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, sibling, or friend when you're an adultabout your symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires are not able to provide.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult because the diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to evaluate your situation.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their personal and medical history from childhood until the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the 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 minimum two major settings, such as school or work. The examiner should also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to collect information on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors will often request permission to talk with those close to the person who could offer valuable advice and help. They might ask for the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to speak with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological exam to see whether there is any evidence of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that could hinder treatment. For instance, depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that can be seen in different settings, like at work, at home or at school. They should also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will evaluate how 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 adhere to the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over whether the 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 period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or at home.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition an interview with you to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help identify conditions that could be producing the same symptoms as depression or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to obtain the names of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and can affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see his or her primary care physician, a mental health professional or both to receive an assessment. During this in-person interview the professional will discuss issues such as development of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will want to know about how long the symptoms have been going on, the location and time they first began and the amount of distress or issues they can cause.
The evaluator might want to discuss other people who are part of the patient's daily life, including spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover like the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things and what types of situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated with various treatments and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and suppress actions that are impulsive that allow people to be attentive and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they generally are well-tolerated.
Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms can have on work and family life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great method to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD, a health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an information about the family history. They may diagnose adhd uk also search for other conditions that could explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like a blood test or an X-ray. 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 4 to 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be evaluated by someone who knows them well. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they perform to other children their age.
Medication is the most popular form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side effects. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.