ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members -- your spouse or sibling in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This often provides insights that questionnaires don't.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes their time when evaluating you.
Symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit they are having trouble paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live happier and healthier lives.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for treating 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 impairments in at least two significant settings, such as school or at work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to speak with family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and support. They may ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that might affect treatment. For instance, depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at home, school or at work. They should be present for a long period of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your symptoms impact your daily 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.
Doctors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior and productivity.
For adults, it is difficult to determine a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply in 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 long duration and affect the daily activities at school, work, or home.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to see whether there are specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local group of support and request suggestions. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to request the names of specialists who provide ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to make lifestyle adjustments, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss topics including the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive or focused actions. They'll want to know about how the symptoms have lasted on, where and when they began, and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.
The evaluator may want to talk 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 often provide insight that questionnaires cannot for example, how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what situations cause symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. Some medications 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 reduce actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the difficulties they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships and teach how to handle conflict and discord that can occur in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and other places. They will also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will also check for other conditions which could be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is because a person's symptoms can change over time. diagnosing adult adhd who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily functioning, and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.