ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It is crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood to present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder, which are found 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 important settings, such as school or at work. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors may ask for permission to contact people close to the person in order to offer valuable advice and support. For example, they might ask for the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are signs of brain damage or injury that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that may hinder treatment. For instance, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at home, school, or work. They should also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will then determine how much your symptoms impact 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.
Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will assess the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior as well as their performance.
For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate about whether the criteria are still applicable to adults. To meet get diagnosed with adhd 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 exhibit these symptoms for a long duration of time, and they must significantly affect their daily functioning at school, home, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might order additional tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is similar to depressive or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. You can also contact a local group of support and request suggestions. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles, such as adjusting sleep schedules, using a daily planner 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 an expert will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, the location and time they started and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.
The evaluator could discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can provide insights that questionnaires are unable to provide, such as the fact that a person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more attention and follow directions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well-tolerated.
Alongside medication, therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, manage their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must consider many factors. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use questionnaires and scales that are specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an information 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 assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD that is comparable to blood tests or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to recognize. This is because the 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 exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who knows them well. This includes teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they perform to other children of their age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious adverse effects. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.