ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble 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 person to provide information about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews 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 caused significant impairments in at least two important settings, such as school or work. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable insight and support. For instance, they could request the names of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are symptoms of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that occur in different environments, such as at home, work, or school. They must also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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 your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior, as well as performance.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over whether these criteria 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 long time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work or at home.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and request suggestions. You could also call an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can help decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their sleeping schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. In the interview in person an expert will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior, and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they first began and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations cause symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and decrease the impulse to act which allows people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their issues. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, manage their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD the doctor must look at several things. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They will also use scales or questionnaires that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years old. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is because the symptoms may 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 six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what their symptoms impact their daily activities, and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant drugs due to health problems or severe adverse effects. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.