ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires can't.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over 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 caused significant impairments in at least two significant contexts, such as work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather data regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to reach out to family members or friends who can offer valuable insight and support. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents or siblings to interview them regarding 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 conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various situations, such as at school, home, or work. They must be present for a long period of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which 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.
Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will review your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to help 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 they must significantly hinder their daily life at school, home, or work.
Your doctor may also request additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help to identify conditions that could be producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your insurance plan. You can also contact an organization in your area and ask for suggestions. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss subjects like development, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive actions or focus. They'll be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, when and where they first began and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that adhd diagnosis adults the person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also reveal what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and reduce impulsive actions that allow people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated.
Alongside medication, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to overcome their issues. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching how to handle conflict and disagreement that may arise in these situations.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's everyday life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must show six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as 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.