ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and your closest family members (your spouse or sibling if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This will provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes their time when evaluating you.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit that they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life.
The person being evaluated is asked to share their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. 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 caused significant impairments in at minimum two crucial contexts, such as work or school. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person in order to provide valuable information and support. They might ask for the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them regarding the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances, thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there's any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there is other conditions that might interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various settings, like at work, at home or at school. They must be present for a long period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with 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 adhere to the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric background. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and work.
For adults, it's more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate about 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. These symptoms must be present for a long period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at school, work or home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could order additional tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to see if there are professionals that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and ask for recommendations. You could also call an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work, and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care provider, 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 person, their family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, the location and time they began, and how much stress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide, 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 medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and reduce the impulse to act, allowing people to be attentive and follow directions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, manage their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and discord that can be triggered in these situations.
Medication
To allow a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in school and in other places. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history. They will search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's life.
There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years of age. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is because the symptoms can change over time. get adhd diagnosis who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be informed about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
Medication is the most popular method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for those who cannot take stimulants due to serious adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.