ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- such as your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are developed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.
The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their medical and personal history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association'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. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or at work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable information and help. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to speak with them about the person's problems both at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot like ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any symptoms of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that might hinder treatment. For instance depression, the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also last for a long time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with 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 assess the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
For adults, it's difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some disagreement about whether these criteria are still applicable to 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. These symptoms must be present for a long period of time and interfere with daily functioning at work, school or home.
Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
A request to your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and ask for recommendations. You can also contact the medical school or university hospital to get the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and can affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care provider or a mental health professional or both for an assessment. In this in-person consultation, the practitioner will cover topics including development, family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and issues. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive actions or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are in the patient's life for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires cannot for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations trigger symptoms.
Many 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 blood flow to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive that allow people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD create strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may arise.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD the health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other places. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an history of the family. They will also check for other conditions which could be the cause of 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 isn't a physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. 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 the 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 a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who knows them well. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who cannot take stimulants due to severe side effects or health problems. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.