ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you.
Symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The examiner will inquire of the individual about their medical and personal history from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews 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 led to significant impairment in at least two important situations, like school or at work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who could provide valuable information and support. For instance, they may request the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that might interfere with treatment. For example depression, the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at home, school, or work. They should also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will determine how much 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.
Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will discuss your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
For adults, it is more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over 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. These symptoms must be present for a long duration and affect everyday functioning at school, work, or home.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your the child's ADHD begin by asking your doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to request the list of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD also may need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see their primary care doctor, an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person consultation, a practitioner will discuss issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. They can provide information that questionnaires can't give, such as the fact that a person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to deal with the challenges they encounter. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may occur.
Medication
In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They may also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also request an history of the family. They may also search for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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 at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also state 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 familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two drugs that treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.