ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they have difficulty paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a happier and healthier lives.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical history and personal life, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines 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 caused significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to contact family members or friends who can provide valuable information and help. They may ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are symptoms of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For instance depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at work, at home, or school. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with your 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 adhere to guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood, behavior, and performance.
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 how to get an adult adhd diagnosis 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 long duration and affect daily functioning at school, work or home.
Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify the cause of similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to obtain the names of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting the time of their sleep or using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. During this in-person interview the doctor will discuss subjects like development of the person's family and lifestyle and present symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they began, and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator might want to discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover like the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by various behavioral therapies and medications. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people 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 also help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching how to handle conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations.
Medication
For 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 will also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the history of their family. They will look for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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 display six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily life and how they perform to other children their age.
Medication is the most common treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are 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 adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.