ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Adults may not want admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator asks the person to share their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines 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 impairments in at minimum two crucial settings, such as school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, 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 examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are signs of brain damage or injury that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various situations, such as at school, home or at work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms impact your daily life. If how to diagnose adult adhd 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 utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors and work.
For adults, it's difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria are still applicable 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.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could request other tests to determine the extent of your your child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your the child's ADHD begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD should consult with the primary care physician, psychiatrist or both for an assessment. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they first began and how much distress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator might want to discuss other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people often provide insight that questionnaires don't uncover like the reasons why a person might stop tasks halfway or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD learn strategies to overcome their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in school and in other places. They will also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They might also inquire about the history of their family. They may also search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children aged between 4 and 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. This is because the symptoms 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 at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them interviews them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe side effects or health problems. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.