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 your spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It is essential to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate you.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to talk openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The person being evaluated is asked to provide details about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review 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. The symptoms must have led to significant impairment in at minimum two major settings, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable information and support. For instance, they could ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different situations, like at home, work, or school. The symptoms must last for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will assess 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.
To diagnose children, doctors adhere to the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. 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 impacts their mood, behavior and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate 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 the daily activities at work, school or home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might request other tests to determine severity of the child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help rule out conditions that are causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
To find a specialist to evaluate your the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for a referral. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to request the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. During this in-person interview the doctor will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator could talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, such as parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that a person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.
ADHD is treated using a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously and generally are well-tolerated.
In addition to medication, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their issues. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on private adult adhd diagnosis family and at work. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder of relationships and teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may be triggered in these situations.
Medication
In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the history of their family. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years of age. It is difficult to determine 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 exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be evaluated 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 how their symptoms affect 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. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant drugs due to health issues or severe side effects. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.