ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and the people closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes his or her time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to have the patient openly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they are having trouble paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of the symptoms and live a happier and healthier lives.
The examiner will inquire of the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood to present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's guidelines for the treatment of 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and help. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are indications of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various situations, like at home, work or at school. The symptoms must last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then determine how much 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.
Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will discuss your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a long duration of time and must be able to hinder their daily life at school, home, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine the extent of your the child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests may help identify conditions that could be causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
To find a specialist to evaluate your or the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to see whether there are specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and solicit suggestions. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get a list of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school and can affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes for example, adjusting the time of their sleep, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about topics such as development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when they began, and from where, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to discuss other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide information that questionnaires can't, such as the fact that a person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more attention and follow directions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD create strategies to overcome the difficulties they experience. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may be triggered in these situations.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at several things. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They will look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's everyday life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD may change over 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 the child must have at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them interview them. This includes teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily functioning, and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant adhd diagnostic and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs because of health issues or serious side effects. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.