ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, because the guidelines for diagnosis are created for children. It is essential to find a specialist with the field who takes their time with your evaluation.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychological 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 caused significant impairment in at minimum two major situations, like work or school. The examiner should also rule out other disorders which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who may provide valuable information and support. For instance, they may request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that manifest in various settings, like at school, home, or work. They should also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will then determine how much 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.
To diagnose children, doctors follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood, behavior, and performance.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over whether these criteria apply to adults. 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 everyday functioning at school, work or home.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to assess your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for an appointment. You can also contact your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your insurance plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD also may need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care physician or a mental health professional or both to receive an assessment. In this interview, the practitioner will cover issues such as the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle, and current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator could talk to other people who are who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can provide insights that questionnaires can't, such as the fact that a person frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.
ADHD is treated using various behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive that allow people to pay attention and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the difficulties they face. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might 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 evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may 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, a child must display more than 6 symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. This includes teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they perform to other children of their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. 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 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 issues. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.