ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you, and the people closest to you such as your spouse or sibling when you're an adult- about your symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Adults may not want admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychological 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major settings, such as school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person in order to offer valuable advice and support. For instance, they may request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are any symptoms of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that may hinder treatment. For example, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different settings, like at work, at home or at school. They should be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms affect your day-to-day 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 follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate over whether the criteria are still applicable in adulthood. 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 have these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time, and they must significantly interfere with their daily activities at school, at home or at work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work, and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles like altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see the primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both to get an assessment. During this in-person interview, the practitioner will cover subjects like the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and problems. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they began, and how much stress or problems they create.
The evaluator could talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive, allowing people to concentrate and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and at 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
To diagnose ADHD the health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school, and in other settings. They will also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an history of the family. They will look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's 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, a child must display 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they compare with other children their own age.
Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious side effects. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.