ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge since the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is important to find a specialist with the condition who takes his or her time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. 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. The symptoms must have caused significant impairments in at least two significant settings, such as work or school. The examiner should also rule out other disorders which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather data regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to contact people close to the person who can provide valuable insight and help. For instance, they may request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms interfere with everyday activities. 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 review the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over 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. They must exhibit these symptoms for a prolonged time period and have them significantly affect their daily functioning at school, at home or at work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine extent of your your child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. 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 reach out to a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to request the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work, and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles for example, changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care provider, a mental health professional or both to receive an evaluation. During this in-person interview, the practitioner will cover subjects like the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, the location and time they began, and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator could discuss other people involved in the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reducing the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD discover strategies to overcome their difficulties. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflict that may occur.
Medication
To allow an expert to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at several things. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at schools, and elsewhere. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history. They will search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test to determine 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 were designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms may 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 exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily life, and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. undiagnosed adhd in adults that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants but can be useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to serious side effects or health issues. These medications can be utilized with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.