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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step to understanding and managing symptoms. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologists, family physicians) who is experienced in ADHD assessments. The expert will conduct an organized interview to review your background. They may ask for old report cards and speak with 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. The symptoms can also interfere with relationships and learning at work, school and home. If you or your child is suffering from these symptoms, speak to a GP. 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 will be able to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms by asking questions, reviewing medical records and your health history, and conducting an examination. You may also mention the background of ADHD in your family to help with diagnosis. The GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric examination. The evaluation may include an explanation and scales of your symptoms, completed by you and your caregivers as well as physical examination, laboratory tests, and a psychiatric examination. 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 assess whether the symptoms affect your life, at home at work, at home, and at school. Adults may be diagnosed with ADHD in the same manner however, 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 match the criteria for diagnosis, you may be treated with medication. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed psychostimulants to alter neurotransmitters. These drugs boost energy and alertness, as well as improving focus and concentration. They are available in extended-release forms to lessen adverse effects. Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD might be treated with antidepressants. These drugs, like Wellbutrin and Effexor can affect neurotransmitters, and improve mood and concentration. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can help you take control of symptoms which may affect your personal and professional life. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, as well as family doctors) can conduct a psychiatric examination. To receive treatment for ADHD someone with a symptom based diagnosis (such as ADHD) must meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. During an ADHD evaluation Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's behavior in home, school and social settings. They will also review your child's growth medical and family history. They will then assess your child's behavior to those of other children who are similar to them. They may use standardized rating scales that assess the frequency of specific behavioral problems like difficulty paying attention, ignoring 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 be present in at least two different settings, cause your child to perform poorly, and last for at least six months. If your child isn't meeting the requirements for an inattentive ADHD diagnosis the healthcare professional 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 assessment could include computer-based cognitive and psychological tests, as well as psychological and neuropsychological tests. Your healthcare provider will also perform a physical examination and assess your child's heart rate to rule out medical issues like thyroid disorders or head injuries that can be similar to ADHD symptoms. They may also ask for an extensive 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 an ancestral history of ADHD, as ADHD is highly hereditary. Treatment If a person has been diagnosed as having ADHD it is possible that they will require medication or behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy includes family and individual counseling, and also group therapy like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. To begin treatment, you need to locate a specialist who is skilled in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. You can begin by contacting your insurer or a local support group such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find a professional who specialize in ADHD in your area. Certain doctors utilize computer programs, such as continuous tests of performance, to test for impulsivity and attention issues. Others use brain scans, like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to look for signs of abnormalities. But experts agree that the most important element of an evaluation is a patient-patient interview. During the interview, the clinician will review the symptoms that led to the appointment. The doctor may also seek out someone who is familiar with the patient such as their spouse, parent, or sibling, for information. The clinician will also interview teachers, coaches, nannies and other professionals who spend much time with the patient. It is a long procedure that can last up to an hour. The clinician will then complete a report and discuss the findings of the assessment with the patient. It is extremely important 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 must be significantly affecting two main settings, such as at work and at home. To be eligible for ADHD to be recognized the disorder must have been present at minimum six months. During the interview the clinician will discuss with the patient their medical and mental health history and determine if they are in compliance with the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis of ADHD requires at least three of the following five symptoms: difficulty paying attention to specifics, making erroneous mistakes, difficulty staying focused on tasks or other activities, and difficulty listening to someone when they speak. The following is a list of preventions. People with inattentive ADHD are usually not diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive as those with hyperactive or impulsive types of ADHD, and they can be easily ignored. The issues they face can have severe consequences. They may not do well in school, experience problems with their peers, or struggle to keep a job. These individuals require treatment, as well. The term ADD is still used occasionally however, the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines the condition as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer definition recognizes that children may only be suffering from an inattention symptom. There are some differences in the way the disorder is manifested 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 go undiagnosed, and less likely to seek treatment. An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a health care professional. This includes the clinical interview, medical history review and physical examination. It is also a matter of reviewing reports from teachers or parents, or other adults who know the person well, as well as normed scales of rating that are completed by family members and teachers. These can be helpful in determining whether the symptoms are present to a degree that impacts the functioning. It is crucial to conduct a thorough examination in order to determine whether the symptoms are related to another medical or psychiatric condition like depression or anxiety. In some cases the treatment of these other disorders can aid in reducing or eliminating the ADHD symptoms. Those who are diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of what to expect in terms of the treatment and possible side effects. They should also keep in contact with their physician to make sure that the medication is working as it should. The most commonly used treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant drugs, which can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. Adults and children suffering from inattentive ADHD might benefit from other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy or parent training. Patients who are prescribed ADHD medications are advised to have regular check-ups with their health professionals, as some patients require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.