ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and those closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend when you're an adult- about your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is trickier since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to have the patient discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The examiner will inquire of the individual about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and support. For instance, they could request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there is any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could hinder treatment. For example, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at work, at home or at school. ADHD Diagnosis should be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will then assess how much your symptoms affect 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 adhere to the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about whether these criteria still apply to 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a long duration of time and must be able to affect their daily life at school, at home or at work.
Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
To find a specialist to assess your child's ADHD begin by asking your doctor for an appointment. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and ask for recommendations. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to make lifestyle adjustments like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. In the interview in person an expert will discuss issues like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including spouses, parents siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires cannot for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated using a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to deal with the difficulties they face. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider several factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also request an information about the family history. They will also check for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. This is due to the fact that 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.
A child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most popular method of treating ADHD. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are 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 medication due to health issues or serious adverse reactions. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.