ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This is often a way to gain insights that questionnaires don't.
It's more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical and personal history from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for the treatment of this disorder 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 major settings, such as school or at work. The evaluator must also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. adhddiagnosis that test executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors may ask for permission to contact people close to the person who can provide valuable insight and support. For instance, they could seek out the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically 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 look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any sign of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that could affect treatment. For example depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that can be observed in various settings, like at home, school, or work. They should also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms interfere with everyday 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 follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood, behavior, and performance.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at school, work or at home.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to assess your child's ADHD begin by asking your doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit recommendations. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school and affect relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can help decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care doctor, a mental health professional or both for an assessment. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about topics such as development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, where and when they first began and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated using a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD the health care professional must consider several factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will also look for other conditions which could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's everyday life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years of age. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. This is because the symptoms can 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 6 or more of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be evaluated 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 their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or serious adverse reactions. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.