ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members (your spouse or sibling in the case of an adult- about your symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires can't.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes the time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient openly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live an enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the disorder, which are found 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 at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable information and help. For instance, they may request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD assessment. It can help 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 indications of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various environments, such as at work, home or at school. They should also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will then determine how much your symptoms interfere with 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 guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine your child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also ask you about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to 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 hinder their daily activities at home, school or at work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might conduct other tests to determine severity of the child's symptoms. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help determine if a condition is similar to depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. You can also reach out to a local group of support and ask for suggestions. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to request the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting sleep schedules and using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. During this in-person interview the doctor will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and problems. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive actions or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator will likely want to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover, such as how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with the use of a variety of treatments and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce impulsive actions that allow people to be attentive and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to compensate for the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. adhd diagnose will look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as the 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 for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is because the symptoms 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 at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.