ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
It's more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It is important to find a specialist in the condition who takes the time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the condition 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 least two important settings, such as school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather information on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, to reach out to family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and help. They may request the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues 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 a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are indications of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that might hinder treatment. For example depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at home, work, or school. They should be present for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much 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.
To diagnose children, doctors adhere to the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the 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 interfere with their daily activities at school, home or at work.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition an interview with you to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out the cause of similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and can affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD must see his or her primary care physician, an expert in mental health or both to receive an assessment. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss subjects like development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, the location and time they began, and how much stress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that a person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and suppress the impulse to act, allowing people to concentrate and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the challenges they face. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and guidance when dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. 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 arise.
Medication
To allow an expert to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily routine.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like the blood test or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years of age. Read Far more is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who knows them well. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what their symptoms impact their daily activities, and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.