ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and the people closest to you such as your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit they are having trouble paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live happier and healthier lives.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their personal and medical history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also go over 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairments in at minimum two crucial situations, like work or school. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to contact people close to the person who can provide valuable information and help. They might ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that are present in various situations, like at home, work or at school. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with 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 must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work or home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might order other tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help identify conditions that could be producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your or your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your 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. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and solicit suggestions. You can also contact the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. During this in-person interview the professional will discuss topics including development as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, the location and time they began, and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator will likely want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults and coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires are unable to provide be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive, allowing people to be attentive and follow directions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the difficulties they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD, a health care professional must consider several factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an history of the family. They will search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to the 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 were designed for children 4 to 18 years old. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms 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 show at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been 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 teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the private adhd diagnosis effects of their ailments are on their daily functioning and how they perform to other children of their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs because of health issues or severe adverse effects. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.