ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will interview you and those closest to you (your spouse, sibling, or friend when you're an adult- about your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It's important to find a specialist with the condition who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's clinical guidelines for 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 caused significant impairments in at least two important situations, like school or work. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. For instance, they may seek out 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 usually part of an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are indications of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance, depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various environments, such as at work, at home or at school. The symptoms must last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms affect 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.
To diagnose children, doctors follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or 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 over 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a prolonged time period and have them significantly affect their daily functioning at home, school or at work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might conduct other tests to determine the extent of your your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is similar to depressive or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. You can also contact a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and interfere with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their sleeping schedules or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. During the in-person consultation, a practitioner will discuss issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they started and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator could speak to other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also reveal the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay focus and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and are generally well tolerated.
Alongside medication Therapy can help those with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic 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 allow a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate many things. getting diagnosed with adhd will ask about your child's behavior at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They will 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 that could cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To diagnose ADHD your child's doctor will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to recognize. This is because the symptoms 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 display six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily life and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.