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 -- such as your spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is essential to find a specialist in the field who takes the time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his daily life. Adults may not want admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the person to tell them about their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric 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 led to significant impairment in at least two major settings, such as work or school. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who could provide valuable information and help. For instance, they may seek out the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are indications of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there is other conditions that might affect treatment. For example depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that occur in different situations, like at work, at home or at school. 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria are still applicable 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 exhibit these symptoms for an extended period of time, and they must significantly affect their daily functioning at school, at home or at work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could conduct additional tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help rule out the cause of similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. adhd diagnostic 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 try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In the interview in person, 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, and if they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the life of the patient, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. They can provide information that questionnaires are unable to provide be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.
ADHD is treated with the use of a variety of treatments and medications. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and decrease impulsive actions that allow people to be attentive and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Therapy for families and marriage is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD A health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and other places. They will also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They will also check for other conditions that could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life.
There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years old. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may 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 the child must exhibit 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 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 teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they perform with other children their own age.
Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medications because of health issues or severe side effects. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.