ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
adults diagnosed with adhd evaluating ADHD will ask you and the people closest to you such as your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -about your symptoms. This often provides information that questionnaires cannot.
It's more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It's important to find a specialist with the field who takes his or her time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the disorder, which are found 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 impairment in at least two important settings, such as work or school. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who may provide valuable information and support. For instance, they may request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that may affect treatment. For example, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that can be observed in various environments, such as at school, home, or work. They should also last for a lengthy period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms affect 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.
Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will review the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will include your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior as well as their performance.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate over whether these criteria still apply to 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 long time period and must be able to interfere with their daily life at school, home, or work.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor might order other tests to determine extent of your your child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your or your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for an appointment. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local group of support and request suggestions. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and can affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes for example, adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see the primary care doctor or psychiatrist or both for an assessment. During the in-person interview an expert will discuss issues like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot, such as how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, or what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and reduce the impulse to act, allowing people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they generally are well-tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work life. Marriage and family therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching coping skills for conflict and discord that can be triggered in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also employ scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an history of the family. They will also look for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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.
A child must exhibit six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant medication due to health issues or serious adverse effects. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.