ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members -- your spouse or sibling when you're an adult- about your symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It is essential to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. 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. The symptoms must have caused significant impairments in at least two important situations, like school or at work. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.
diagnosing adhd in adults is usually included in an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at school, home, or work. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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 use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will review your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as performance.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria still apply in adulthood. 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 an extended duration of time and must be able to interfere with their daily functioning at school, at home, or work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine extent of your or the child's symptoms. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify the cause of the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. 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 a local support group and request recommendations. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see the primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both for an evaluation. In this interview the professional will discuss topics including the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and problems. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also reveal the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and decrease actions that are impulsive that allow people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to overcome the challenges they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also request an history of the family. They will also look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is because a person's symptoms can 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 more than 6 symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. This includes their teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. 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 are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.