ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide information that questionnaires cannot.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live happier and healthier lives.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder, which are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
To meet criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, an adult must have a history of at least six established symptoms in one or both of two main categories--inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity--for six months. The symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at least two important situations, like work or school. The evaluator should also rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, to reach out to family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and help. They might ask for the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them regarding the person's problems both at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with your day-to-day life. If they cause a lot of trouble, it's likely that you or your child will meet the criteria for a diagnosis of either inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
To diagnose children, doctors must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood, behavior, and performance.
For adults, it is more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some controversy over whether these criteria are still applicable to adulthood. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an adult must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentive ADHD or 7 or more symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. They must have these symptoms for an extended period of time and have them significantly interfere with their daily functioning at home, school, or work.
Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
To find an expert to evaluate your the child's ADHD begin by asking your family doctor for a referral. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. More suggestions can also reach out to a local group of support and ask for recommendations. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleeping schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD should see their primary care physician, a mental health professional or both to get an assessment. During this in-person interview the professional will discuss topics including development of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and problems. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, when and where they started and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires cannot, such as how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things and what types of situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with various behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and decrease the impulse to act, allowing people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to deal with their issues. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, manage their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may occur.
Medication
For a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, at school and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask for an information about the family history. They will look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD your child's doctor will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged 4 to 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is because a person's symptoms may change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must display at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them interviews them. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medication because of health issues or severe adverse effects. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.