ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and the people closest to you -- your spouse or sibling if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This can provide insight that questionnaires are not able to provide.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is essential to find an ADHD professional who is willing to evaluate you.
Symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit they struggle with paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of the symptoms and live a an enjoyable life.
The evaluator asks the person to share their medical and personal 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 minimum two crucial situations, like work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person in order to offer valuable advice and support. They might ask for the names and contact details of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are symptoms of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various settings, like at work, home or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long time. The doctor will determine how much 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 in 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 may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also inquire about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children, but there is some controversy over whether these criteria apply to adults. To meet the criteria 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. These symptoms must be present for a long time and must interfere with the daily activities at work, school or home.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to evaluate your or the child's ADHD begin by asking your doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local group of support and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get a list of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their sleeping schedules and using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss subjects like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, when and where they first began and how much stress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator will likely need to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more attention and follow directions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD come up with strategies to deal with the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD the doctor must look at many things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request an history of the family. They will also look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like 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 such as the blood test or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years of age. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must show at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily life and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs due to health issues or severe adverse reactions. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.