자유게시판

• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

ADHD Evaluations and Diagnoses

Finding an assessment is the first step to understanding and addressing symptoms. Find an accredited mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist, neurologist, family physician) who specializes in ADHD diagnosis and evaluation.

The specialist will conduct an interview that is structured to look into your past. They may ask for old reports and speak with parents, relatives or even friends about childhood behavior.

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. These symptoms can cause issues with relationships and learning at school, home and at work. If you or your child have these symptoms, consult an GP. They are unable to diagnose ADHD formally, but can discuss your concerns and refer you to specialists when needed.

A GP can determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms by asking questions, examining medical records and your health history, and conducting a physical exam. You may also discuss the history of ADHD in your family to help with the diagnosis. The GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to complete a psychiatric assessment. The evaluation could include a description and scales of your symptoms, completed by you and your family members, and a physical exam, lab tests, and a psychiatric examination.

Psychologists and psychiatrists 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 hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity behaviors that last for a period of six months or more and assess whether the symptoms affect your life, at home at work, at home, and at school.

Adults can also be diagnosed with adhd diagnosis and academic performance however the symptoms of ADHD will likely manifest 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 adult-specific You may be prescribed medication. Psychostimulants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are typically prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. These medications increase of adhd diagnosis energy and alertness, while also improving concentration and focus. They can be prescribed in extended-release forms to lessen side effects. Antidepressants can be used to treat the inattentive symptoms of ADHD in adults. These drugs, like Wellbutrin and Effexor can affect neurotransmitters and can improve mood and concentration.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control of your symptoms that could affect your professional and personal lives. A psychiatric assessment can be conducted by a licensed mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician or another type of medical specialist). A person with an underlying symptom-based diagnosis like ADHD must follow 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 assessment, you will be asked questions about your child’s behavior at home, in school, and in social situations. They will also review your child's developmental medical history and family history. Then, they will evaluate your child's behavior with those of children who are their age. They may use standardized ratings scales to gauge the frequency of certain behavioral problems, such as inability to pay attention, ignoring 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 that cause your child to function poorly and last for at least six months.

If your child does not meet all of the criteria needed to be diagnosed of inattentive ADHD the healthcare professional will assign them 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 evaluation could include neuropsychological and psycho-psychological testing, and cognitive tests that are computer-based. Your healthcare provider will also conduct a physical exam and check your child's heart rate to determine if there are medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or head injuries that may mimic ADHD symptoms. They may also ask for details about the problem from teachers and caregivers and conduct a thorough interview with your child as well as family members. They will also consider whether there is any family history of ADHD, as the condition is highly genetically inherited.

Treatment

If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD, he or she may need medication and/or therapy for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy can include individual and family counseling, and group therapy like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. The first step to get treatment is to locate an expert in diagnosing add adhd in adults ADHD who is covered by your insurance. You can start by calling your insurance provider or asking your local mental health support group like the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD, for names of professionals in your area who specialize in ADHD. Some doctors make use of computer programs, such as continuous tests for performance, to look for problems with attention and impulsivity. Others use brain scans, for instance single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to search for any abnormalities. But experts agree that the most significant element of an examination is an interview with the patient.

During an interview, the doctor will review the symptoms that led to the appointment. The clinician will also request details from someone who knows the patient very well like a spouse, sibling or parent. The clinician will also interview teachers, coaches, nannies and other adults who spend significant time with the patient. This is a thorough process and can take an hour or more. The clinician will prepare the report, and then discuss the results with the patient.

It is essential to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the degree to which the symptoms impact the person's daily life. This means that symptoms have to be causing significant impairment in two important settings like at work and at home. The impairment must have been present for at least six months in order to be considered an appropriate diagnosis of ADHD.

During the interview, a clinician will review the patient's medical and mental health history and determine whether or not the person meets the diagnostic criteria for adhd diagnosis established 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 backed by at least three of the five symptom categories: difficulty paying attention to the smallest of details and making careless mistakes, difficulty remaining focused on tasks or activities, trouble listening when spoken to and daydreaming or appearing distracted.

Prevention

People with inattentional ADHD are often not diagnosed. They aren't as disruptive as hyperactive or impulsive types of ADHD and can be easily missed. Their issues can have serious consequences. They might not do well in school, have disagreements with their peers or struggle to find an occupation. These people require treatment, too.

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 an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The newer designation takes into account the fact that children could be suffering from symptoms of inattention on their own.

While many of the symptoms are present in all cases, there are a few variations in the way that the disorder manifests 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 increases the likelihood that they go undiagnosed adhd and receive less treatment.

A thorough assessment by a medical professional is essential to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This may include a clinical interview, medical history review and physical examination. It also involves reviewing reports by teachers parents, teachers or other people who know the patient well and also standard rating scales used by loved ones and teachers. These are useful in determining whether the symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in functioning.

A thorough evaluation is important to determine if the symptoms are caused by another medical or psychiatric condition like depression or anxiety. In some instances treating these other disorders can aid in reducing or eliminating the ADHD symptoms.

Anyone diagnosed with the disorder must be aware of what to expect in terms of the treatment and possible adverse effects. They should also remain in touch with their physician or nurse to make sure that the medications are working exactly as they should.

Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for inattention ADHD. They can help improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Other treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and parent training can be extremely beneficial for adults and children with this condition as well. It is important to remind people who are prescribed ADHD medication to see their doctors regularly, as certain patients may require adjustments to dosages or other treatment options.