ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major environments, such as work or school. The evaluator should also rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who could provide valuable information and help. For example, they might request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical examination is often part of an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different settings, like at school, home or at work. They must be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms impact 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children, but there is some controversy over whether these criteria still 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. They must have these symptoms for a long time period and must be able to hinder their daily functioning at home, school, or work.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also contact an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles, such as adjusting the time of their sleep and using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD must see the primary care physician, psychiatrist or both to get an assessment. During the in-person interview an expert will discuss subjects like development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator might 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. These people can provide insights that questionnaires cannot 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 by various behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce impulsive actions, allowing people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD create strategies to overcome the difficulties they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on family and work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD the health care professional must consider several factors. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose ADHD your child's doctor will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. 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 more than 6 symptoms that are 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 essential that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also inquire what their symptoms impact their daily functioning and how they compare with other children their own age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, however they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious adverse effects. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.