ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is essential to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit they have difficulty paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.
The person being evaluated is asked to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric 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 led to significant impairments in at minimum two crucial contexts, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and help. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any sign of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood 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 settings, like at work, at home or at school. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your 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.
Doctors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also ask questions 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 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. These symptoms must be present for a long period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or at home.
Your doctor may also request other tests in addition an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. get diagnosed with adhd You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to a local support group 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 evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and work, and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care physician, an expert in mental health or both for an evaluation. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they began, and how much distress or problems they cause.
The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, or what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school, and in other settings. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to recognize. The symptoms of ADHD may change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must have more than 6 symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning, and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are drugs that treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues. They can be used in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.