ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will interview you and the people closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his daily life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the 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 impairment in at minimum two major settings, such as work or school. The examiner should also rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual impairment.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission, based on the circumstance, to speak with family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. They may request the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there's any indication of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that are present in different environments, such as at school, home or at work. The symptoms must last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms impact your daily routine. 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 must follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it's difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate as to 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a long time period, and they must significantly interfere with their daily life at school, at home or at work.
Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out an illness that causes the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
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 contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. You can also reach out to a local support group and request suggestions. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and work and can affect relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD must see their primary care provider or a mental health professional or both for an evaluation. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss issues like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires can't provide for example, the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress the impulse to act, allowing people to concentrate and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and are generally well-tolerated.
Alongside medication, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to overcome their issues. how to get adult adhd diagnosis ADHD Diagnosis can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and at work. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may occur.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD the medical professional needs to consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other places. They may also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about the history of their family. They will also check for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD that is comparable to a blood test or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years old. 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 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 six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. The use of medications can be in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.