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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses The first step in managing symptoms is to get a diagnosis. Find an accredited mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor) who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and evaluation. The expert will conduct an interview structured to examine your past. They might request old reports and speak to your family members, teachers or friends to get information 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 interfere with relationships and learning at home, school and at work. Consult your GP when you or your child exhibits these symptoms. They are unable to diagnose ADHD in a formal way, but they can discuss your concerns and recommend you to specialists if required. 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 an examination. You may also discuss the background of ADHD in your family members to aid in diagnosis. The GP can then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to complete a psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation may consist of the description of your symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by your caregivers, you and teachers, a psychiatric history and physical exam and lab tests. Psychiatrists and psychologists can diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents by following established guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. They look for inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity patterns that last for at least six months and determine if these symptoms impact your daily life, at home, at work, and in school. Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD in the same way, 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 your adult symptoms match the requirements for diagnosis, you can be treated with medication. Psychostimulants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications help improve focus and concentration, while increasing energy and alertness. They can be prescribed as extended-release versions to minimize side effects. Adults with inattention ADHD might be treated with antidepressants. These medications, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) alter the brain's neurotransmitters and enhance mood and focus. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can assist you in taking control of your symptoms that could be affecting both your professional and personal lives. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, or family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. A person with a diagnosis based on symptoms, such as ADHD must adhere to certain guidelines set forth in the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to be eligible 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. Your child's medical history as well as family history and development will be studied. They will then compare your child's behavior to those of other children who are similar to them. They may use standardized rating scales that measure the frequency of certain behaviors, such as difficulty in paying attention, ignoring 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 be present in at least two environments that make your child perform poorly and last for at least at least six months. If your child does not meet the requirements 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 thorough psychiatric evaluation could include tests for psychological and cognitive abilities that are computer-based and psychological and neuropsychological tests. Your healthcare provider will also check your child's blood pressure and complete a physical exam to rule out any medical conditions that may be related to ADHD symptoms such as thyroid disorders or head injuries (Austerman 2015). They might also request details about the problem from caregivers and teachers, and perform a thorough interview with your child as well as family members. They will also consider whether there is any history of ADHD in the family, since it is highly inheritable. Treatment If someone has been diagnosed as having ADHD the person may require treatment or medication for their behavior. Behavioral therapy includes individual and family counseling, and group therapy such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. To begin treatment, it is necessary to locate a specialist who is skilled in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. You can start by contacting your insurance provider or a local mental support group, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find a professional who specialize in ADHD in your area. Some doctors make use of computer programs, like continuous performance tests, to check for problems with attention and impulsivity. Others use brain scans, such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), to look for signs of abnormalities. However, experts agree that the most important part of an evaluation is a patient-patient interview. During the interview, the clinician will discuss the symptoms that led up 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 talk to teachers, coaches, nannies and other professionals who spend long periods of time with the patient. This is a lengthy process and can take an hour or more. how to get diagnosed with adhd will complete the report, and then discuss the findings with the patient. It is vital to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD depends on how the symptoms impact the person's daily life. This means that the symptoms have to be significantly affecting two main 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 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 supported by at least three of the five symptom categories: difficulty paying attention to the smallest of details and making erroneous mistakes, difficulty remaining focused on activities or tasks, trouble listening when talking to others and daydreaming or seeming distracted. Prevention In many cases, people who have inattention ADHD symptoms aren't identified. They aren't as disruptive or impulsive as those with hyperactive ADHD and can be ignored. The issues they face can have severe consequences. They may not do well in school, have disagreements with their peers or struggle to find an occupation. These individuals must be treated too. 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 an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer definition includes the fact that children could be suffering from symptoms of inattention on their own. There are differences in the manner in which the disorder is presented by 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 makes them more likely to not be diagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment. A thorough assessment by a medical professional is required to establish an accurate diagnosis. 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 parents, teachers or other adults who have a good understanding of the individual as well as normative rating scales that are completed by loved ones and by educators. These can be helpful in determining if the symptoms are present to an extent that they affect the way you function. It is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the symptoms are caused by other psychiatric or medical condition like depression or anxiety. In some cases, treating other disorders can help alleviate or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Those diagnosed with the disorder need be aware of potential side effects and treatment. They should also remain in touch with their doctor or nurse to make sure that the medications are working in the way they should. The most commonly used treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant medications that can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. Other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy and parent training, can be very beneficial for adults and children with this condition as well. Those who are prescribed ADHD medications should also be advised to seek regular check-ups with their health professionals because some patients require adjustments in dosage or other treatment options.