ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will interview you and those closest to you (your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This can provide insight that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, because diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The person being evaluated is asked to share their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also go over 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 impairments in at least two significant contexts, such as work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather data about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. For instance, they could request the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different settings, like at work, home, or school. They must also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will determine how much 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 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 affect their lives. ADHD Diagnosis might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria are still applicable 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 have these symptoms for a long time period, and they must significantly hinder their daily functioning at school, home, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might request other tests to determine severity of your child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help identify the cause of similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. You can also reach out to a local group of support and ask for recommendations. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and can affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can help decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle like altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care provider or psychiatrist or both for an assessment. In the interview in person an expert will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they first began and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator could speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, or what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously and generally are well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD A health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school, and in other settings. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an information about the family history. They will look for other conditions that could cause 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 isn't a physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to 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. 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 show six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be evaluated by someone who knows them well. This includes teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire how their symptoms affect their daily life and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications because of health issues or severe adverse effects. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.