ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask you and your closest family members -- your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier since the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is important to find a specialist with the field who takes the time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood up to now. 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairments in at least two important settings, such as school or work. In adhd adult diagnosis , the evaluator must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who could provide valuable information and support. They might ask for the names and contact information of the spouse, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD evaluation. It could help rule out other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are symptoms of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend 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
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various settings, like at home, school or at work. They should be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms interfere with your daily routine. 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 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over whether these criteria 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a prolonged time period and have them significantly interfere with their daily activities at home, school, or work.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes 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 that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and ask for suggestions. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work, and interfere with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleep schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. In the interview in person an expert will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They'll be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, where and when they first began and the amount of distress or issues they create.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the patient's life, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. They can provide information that questionnaires cannot, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal the triggers for symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally and generally are well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder of relationships, as well as teaching how to handle conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They will also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history. They may also search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. This is because 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 have more than 6 symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medications due to health problems or serious adverse reactions. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.