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 -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes his or her time with your evaluation.
Symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they are having trouble paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's clinical guidelines for 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 impairment in at minimum two major situations, like school or at work. The evaluator should also rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis that measure working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person in order to provide valuable information and help. For instance, they may seek out the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that are present in different settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms affect 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 utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children. However, there is some controversy over whether these criteria are still applicable to 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. These symptoms must be present for a long time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine extent of your or the child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to identify conditions that could be causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your insurance plan. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and request recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles like changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. During the in-person interview, a practitioner will discuss subjects like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, the location and time they started and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce impulsive actions which allows people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Marriage and family therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could arise in these situations.
Medication
In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They will look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To get a diagnosis your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children aged 4 to 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is because the 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 exhibit 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 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. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning, and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due to serious adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.