ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and those closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend when you're an adultabout your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a happier and healthier lives.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their personal and medical history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also go over 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. The symptoms must have caused significant impairments in at minimum two crucial contexts, such as work or school. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of the symptoms. I Am Psychiatry that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and help. They may request the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical examination is often part of an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to see whether there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different environments, such as at home, school, or work. They must also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms impact your 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 must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior as well as their performance.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at school, work or at home.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out an illness that causes the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to see if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain a list of professionals that conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work, and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to make lifestyle adjustments, such as changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should consult with his or her primary care provider, psychiatrist or both to get an assessment. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the patient's life, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations cause symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay attention and follow directions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to overcome their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.
Medication
For a health professional to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other places. They may also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history. They will look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as blood tests or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years of age. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms can 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 display at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they perform to other children their age.
Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. There are stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two drugs that treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medications because of health issues or serious adverse reactions. They can be used in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.