ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide information that questionnaires cannot.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairments in at least two important settings, such as school or work. The examiner should be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who could provide valuable information and support. They may ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems both 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. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at home, work or at school. They must also last for a lengthy period of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms affect 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 follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric background. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable 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 long period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or home.
Your doctor may also request other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to evaluate your your child's ADHD begin by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to request the list of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting sleep schedules or using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. During the in-person consultation an expert will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they first began and how much stress or problems they create.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that the person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal the triggers for symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive which allows people to concentrate and follow instructions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the challenges they experience. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and track their appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD the medical professional needs to consider many factors. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They will also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They will search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they impact your child's life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged 4 to 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is because a person's symptoms can 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 diagnosed as having ADHD. visit the next document stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be questioned by a person who knows them well. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what their symptoms impact their daily functioning, and how they compare to other children their age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two drugs that treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.