ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members -- your spouse or sibling when you're an adultabout your symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of symptoms and live an enjoyable life.
The person being evaluated is asked to provide details about their personal and medical history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the condition 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 minimum two major situations, like work or school. The evaluator should also rule out other disorders which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather information on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who may provide valuable information and help. They might ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator could also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are any indications of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that could interfere with treatment. For instance, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
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In determining ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that are present in different settings, like at home, school or at work. They must also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms impact your everyday 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.
Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. They will also ask you about the impact of your child's behavior on their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate over whether the criteria still apply 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 have these symptoms for a long time period, and they must significantly interfere with their daily life at school, home or at work.
Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help identify the cause of similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. You can also reach out to a local support group and request recommendations. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and can affect relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting the time of their sleep, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation, the practitioner will cover issues such as development as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have gone on, when and where they began, and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover for example, how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what situations cause symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Alongside medication, therapy can help people with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help 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 various factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They will also utilize 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 may explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they impact your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is because the symptoms can 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 the child must exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated 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. They should also be asked about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.