ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge, as diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's crucial to find an ADHD professional who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life.
The examiner will inquire of the individual about their medical history and personal life from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder, which are found 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 impairment in at minimum two major situations, like school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who could provide valuable information and support. They might 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 the workplace.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that could hinder treatment. For example depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that manifest in various environments, such as at school, home or at work. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. Then, the doctor will assess how much these symptoms impact your daily routine. 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 guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate about 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 have them significantly hinder their daily functioning at home, school or at work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could order other tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
A request to 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 reach out to your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and request recommendations. You can also contact an institution of higher education or a medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle for example, altering their sleep schedules using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or an expert in mental health. In this interview the professional will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. 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 be looking to speak to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as the way that a person may stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what situations cause symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the challenges they face. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may occur.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider various factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They may also search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also evaluate how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's life.
There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. 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 to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a treatment option for ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can 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. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.