ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you, and those closest to you (your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -about your symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires cannot.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find a specialist with the condition who takes his or her time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is to have the patient be honest and open about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review 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 least two important contexts, such as school or at work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather data on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors may ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who could provide valuable insight and help. For example, they might ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are any symptoms of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that might interfere with treatment. For instance, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various environments, such as at home, school, or work. They should also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with your day-to-day 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 diagnose children. They will review the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as performance.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children, but 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged duration and affect daily functioning at work, school or home.
Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and ask for recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to request the list of specialists who provide ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and at work and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle and present symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator could discuss other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient often fails to remember or stops doing tasks during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated using various behavioral therapies and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more attention and follow directions. The drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to deal with the challenges they experience. Therapists can teach people techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder of relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at several things. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They will also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. They will search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is adhd diagnosing for ADHD that is comparable to the blood test or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. 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 display more than 6 symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives 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 certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.