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ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses The first step in managing symptoms is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Find a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, family physicians) who is proficient in ADHD evaluations. The expert will conduct an interview structured to examine your past. They may ask for old report cards and speak to parents, relatives or even friends about childhood behavior. 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 learning and relationships at school, at home and at work. If you or your child is suffering from these symptoms, talk to an GP. They can't formally diagnose ADHD, but they can discuss your concerns with you and recommend 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 medical history, and then performing physical examination. You can also mention the history of your family's ADHD to aid in determining the cause. The GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation could include the description and scales of your symptoms completed by you and your caregivers, as well as a physical exam, lab tests, and a psychiatric examination. Psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD among children and adolescents using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. These include looking for a pattern of inattention or hyperactivity that lasts for at least six months and determining if these symptoms have a significant impact on your life at work, home and school. Adults may also be diagnosed with ADHD however their symptoms will likely 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 you meet the criteria for diagnosis and your symptoms are adult-specific, you may be prescribed medication. Psychostimulants are substances that alter neurotransmitters within the brain, are often prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs boost energy and alertness, while also improving concentration and focus. They can be prescribed in extended-release versions to lessen the effects of the risk of adverse effects. Adults who present with inattentive ADHD can be treated with antidepressants. These drugs, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine), affect neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood and focus. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can help you take control of your symptoms that could affect your personal and professional life. A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, or family physicians) can conduct a psychiatric evaluation. To receive treatment for ADHD, a person with a diagnosis based on symptoms (such as ADHD) must meet certain guidelines set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association. During the ADHD evaluation, you will be asked questions about your child’s behavior at home, in school, and in social situations. The medical history of your child, development and family history will be examined. They will then evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children who are similar to them. They can use standard rating scales that measure the frequency of certain behavioral problems such as difficulty in paying attention, forgetting things or 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 two or more settings and affect your child's performance and cause disruption and be present for at least six months. If your child isn't meeting the criteria 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 thorough psychiatric examination can include psychological and neuropsychological tests, as well as computer-based cognitive tests. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and examine your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical issues like thyroid disorders and head injuries that can mimic ADHD symptoms. They can also ask teachers and caregivers to provide a full history of your child's development and conduct a thorough interview with your child and your family. They will also consider whether there is an ancestry of ADHD in the family, since it is highly heritable. Treatment If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been diagnosed with ADHD, they may need medication and/or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy may include individual and family counseling and also group therapy such as dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. To start treatment, you must first locate a specialist who is skilled in ADHD diagnosis and is covered by insurance. Start by contacting your insurance company or a local mental health 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 use computer-based tests, like continuous performances tests, to determine problems with attention and impulse control. Other doctors utilize brain scans, such as single photon emission computed Tomography (SPECT) to look for abnormalities. Experts agree that the patient's interview is the most crucial component of an assessment. During an interview, the doctor will discuss the symptoms that led to the appointment. webpage will also request information from someone who knows the patient well, such as a spouse, sibling or parent. The clinician will also interview teachers, coaches, nannies and other adults who spend considerable time with the patient. This is a lengthy process and can be a long time. The clinician will prepare the report, and then discuss the findings with the patient. It is extremely important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is based on how the symptoms impact a person's life. The symptoms have to be causing significant impairment in two main settings, such as at work and at home. To be eligible for ADHD to be recognized the condition must have been present at least six months. During the interview, the doctor will discuss the person's medical and psychiatric history, and determine if 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 requires at minimum three of the following five symptoms such as difficulty paying attention particulars, making mistakes and having difficulty focusing on other tasks or activities, and difficulty listening to someone's voice when they speak. Prevention People with inattentional ADHD are often not diagnosed. They're not as disruptive as those with hyperactive or impulsive types of ADHD, and they are often overlooked. Their problems can have serious consequences. They may not do well in school, have disagreements with their peers or struggle to find jobs. These people require treatment, as well. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official name of the condition. The term ADD can be occasionally used, but it is not the most popular. The newer designation takes into account the fact that children may suffer from inattentive symptoms alone. While many of the symptoms are common to all cases, there are a few distinct ways in which the disorder manifests itself between 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 it more likely that they are not diagnosed and receive less treatment. A reliable diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a health professional. This may include a medical history review, a clinical interview and a physical exam. It also involves reviewing reports by teachers, parents or other adults who know the person well, as well as normed rating scales completed by loved ones and teachers. These can be helpful in determining whether the symptoms are serious enough to cause impairment in functioning. It is important to conduct a thorough examination in order to determine whether the symptoms are due to another medical or psychiatric condition, such as anxiety or depression. In some cases the treatment of these other disorders will aid in reducing or eliminating the ADHD symptoms. Those who are diagnosed with the disorder should be aware of what is expected of the treatment they receive and potential adverse effects. They should also stay contact with their physician or nurse to make sure that the medications are functioning in the way they should. The most common treatment for inattentive ADHD is stimulant drugs which can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive behaviors. Adults and children suffering from ADHD with inattentiveness can benefit from other treatments like cognitive behavior therapy or parent training. Patients who are prescribed ADHD medication should be advised to have regular check-ups with their healthcare providers, as some patients require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.