ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his daily life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator asks the person to provide details about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's guidelines for treating 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major settings, such as school or work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and support. For instance, they may request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help determine other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are any symptoms of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that manifest in various situations, such as at home, school or at work. The symptoms should also last for a long time. The doctor will determine how much 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 use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will discuss your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will include your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
For adults, it's more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply 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 be suffering from these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time, and they must significantly affect their daily life at school, home or at work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine extent of your or your child's symptoms. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
To find a specialist to assess the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your doctor for the referral. You can also call your insurance provider to see if there are professionals covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and request suggestions. You could also call the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and interfere with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also have to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleeping schedules or using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care physician or a mental health professional or both to receive an assessment. In the interview in person an expert will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they began and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to want to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't give, such as the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also reveal what situations trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce impulsive actions which allows people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be administered orally or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they experience. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. diagnosing adhd uk for families and marriage is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A medical professional needs to consider many factors. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, at school, and in other settings. They may also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also look for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged 4 to 18. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. 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 display six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning, and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants but can be useful for those who cannot take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.