ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't.
It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It is essential to find a specialist with the field who takes the time when evaluating you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to let the patient openly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit they are having trouble 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 to provide information about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for 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 caused significant impairments in at least two significant situations, like school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person in order to provide valuable information and support. For instance, they may ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms must also persist for a long time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms interfere with everyday activities. 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 determine if children have. They will examine the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it's difficult to determine a diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate over whether the criteria still apply 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 everyday functioning at work, school or at home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could request other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and solicit suggestions. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to request a list of professionals that conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school and can affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should see his or her primary care physician, an expert in mental health or both to get an assessment. During this in-person interview the professional will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle and present symptoms and issues. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover for example, how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations cause symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reducing the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay more focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and they are generally well tolerated.
Alongside medication Therapy can help those with ADHD learn strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work life. Marriage and family therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder of relationships, as well as teaching strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could be triggered in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A medical professional needs to consider many factors. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test for ADHD that is comparable to a blood test or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children 4 to 18 years of age. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may 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 exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important 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 informed about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. ADHD Diagnosis and nonstimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less potent than stimulants, but are useful for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe side effects or health problems. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.