ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members such as your spouse, sibling, or friend when you're an adult- about your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It's more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's important to find a specialist in the field who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they have difficulty paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live happier and healthier lives.
The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines for the 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 important situations, like school or at work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. For example, they might request 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 part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there are any signs of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend urine and blood tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will look for signs that can be observed in various settings, like at school, home or at work. The symptoms must last for a prolonged period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms impact 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will assess the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose 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. They must have these symptoms for an extended time period, and they must significantly affect their daily life at school, home or at work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine extent of your or your child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to see if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and request suggestions. You can also try calling an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school to get a list of professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their sleeping schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In the interview in person, a practitioner will discuss topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks halfway or forgets things, and what situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated by the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as 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 that allow people to be attentive and follow directions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Marriage and family therapy is a great method to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could be the cause of 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 to confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children 4 to 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms can 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 six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If behavioral observations is being assessed for ADHD, they should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. This includes teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities, and how they compare to other children their age.
Medication is the most popular method of treating ADHD. There are stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe side effects. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.