these signs. They're not able to definitively 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 if your symptoms are related to ADHD by asking questions, looking over your medical history and health records and conducting a physical exam. You may also provide the background of ADHD in your family to aid in the diagnosis. The GP can then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation may consist of the description of your symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by your caregivers, you and teachers along with a psychiatric assessment, physical exam and lab tests. Psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD among adolescents and children using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. They examine for hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity patterns that last for at least six months, and evaluate whether these symptoms impact your daily life at home at work, or in school. Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner but their symptoms are more likely to present 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 match the guidelines for diagnosis, you may be treated with medication. Psychostimulants are substances that alter neurotransmitters within the brain, are typically prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications help improve focus and concentration, while increasing alertness and energy. They can be prescribed as extended-release versions to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Antidepressants can be used to treat the inattentive symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor alter neurotransmitters, and improve mood and concentration. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can help you take control of your symptoms that could be affecting both your professional and personal lives. A psychiatric assessment is conducted by an accredited mental health professional or physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor or other type of medical specialist). A person who has an underlying symptom-based diagnosis like ADHD must follow specific guidelines laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition for treatment for ADHD. During an ADHD assessment your healthcare provider will inquire regarding your child's behavior in home, school and social settings. They will also review your child's developmental medical and family history. They will then compare your child's behavior with those of other children their age. They may use standardized rating scales to measure the frequency of specific behaviors, like difficulty paying attention, forgetting things and interrupting other children. 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 and affect your child's performance and cause dysfunction, and have been present for at least six months. If your child is not able to meet all of the criteria to qualify for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD Your healthcare provider 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 evaluation can include computer-based cognitive and psychological tests as well as neuropsychological and psychological testing. Your healthcare provider will also examine your child's blood pressure and conduct an examination to identify any medical issues that may mimic ADHD symptoms like thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman 2015). They might also request details about the problem from parents and teachers and conduct a thorough interview with your child and other family members. They'll also be looking into whether there is a history of ADHD in the family, as it is highly inheritable. Treatment If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD the person might require medication or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy may include individual and family counseling as in addition to group therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 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 asking your local mental health support group like the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of professionals in your area who specialize in ADHD. Certain doctors utilize computer programs, such as continuous performance tests, to check for problems with attention and impulsivity. Other doctors use brain scans, for instance single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to look 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 led to the appointment. The clinician will also ask for details from someone who knows the patient well for example, 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 lengthy procedure that can last up to an hour. The doctor will then write an evaluation report and then discuss the findings of the exam with the patient. It is crucial to keep in mind that the definition of ADHD depends on how the symptoms impact the life of a person. This means that symptoms must be significant in two major settings such as at work and at home. The impairment must be present for at least six months in order to be considered an appropriate diagnosis of ADHD. During the interview, the doctor will discuss with the patient their medical and psychiatric history and determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria laid out 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 supported by at least three of these five symptoms: trouble paying attention to small specifics and making mistakes, difficulty remaining focused on tasks or activities and difficulty listening when being talked to or daydreaming, or appearing to be distracted. Prevention Often, people with inattentive ADHD symptoms aren't identified. They're not as disruptive, or impulsive as people with hyperactive ADHD and are often overlooked. Their issues can have serious consequences. They may not do well at school, have problems with their peers, or struggle to keep jobs. They need to be treated, as well. 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 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer name takes into account that children can suffer from inattentive symptom. While many of the symptoms are common to all instances, there are differences in how 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 increases the likelihood that they will go undiagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment. A thorough examination by a medical professional is required to establish an accurate diagnosis. This includes a clinical interview, medical history review and physical examination. It is a process of examining reports from parents, teachers or other adults with an understanding of the person, as well as normative rating scales, both by loved ones as well as educators. ADHD Diagnosis can be useful in determining if the symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in functioning. It is essential 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 the treatment of other disorders may aid in reducing or eliminating ADHD symptoms. Anyone diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of what is expected of the treatment they receive and potential adverse effects. They should also stay in contact with their physician to make sure that the medication is working as it should. The most popular treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant drugs which can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and parent training, can be very beneficial for adults and children with this condition as well. It is important to remind those prescribed ADHD medication to see their doctor regularly, since certain patients may require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.