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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 the symptoms. This is often a way to gain insights that questionnaires don't.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are created for children. It is essential to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The examiner will inquire of the person to provide information about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for 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 led to significant impairments in at least two important situations, like school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who could offer valuable advice and support. For instance, they could ask for the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical examination is often part of an ADHD assessment. It could help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are symptoms of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that could hinder treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at work, home or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms impact 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 guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. 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.
For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the 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. They must exhibit these symptoms for a prolonged time period, and they must significantly hinder their daily functioning at school, at home, or work.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for an appointment. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and ask for suggestions. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school to get a list of professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. During the in-person consultation, a practitioner will discuss issues like development, 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 focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. ADHD Diagnosis boost the flow of blood to the brain and suppress impulsive actions which allows people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to deal with the challenges they face. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach coping skills for conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations.
Medication
For a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They will look for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD your child's doctor will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. It is more difficult to identify 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 the child must exhibit more than 6 symptoms 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 tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how their symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. They can be used in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.