ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes their time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they are having trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of the symptoms and live a happier and healthier lives.
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 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 impairments in at least two significant settings, such as school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in conjunction with an interview to collect information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable insight and support. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses, or siblings in order to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at the workplace.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any indications of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at home, school, or work. They must also last for a lengthy period of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms impact your everyday life. If adhd uk diagnosis 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 examine your child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors, and productivity.
For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children, but there is some disagreement about whether these 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 duration and affect the daily activities at work, school or home.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition the 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 may help determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
To find a specialist to assess the child's ADHD begin by asking your doctor for the referral. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to a local support group and request recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In this interview, the practitioner will cover subjects like the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people in the patient's life, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot, such as how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations cause symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and reduce impulsive actions which allows people to pay attention and follow instructions. They can be taken orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to compensate for the challenges they experience. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Marriage and family therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might occur.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate several things. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They might also inquire about the history of their family. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose 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 have at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. This includes teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities, and how they compare with other children their own age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. There are stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two drugs that treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant drugs due to health problems or serious adverse effects. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.