ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and the people closest to you such as your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adult- about your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.
It's more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes their time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of the symptoms and live a an enjoyable life.
The person being evaluated is asked to share their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric 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 led to significant impairments in at minimum two crucial settings, such as school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to speak with family members or friends who could provide valuable information and help. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are signs of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various situations, such as at school, home, or work. They should also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms impact your daily 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.
To diagnose children, doctors follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, 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 exhibit these symptoms for a long time period and have them significantly hinder their daily activities at home, school, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine severity of your child's symptoms. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. In this interview the professional will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot be able to provide, for instance, the fact that a person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with 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 boost blood flow to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive which allows people to pay attention and follow directions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and generally are well-tolerated.
In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to deal with their issues. Therapists can teach people 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 at work. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may arise in these situations.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They may also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis may also ask about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's daily life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD that is comparable to the blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD may change with 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 be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone who is familiar with them interviews them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, 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 some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.