ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes their time when evaluating you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator asks the person to share their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric 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 impairments in at least two important contexts, such as work or school. The evaluator should also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual impairment.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to collect information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person who can offer valuable advice and help. They may ask for the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It could help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any sign of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to determine the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that manifest in various settings, like at home, school, or work. They should also last for a significant amount of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms impact your 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.
Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will assess the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood, behavior, and performance.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate over whether the criteria are still applicable 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. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis must be suffering from these symptoms for a long duration of time and must be able to affect their daily life at school, at home or at work.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests may help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if there are professionals covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and request suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work and affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when they began, and from where, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, the way that a person may stop tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of situations cause symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more focus and follow instructions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Alongside medication Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their difficulties. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact 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 teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as a blood test or an X-ray. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. This is because the 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 at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, 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 of their age.
Medication is the most common treatment option for ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who cannot take stimulants due to severe side effects or health problems. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.