ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This often provides insights that questionnaires don't.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to be honest and open about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association’s clinical guidelines for 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 settings, such as school or work. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. They may request the names and contact information of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are indications of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that are present in various environments, such as at work, at home or at school. They must be present for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms affect 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.
To diagnose children, doctors adhere to guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
For adults, it's more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children, but there is some debate over whether these criteria still apply to 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 the daily activities at work, school or at home.
Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can help identify conditions that could be causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and solicit suggestions. You could also call an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work, and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about topics such as the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are having 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 may want to speak to other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive which allows people to be attentive and follow directions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD learn strategies to overcome their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and track their appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and at work. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD the health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and other places. They will also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years of age. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change with time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they perform with other children their own age.
The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medication because of health issues or serious side effects. These medications can be utilized alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.