ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is important to find a specialist with the field who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his daily life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their personal and medical history from childhood up to now. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association'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 settings, such as work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable insight and support. For instance, they could request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator could also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are indications of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that occur in different environments, such as at home, work, or school. They must be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with 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 diagnose children. They will discuss the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to 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 prolonged period of time and interfere with daily functioning at work, school or home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine extent of your the child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
To find an expert to assess your child's ADHD begin by asking your family doctor for an appointment. You can also contact your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your plan. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and solicit suggestions. adhd diagnosis uk adults can also call the medical school or university hospital to request the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and may cause issues with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also need to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting the time of their sleep and using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD should consult with his or her primary care provider, a mental health professional or both to get an assessment. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss topics including the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and issues. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they first began and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.
The evaluator might want to discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. These people can provide insights that questionnaires can't be able to provide, for instance, the fact that a person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching how to handle conflict and discord that could be triggered in these situations.
Medication
For a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about family history. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, for example mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to recognize. This is because a person's 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 show at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they perform to other children of their age.
The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious adverse reactions. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.