ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members (your spouse or sibling in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult since the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find a specialist with the field who takes his or her time with your evaluation.
Symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the condition 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 significant contexts, such as school or at work. The evaluator should also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a physician may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills and visual and spatial reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission based on the circumstances to speak with family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and help. For instance, they may request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to talk with 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 rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In certain instances, thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest urine and blood tests to check for the presence of other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different situations, like at home, work, or school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will determine 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.
Doctors utilize 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 affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. You will be asked about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their performance.
For adults, it's trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some controversy over whether these criteria apply to 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time and have them significantly affect their daily activities at school, at home or at work.
Your doctor may also request additional tests in addition to the clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests may help identify conditions that could be causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
To find an expert to evaluate your your child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for a referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. You can also contact an organization in your area and ask for recommendations. adhd diagnosis uk adults can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to get a list of professionals that conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD also may need to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleep schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see the primary care provider, psychiatrist or both to receive an assessment. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss topics including the development of the disorder, family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and issues. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when they began, and from where, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator could talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, such as spouses, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, the way that a person may stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations cause symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant 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. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their issues. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on their home and at work. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder in relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A health care professional must consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They will look for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test to diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children between the ages of 4 and 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that 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 display six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be evaluated by someone who knows them well. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
Medication is the most popular treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two drugs that treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medications due to health problems or severe adverse reactions. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.