ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide information that questionnaires cannot.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time when evaluating you.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to talk openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live an enjoyable life.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines 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 minimum two major environments, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to speak with family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and support. They may ask for the names and contact details of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are any signs of injury or damage to the brain that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that are present in different settings, like at home, school or at work. They should also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms affect your everyday activities. 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.
Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will evaluate your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria are still applicable to adults. 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. These symptoms must be present for a long period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or home.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also call your insurance provider to see if there are professionals that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. diagnosis of adhd Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit recommendations. You could also call an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. During this in-person interview, the practitioner will cover topics including the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover for example, how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated using various behavioral therapies and medications. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive, allowing people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and at work. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To allow a health professional to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate several things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They will also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about the history of their family. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to blood tests or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. It is difficult to determine 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.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can help treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe adverse effects. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.