ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes the time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise 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 the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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 led to significant impairment in at least two major environments, such as work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. They may request the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are indications of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various situations, like at work, at home, or school. They must be present for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will assess how much these symptoms interfere with your day-to-day 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 adhere to the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it's difficult to determine a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about 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 have these symptoms for an extended duration of time and have them significantly hinder their daily functioning at home, school or at work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could request additional tests to determine the extent of your the child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. You can also contact an organization in your area and request recommendations. get an adhd diagnosis You can also call the medical school or university hospital to get the names of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleep schedules or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care physician, a mental health professional or both for an evaluation. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator could talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. They can provide information that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that a person frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications can include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the difficulties they face. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that can be triggered in these situations.
Medication
For a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate several things. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school and in other places. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history. They may also search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's daily life.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. 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.
A child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. This includes teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs because of health issues or severe adverse effects. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.