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 your spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes the time when evaluating you.
Symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their personal and medical history from childhood to present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the condition 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 minimum two major environments, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to contact people close to the person who could provide valuable information and support. They may ask for the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are symptoms of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that manifest in various settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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.
To diagnose children, doctors must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will include an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their performance.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria apply 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. They must be suffering from these symptoms for an extended duration of time, and they must significantly interfere with their daily life at home, school or at work.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition an interview with you to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to evaluate your your child's ADHD begin by asking your family doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and solicit recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also have to make lifestyle adjustments like changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In this interview the doctor will discuss topics including the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and issues. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the life of the patient, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, the way that a person may stop tasks halfway or forgets things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). diagnose adhd increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress impulsive actions which allows people to concentrate and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, manage their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder in relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may arise in these situations.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the history of their family. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's life.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. This is because a person's symptoms may change over time. 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 exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two drugs that treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe adverse effects. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.