ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD professional who is willing to evaluate you.
Symptoms
The first step in the initial step of an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's guidelines for the treatment of 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 significant situations, like work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to speak with family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and help. For instance, they could request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help determine other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any indications of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For instance depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various environments, such as at home, school, or work. They must be present for a long period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with everyday 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 examine the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it is more difficult to establish a diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria still 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged time and must interfere with the daily activities at work, school or home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes similar symptoms, such as depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and request suggestions. You can also try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to alter their lifestyles, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care provider, an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. During the in-person interview, a practitioner will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they have problems with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to discuss other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as spouses, parents siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide information that questionnaires can't give, such as the fact that the patient often fails to remember or stops doing tasks in mid-stream. They can also reveal what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, suppress impulsive behavior and allow people to pay focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated.
In addition to medications, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their issues. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on home and work life. Therapy for families and marriage 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 occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD the health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They will also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's life.
There is how to get an adult adhd diagnosis to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to recognize. The symptoms of ADHD 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 symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them conducts an interview. This includes their teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily functioning and how they perform to other children of their age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to decrease 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. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can help treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs because of health issues or severe adverse effects. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.