ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes their time when evaluating you.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at minimum two major environments, such as school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person who can provide valuable insight and support. They may request the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of injury or damage to the brain that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various environments, such as at school, home, or work. They should also last for a lengthy period of time. Then, the doctor will assess 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 determine if children have. They will evaluate the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it's difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate about whether the criteria still apply in 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 time and must interfere with daily functioning at school, work or at home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, such as learning disabilities or depression.
To find a specialist to evaluate your or your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also contact your insurance company 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 recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleep schedules, using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care physician or a mental health professional or both to receive an evaluation. During the in-person interview the practitioner will talk about topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator could talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as the way that a person may stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated with the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. click here for more increase blood circulation to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more attention and follow directions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the difficulties they face. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.
Medication
To allow a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at several things. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They may also employ questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about the history of their family. They will search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's life.
There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD 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 the child must have 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD it is essential that someone who is familiar with them interviews them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also inquire what their symptoms impact their daily activities and how they perform to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious adverse reactions. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.