ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you such as your spouse or sibling when you're an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This often provides information that questionnaires cannot.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is essential to find a specialist in the field who takes his or her time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of the symptoms and live a an enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for treating 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 impairment in at minimum two major environments, such as school or at work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems both at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any indication of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that may hinder treatment. For example depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various settings, like at home, work, or school. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms affect your everyday activities. 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 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might 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 you about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable 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 exhibit these symptoms for an extended time period and must be able to hinder their daily life at school, at home or at work.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine severity of the child's symptoms. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests may help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to assess the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your doctor for an appointment. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to obtain the list of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see his or her primary care physician, a mental health professional or both for an assessment. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to speak to other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. These people can provide insights that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that the person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also reveal the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and decrease the impulse to act that allow people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously and generally are well-tolerated.
In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help with issues caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could arise in these situations.
Medication
For a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also request an history of the family. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get IamPsychiatry , your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years of age. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD 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 six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily life, and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due to serious side effects or health problems. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.