ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires can't.
It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for treating 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 minimum two major settings, such as school or work. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and help. For instance, they could seek out the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any sign of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different situations, such as at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also last for a long time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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.
To diagnose children, doctors follow guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as performance.
For adults, it is more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose 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. These symptoms must be present for a long duration and affect daily functioning at work, school or home.
Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and solicit recommendations. You can also contact an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and may cause issues with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see the primary care physician, a mental health professional or both for an assessment. During the in-person interview, a practitioner will discuss issues like the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to speak to other people involved in the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide 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 medicines treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and decrease impulsive actions which allows people to concentrate and follow directions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and they are generally well tolerated.
Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their issues. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Therapy for families and marriage is a fantastic way 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 care professional must consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and other places. They may also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. adult adhd diagnosis uk will look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is because 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.
A child must show six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who knows them well. This includes teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily life, and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs because of health issues or severe adverse effects. They can be combined in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral treatment.