ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will interview you and your closest family members such as your spouse or sibling in the case of an adult- about your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, because diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. Full File is crucial to find an ADHD professional who is willing to evaluate you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is to allow the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. However, getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society's clinical guidelines 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 minimum two crucial situations, like work or school. The evaluator must also rule out any other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission based on the circumstances to contact family members or friends who can provide valuable information and support. They may request the names and contact information of the spouse, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are any symptoms of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that may affect treatment. For example, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various situations, such as at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also last for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms interfere with your 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.
To diagnose children, doctors follow the guidelines of 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 might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children, but there is some disagreement about whether these criteria are still applicable 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 long duration and affect the daily activities at work, school or at home.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These could 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 an expert to evaluate your or the child's ADHD begin by asking your doctor for a referral. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and ask for recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to obtain the list of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work, and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about issues like development, family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to be looking to speak to other people in the patient's life, like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults, as well as coaches, teachers and daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires can't provide like the way that a person may stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what situations trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and suppress impulsive actions that allow people to concentrate and follow directions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD A health care professional must consider many factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also employ questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask about the history of their family. 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 everyday life.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. 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 geared towards children between 4 and 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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 show six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how their symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, but they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe adverse reactions. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.