ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
adhd diagnosing who's evaluating ADHD will interview you and the people closest to you such as your spouse or sibling when you're an adult- about your symptoms. This often provides insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes his or her time with your evaluation.
Symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.
The evaluator asks the person to share their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews 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 caused significant impairments in at least two significant contexts, such as work or school. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person in order to provide valuable information and help. For instance, they may seek out 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 usually included in an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any indications of injury or damage to the brain that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For example depression, the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms affect your 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.
Doctors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will assess the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and work.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some disagreement about 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 everyday functioning at work, school or home.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine extent of your or your child's symptoms. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
The suggestion of asking your family physician 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 reach out to your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. You can also contact a local support group and request recommendations. You could also call an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their the time of their sleep or using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In this in-person consultation, the practitioner will cover topics including the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle and present symptoms and issues. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They will be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, where and when they first began and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator may need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, or what situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated by a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce actions that are impulsive, allowing people to be attentive and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously and are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the challenges they encounter. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques 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 work. Therapy for families and marriage is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at many things. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school and in other places. They may also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also request an information about the family history. They will search for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To get a diagnosis your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged 4 to 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is because a person's symptoms can 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 six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interviews them. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most common method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.