ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and your family members close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It is crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient openly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews 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 impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who can provide valuable insight and help. For instance, they may ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that might interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that are present in different settings, like at home, school, or work. The symptoms must also persist for a long time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms impact your daily 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 must follow 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 affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children, but there is some debate over whether these criteria still 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 long duration and affect the daily activities at school, work, or at home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine severity of the child's symptoms. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can help decrease symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles, such as altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. 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 individual's performance, behavior, and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. adhd diagnosis uk adults will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide like how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive that allow people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the difficulties they experience. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and at work. Therapy for families and marriage is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD, a health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at school, and in other settings. They may also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about family history. They will also check for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like the blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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 display at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be informed about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.