ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is 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 cannot.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, as diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live an enjoyable 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 Society's clinical guidelines 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 situations, like work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather data regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to contact family members or friends who can offer valuable insight and help. For example, they might request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are signs of injury or damage 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 may affect treatment. For example depression, addiction to 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 amount of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms affect your everyday activities. 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 review the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
For adults, it's difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, there is some controversy over whether these criteria 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. These symptoms must be present for a long time and must interfere with daily functioning at school, work, or home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are similar to depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit recommendations. You can also contact a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and work, and interfere with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleep schedules or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD should see the primary care provider, an expert in mental health or both for an evaluation. During the in-person interview the practitioner will talk about topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll want to know about how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they first began and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator may want to speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover for example, the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and suppress impulsive actions which allows people to be attentive and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously and are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to deal with their issues. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may occur.
Medication
To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD the doctor must look at many things. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other places. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will search for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate how severe the symptoms are and if they impact your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like the blood test or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose 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.
A child must display at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as 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. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.