ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you and the people closest to you such as your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -- about your symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find an ADHD professional who will take the time to evaluate you.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to let the patient openly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit they are having trouble paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a happier and healthier lives.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood to present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the condition 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. Learn Alot more must have caused significant impairment in at least two important 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 disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who can offer valuable insight and support. For example, they might ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will look for signs that manifest in various situations, such as at school, home or at work. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms affect your 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 must follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also inquire about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate about 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. They must exhibit these symptoms for an extended period of time and have them significantly affect their daily functioning at school, home or at work.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local group of support and request suggestions. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to obtain the names of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and can affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles, such as altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see the primary care doctor, an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about issues like development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will ask 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 who are in the patient's life for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires can't give, such as the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also reveal what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and decrease the impulse to act that allow people to concentrate and follow directions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD learn strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Marriage and family therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder of relationships, as well as teaching how to handle conflict and disagreement that may arise in these situations.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about family history. They will also check for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To diagnose ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is due to the fact that 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, a child must exhibit more than 6 symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
Medication is the most popular method of treating ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are drugs that treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. These medications can be utilized with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.