ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, because diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes his or her time when evaluating you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient be honest and open about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to 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 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 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 impairments in at minimum two crucial settings, such as school or at work. The evaluator must also rule out other disorders which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to gather information on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who can provide valuable information and support. They may ask for the names and contact details of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for signs that are present in different situations, such as at school, home, or work. They must be present for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with your everyday 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 adhere to guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over whether these 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. They must be suffering from these symptoms for a long duration of time, and they must significantly interfere with their daily functioning at home, school or at work.
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. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help identify conditions that could be producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to evaluate your or the child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. You can also contact a local group of support and ask for recommendations. You can also try calling an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles, such as adjusting the time of their sleep, using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person interview an expert will discuss topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's performance, behavior, and 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 the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people often provide insight that questionnaires can't provide for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and decrease the impulse to act, allowing people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, in school, and in other settings. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request an history of the family. They may also search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD may change with 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 display 6 or more of the symptoms as described in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and regulate 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 slower than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe adverse reactions. adhd diagnostic can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.