ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are created for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient openly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
The examiner will inquire of the person to provide information about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for 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 minimum two major situations, like school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. For example, they might seek out the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are any indications of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to determine the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that manifest in various situations, such as at home, school or at work. The symptoms must last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms interfere with everyday 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 follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate about 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged duration and affect daily functioning at school, work or home.
Your doctor may also request additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out the cause of the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit recommendations. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments for example, changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll want to know about how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they began, and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.
The evaluator may need to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide like how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what situations cause symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reducing the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to deal with their difficulties. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships and teach how to handle conflict and discord that can be triggered in these situations.
Medication
To allow a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at many things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also employ questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will also check for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily life.
There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is because 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.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display 6 or more of the symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. adhd diagnosis uk adults should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs because of health issues or severe adverse effects. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.