ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask you and the people closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -- about your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you.
Symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of the symptoms and live a happier and healthier lives.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to collect information regarding the severity of the 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 often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who could offer valuable advice and help. For example, they might ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are symptoms of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that may affect treatment. For example depression, the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various settings, like at school, home or at work. They should also last for a significant period of time. Then, the doctor will determine 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.
Doctors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at work, school or home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help to identify conditions that could be similar to learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
To find an expert to assess the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles, such as altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They will want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, the location and time they first began and how much stress or problems they create.
The evaluator could speak to other people who are part of the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that the patient often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and decrease impulsive actions that allow people to pay attention and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they generally are well-tolerated.
In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, manage their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Marriage and family therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach strategies for dealing with conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They will also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. iampsychiatry.uk might also inquire about family history. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. 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.
A child must display six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them interview them. This includes teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are drugs that treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.