ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and those closest to you -- your spouse, sibling, or friend when you're an adult- about your symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, because diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It is essential to find an ADHD professional who is willing to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to have the patient talk openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they impact 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 get rid of symptoms and lead a happier and healthier lives.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood to 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 led to significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who could offer valuable advice and help. For instance, they could ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are signs of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different environments, such as at home, school or at work. They must also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will determine 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 guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise 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.
For adults, it is 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 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. They must have these symptoms for an extended period of time, and they must significantly interfere with their daily activities at school, home or at work.
Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems at school and work and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should see the primary care provider, psychiatrist or both to receive an evaluation. In this interview the professional will discuss topics including development as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling 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 is likely to want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires are unable to provide give, such as the fact that the person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by a variety of treatments and medications. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress the impulse to act which allows people to be attentive and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and generally are well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the difficulties they experience. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Marriage and family therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD the medical professional needs to consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They will look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's life.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as a blood test or an X-ray. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are aimed at children aged between 4 and 18. 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 display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate 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 interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they perform to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. adhd diagnosis uk ADHD Diagnosis and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious adverse effects. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.