ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD Diagnosis is important to find a specialist in the field who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood to present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder, which are found 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 minimum two major situations, like school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable insight and support. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents or siblings to interview them regarding the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD assessment. It could help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are signs of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that could affect treatment. For example depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various situations, like at home, work, or school. They must also last for a lengthy amount of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms affect your day-to-day 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 guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about 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. They must be suffering from these symptoms for a long duration of time and have them significantly interfere with their daily functioning at home, school or at work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine extent of your the child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to get a list of professionals that provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can reduce symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes for example, adjusting the time of their sleep or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about issues like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the individual's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of situations cause symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay more attention and follow directions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they generally are well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD create strategies to deal with the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can teach people techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching how to handle conflict and discord that could arise in these situations.
Medication
In order for a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate several things. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They may also search for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess 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. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD can change with 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 have at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medication due to health issues or severe adverse effects. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.