ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This often provides information that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It is important to find a specialist with the condition who takes his or her time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a happier and healthier lives.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide details about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychological Association's guidelines for treating 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major environments, such as school or at work. In find out here , the evaluator must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual 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 in order to offer valuable advice and support. For example, they might seek out the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that can be observed in various settings, like at home, school or at work. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. The doctor will then assess how much your symptoms impact your everyday 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.
Doctors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate about 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. These symptoms must be present for a long period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at school, work, or at home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could order additional tests to determine the extent of your the child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
To find an expert to evaluate your or your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit suggestions. You can also contact an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get an inventory of professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to make lifestyle adjustments like altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about issues like development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when they began, and from where, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that the person often fails to remember or stops doing tasks during the course of a task. They can also reveal the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated with various treatments and medications. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more attention and follow directions. The drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to overcome their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and at work. Marriage and family therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may arise.
Medication
To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in school and in other places. They may also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also inquire about the history of their family. They will also check for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to recognize. 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 display at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.