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 friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition who takes their time with your evaluation.
Symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder, which are found 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 situations, like work or school. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors may ask for permission to contact people close to the person who can provide valuable information and help. For instance, they could ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance depression, depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various situations, such as at school, home or at work. They should be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your symptoms affect 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.
Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will assess the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable 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 time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work or home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to assess your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. You can also reach out to a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see the primary care provider, an expert in mental health or both to receive an evaluation. In this interview the professional will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle, and current symptoms and problems. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot for example, the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations cause symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder of relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.
Medication
In order for an expert to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at many things. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They may also search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To diagnose ADHD your child's doctor will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years old. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may 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 show six or more symptoms listed 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 assessed for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult and Atomoxetine are medications that can treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant medications due to health issues or serious side effects. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.