ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you.
Symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the person to tell them about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's guidelines for treating 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 impairment in at least two important settings, such as work or school. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and support. They might ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are indications of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at school, home or at work. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. The doctor will then determine how much your symptoms impact your everyday activities. 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 diagnose children. They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as performance.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children, but there is some disagreement about whether these criteria are still applicable to 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 period of time and must be able to hinder their daily life at school, at home, or work.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out an illness that causes the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and request suggestions. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that provide ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must see the primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both for an assessment. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss issues like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. adhd diagnosed can provide insights that questionnaires can't, such as the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated using a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive, allowing people to be attentive and follow directions. These drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD A health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also employ questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They may also search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD can 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, a child must display at least 6 of the symptoms 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 it is essential that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.