ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members such as your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -- about your symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient be honest and open about symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator will ask the person to tell them about their personal and medical history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major environments, such as school or work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, or intellectual disability.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to talk with those close to the person who could provide valuable information and support. They may request the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems both at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there's any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various environments, such as at work, at home or at school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged 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 adhere to guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior, as well as productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate about whether the criteria are still applicable 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 time period, and they must significantly affect their daily activities at home, school, or work.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests may help identify conditions that could be producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to request a list of professionals that perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see the primary care physician or psychiatrist or both to get an assessment. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. 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 discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of treatments and medications. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reduce 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.
In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome their issues. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder of relationships, as well as teaching coping skills for conflict and discord that could be triggered in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about the history of their family. They will also look for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that 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.
A child must display six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.