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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is essential to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association'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 caused significant impairments in at least two significant settings, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and support. They may request the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in 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 like ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to determine the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various situations, like at work, home or at school. They must also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms impact 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 examine your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply 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.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This could include a blood read more test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and ask for suggestions. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and can affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle like adjusting their the time of their sleep and using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care doctor, an expert in mental health or both to get an assessment. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss topics including the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle and present symptoms and concerns. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to speak to other people who are part of the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of treatments and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally and generally are well-tolerated.
In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, track their appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider several factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and other places. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request an history of the family. They will also look for other conditions which could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's life.
There isn't a 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 for children aged between 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD 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 exhibit six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily functioning, and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.