ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes the time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The examiner will inquire of the person to provide information about their medical history and personal life from childhood to present. The evaluator also reviews 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 settings, such as school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who could offer valuable advice and help. They may request the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to interview them regarding the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are signs of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different situations, like at home, work or at school. They should also last for a significant period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms affect your day-to-day 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 utilize 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 may also conduct a clinical interview. 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 performance.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate as to 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 prolonged duration and affect daily functioning at school, work, or at home.
Your doctor might also recommend additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out the cause of similar symptoms, such as learning disabilities or depression.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to refer you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and solicit suggestions. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to obtain a list of professionals that conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. During the in-person consultation the practitioner will talk about topics such as development, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they first began and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the life of the patient, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as adhd diagnosis uk adult well as teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. They can provide information that questionnaires can't, such as the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into what triggers symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD come up with strategies to deal with the difficulties they face. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, manage their appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To allow a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also look for other conditions which could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's life.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to recognize. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. 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 in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them interviews them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications because of health issues or serious adverse reactions. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.