ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, as the diagnostic guidelines are specifically designed for children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for the treatment of 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. cognitive-behavioral therapy must have led to significant impairments in at minimum two crucial settings, such as school or at work. The examiner should also rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who could offer valuable advice and support. They may ask for the names and contact numbers of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances, thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are any signs of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that could affect treatment. For example depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various environments, such as at school, home or at work. They should be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will determine how much 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 assess the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will cover your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. They will also ask you about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children, but there is some debate over 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. They must exhibit these symptoms for a long duration of time and have them significantly affect their daily functioning at home, school or at work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might order other tests to determine severity of the child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests may help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also try calling an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for an inventory of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting sleep schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see his or her primary care physician, an expert in mental health or both to get 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 and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they started and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and at work. Therapy for families and marriage is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must consider many factors. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about the family history. They will search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines were designed for children aged 4-18 years old. Adults are more difficult to recognize. This is because the 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 exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interviews them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.