ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This often provides information that questionnaires cannot.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is trickier since the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time when evaluating you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to let the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the person to tell them about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who could provide valuable information and support. For instance, they could request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that may affect treatment. For instance, depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that are present in different settings, like at home, school or at work. no title must last for a prolonged 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.
To diagnose children, doctors must 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. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work.
For adults, it is more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children, but there is some controversy over whether these criteria are still applicable 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. They must be suffering from these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time, and they must significantly affect their daily activities at school, home or at work.
Your doctor may also request other tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or the child's. 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 depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to assess the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family doctor for a referral. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to request the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and can affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must see the primary care doctor, a mental health professional or both for an evaluation. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss issues such as development as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and issues. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires are unable to provide, such as the fact that the patient often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive, allowing people to pay attention and follow instructions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to compensate for the difficulties they face. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, manage their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach coping skills for conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.
Medication
To allow an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also use scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request an information about the family history. They will also check for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to blood tests or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards 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 display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should 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 the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. 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. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.