ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires cannot.
It's more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, because diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their medical history and personal life from childhood up to 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 impairments in at minimum two crucial settings, such as school or at work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather data regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and help. For instance, they may request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at work, home or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms affect 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.
Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will review the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and 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. They must have these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, and they must significantly affect their daily activities at school, home or at work.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
To find an expert to evaluate your or your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also reach out to your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and ask for suggestions. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to request a list of professionals that conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and can affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can help decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. During this in-person interview, the practitioner will cover issues such as development as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and problems. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they started and how much distress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator may want to speak to other people who are part of the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can provide insights that questionnaires can't give, such as the fact that the patient often fails to remember or stops doing tasks during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and guidance when dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD the medical professional needs to consider various factors. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, at school and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will also check for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to recognize. 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.
A child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the diagnose adhd uk symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily functioning, and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, however they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant medications due to health problems or severe adverse effects. They can be used in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.