In , psychiatrist and nuclear brain imaging specialist Dr. Daniel G. However, Dr. Being a neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Amen also promotes the use of functional neuroimaging as a diagnostic tool. Simply stated, SPECT scans show psychiatrists where the brain is working well, too hard, or too little.
By learning about brain activity, psychiatrists can further differentiate the seven types of ADD and make better decisions regarding treatment. People with classic ADD are generally inattentive, easily distracted, disorganized, hyperactive, unable to sit still, and impulsive. Because the basal ganglia is associated with the production of dopamine, the usual treatment for classic ADD deals with increasing dopamine levels.
Individuals with inattentive ADD do not suffer from hyperactivity, but are easily distracted, sluggish, slow moving, and lack motivation. It is also more commonly seen in females. Individuals with inattentive ADD also have reduced blood flow to their prefrontal cortex which causes low levels of dopamine. Thus, their treatment is similar for those with classic ADD and focuses on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain.
Those with overfocused ADD display all the symptoms of classic ADD, but also have difficulty shifting their attention to new topics and a habit of becoming stuck in negative thought loops. They also demonstrate obsessive behavior, worry excessively, are inflexible, and frequently exhibit argumentative behavior.
Those with overfocused ADD lack both serotonin and dopamine, thus their treatment revolves around boosting their serotonin and dopamine levels. People affected with temporal lobe ADD exhibit symptoms of classic ADD coupled with irritability, a quick temper, aggression, dark thoughts, mood instability, and mild paranoia.
They may also have learning or memory problems. People affected with temporal lobe ADD have reduced brain activity in their prefrontal cortex, as well as irregularities in their temporal lobes. Treatment for temporal lobe ADD is centered around combatting the temporal lobe irregularities by regulating neuronal activity.
Limbic ADD combines classic ADD symptoms with chronic sadness that is not depression, negativity, low energy, feelings of hopelessness of worthlessness, and low self-esteem. Limbic ADD is caused by increased activity in the limbic region of the brain. The limbic region is responsible for controlling moods. Using the same standard across communities can also help determine how many children have ADHD, and how public health is impacted by this condition. Here are the criteria in shortened form.
Please note that they are presented just for your information. Only trained healthcare providers can diagnose or treat ADHD. ADHD often lasts into adulthood. To diagnose ADHD in adults and adolescents age 17 years or older, only 5 symptoms are needed instead of the 6 needed for younger children. Symptoms might look different at older ages. For example, in adults, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness or wearing others out with their activity.
For more information about diagnosis and treatment throughout the lifespan, please visit the websites of the National Resource Center on ADHD external icon and the National Institutes of Mental Health external icon. Arlington, VA. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products.
List of Partners vendors. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD can't be diagnosed with a physical test, like a blood test or an X-ray. Instead, a health professional uses an evaluation process to diagnose ADHD. During the evaluation, a professional gathers information about you or your child to determine if the criteria for ADHD are met. Regardless of the specific presentation of ADHD—inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined—several conditions must be met in order to arrive at an official diagnosis:.
For children up to 16 years old, six or more symptoms of inattention must be present, while people 17 and older must exhibit five or more symptoms. In the process of diagnosing someone with ADHD, a doctor will also indicate severity:. You might be tempted to avoid getting an official diagnosis for yourself or your child. After all, what's the point if you don't plan to take medication? Or, perhaps you're concerned that being labeled with ADHD might hurt more than it helps.
But, there are many advantages to getting an ADHD diagnosis. Getting diagnosed can be the key to getting help—even if you don't plan to use medication as part of your treatment.
There is also an emotional benefit. The symptoms associated with ADHD can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment about underachieving. Or, it can lead to a lot of frustration over the amount of time it takes to complete tasks. A diagnosis may help reduce those emotions. Accommodations at school or in the workplace can be granted when you show written evidence of a diagnosis. Once you've been tested for ADHD, you can begin a course of treatment that will help make life more manageable.
There are several different professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD. A psychiatrist , psychologist, psychotherapist , neurologist, and some physicians can diagnose ADHD. Before booking an appointment, ask specifically if the care provider has experience diagnosing ADHD.
If you're interested in being assessed for ADHD, you might start by talking to your doctor. Your family doctor might not carry out the detailed evaluation but can give you a referral to a professional who can adequately assess you. Some pediatricians and general practitioners do diagnose ADHD.
If your physician suspects you or your child has ADHD, you might ask for a referral to a specialist to conduct further assessment. ADHD cannot be diagnosed online.
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