ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes their time when evaluating you.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the condition 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 significant contexts, such as school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person who could provide valuable insight and support. They may ask for the names and contact details of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems both at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that may affect treatment. For instance, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various situations, like at work, home, or school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these 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.
To diagnose children, doctors adhere to guidelines in 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 with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and performance.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or home.
Your doctor may also request other tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help identify the cause of similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to evaluate your or your child's ADHD begin by asking your family doctor for an appointment. You can also contact your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your insurance plan. You can also contact a local support group and request recommendations. You adhd diagnosis can also try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school and can affect relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle like altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see his or her primary care doctor or an expert in mental health or both for an assessment. In this interview the doctor will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to speak to other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot like how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reduce the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay more focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally and are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might arise.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history. They will also look for other conditions which could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD can change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with 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 crucial that someone familiar with them interview them. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be informed about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due to serious side effects or health problems. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.