ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It's more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, as diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD professional who will take the time to evaluate you.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for the treatment of 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 settings, such as work or school. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and help. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them regarding the person's problems both at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In certain instances, thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there's any sign of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at school, home, or work. They should be present for a long period of time. The doctor will then assess 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 adhere to the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about whether these criteria still 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 long time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor might order other tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help determine if a condition is similar to depressive or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to evaluate your the child's ADHD begin by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also call your insurance provider to see if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and solicit recommendations. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to obtain a list of professionals that perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments like altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they started and the amount of distress or issues they create.
The evaluator could speak to other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can provide insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that a person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could arise in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD A medical professional needs to consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis might also request an history of the family. They will look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD may change with 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 have at least 6 of the symptoms 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 evaluated for ADHD, they should be evaluated by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they perform to other children their age.
Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.