ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
It is more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
link in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live an enjoyable life.
The examiner will inquire of the person to provide information about their medical and personal history from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also go over 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 least two significant situations, like work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather data about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who could provide valuable insight and help. For instance, they could seek out 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 assessment, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different settings, like at school, home, or work. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. The doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with your daily routine. 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 utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about whether these criteria are still applicable 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 duration and affect daily functioning at work, school or home.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might conduct additional tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help to identify conditions that could be causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to evaluate your your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your plan. You can also contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You could also call an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and can affect relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their sleep schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss issues such as development as well as family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they began, and the amount of distress or issues they cause.
The evaluator will likely want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot, such as how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated by various treatments and medications. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reduce impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the difficulties they experience. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Marriage and family therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder of 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 various factors. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the history of their family. They may also search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as blood tests or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD may change as time passes. 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 exhibit more than 6 symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they perform to other children of their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. 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. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.