ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires can't.
It's more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It is essential to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient be honest and open about symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain control of symptoms and live an enjoyable life.
The examiner will inquire of the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also review 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 caused significant impairments in at least two important contexts, such as school or work. The evaluator should also rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who can offer valuable advice and help. For instance, they could request the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD assessment. 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 neurological system to determine if there are any indications of injury or damage to the brain that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various settings, like at school, home, or work. The symptoms must last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your symptoms interfere with everyday 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 adhere to guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review your child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as productivity.
For adults, it's more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some debate 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. These symptoms must be present for a long duration and affect the daily activities at work, school or home.
Your doctor may also request additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to assess the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family physician for a referral. 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. You can also contact a local group of support and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that provide ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and can affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleeping schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see his or her primary care provider or psychiatrist or both to receive an evaluation. During the in-person interview an expert will discuss topics such as development, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They will want to know about how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they first began and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator could talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't, such as the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on home and at work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD, a health care professional must consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and other places. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an history of the family. They will also check for other conditions that could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with 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 developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. 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.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display at least 6 of the symptoms as described in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who knows them well. This includes their teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they compare to other children of their age.
adhd diagnose for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.