ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an
undiagnosed adhd evaluation will ask you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.
It's more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's important to find a specialist with the field who takes his or her time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the first step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they have difficulty paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also go over 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 important situations, like school or at work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and help. For instance, they could ask for the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological exam to determine if there's any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different situations, like at work, home, or school. They must be present for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms affect 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.
To diagnose children, doctors must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and performance.
For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the criteria are still applicable 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 duration of time, and they must significantly affect their daily activities at school, home, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might request other tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like depressive or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and ask for suggestions. You could also call a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school to get the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work and in school and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their the time of their sleep and using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should consult with his or her primary care provider or a mental health professional or both to get an assessment. In this interview, the practitioner will cover topics including 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 focusing actions. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they first began and the amount of distress or issues they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires can't provide like the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medication may contain stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress impulsive actions that allow people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to overcome the challenges they encounter. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching
how does an adult Get diagnosed with adhd to handle conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD the health care professional must consider several factors. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other places. They will also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily routine.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD that is comparable to a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display at least 6 of the symptoms as described in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs help boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs because of health issues or serious adverse reactions. The medications can be used with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
