ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find a specialist with the field who takes their time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they are having trouble paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical and personal history from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the 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 impairment in at least two major environments, such as school or work. The examiner should also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can offer valuable advice and support. For example, they might request the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator could conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there is other conditions that may hinder treatment. For instance, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various settings, like at work, at home or at school. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms impact your daily routine. 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 the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria adult adhd diagnosis are still applicable 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 prolonged duration and affect everyday functioning at work, school or at home.
Your doctor may also request additional tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and request recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request a list of professionals that perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work, and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments for example, changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person with ADHD should see their primary care doctor or psychiatrist or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus. They will want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they first began and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or friends. They can provide information that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.
ADHD is treated with various treatments and medications. 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 the impulse to act which allows people to be attentive and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they generally are well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the challenges they face. Therapists can teach people techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A health care professional must consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about the history of their family. They will search for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to blood tests or an X-ray. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD can 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 diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to serious adverse effects or health issues. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.