ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you -- such as your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This often provides insights that questionnaires don't.
It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are created for children. It is essential 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 talk honestly and openly about his issues 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 healthier life.
The person being evaluated is asked to provide details about their personal and medical history from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric 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. The symptoms must have caused significant impairments in at minimum two crucial contexts, such as school or work. The examiner should also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor might utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to speak with people close to the person who can offer valuable advice and support. They may ask for 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 examination is often included in an ADHD assessment. It could help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are signs of injury or damage to the brain which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to check for the presence of other medical conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that can be seen in different environments, such as at work, home or at school. They should be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with daily 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 utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will discuss the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask you about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate over 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 school, work or at home.
Apart from conducting a medical interview, your doctor could request other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is the best place to begin. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and request recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to obtain the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see his or her primary care physician, an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about topics such as the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They will be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they started and the amount of distress or issues they create.
The evaluator will likely be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot, such as the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medicines like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and suppress the impulse to act, allowing people to concentrate and follow directions. The drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medications therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to overcome their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, track their appointments, and offer assistance and guidance in dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder of relationships and teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may be triggered in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a health professional will take into consideration many factors. adhd uk diagnosis will ask about your child's behavior at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also employ questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about the history of their family. They will also look for other conditions which could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD can 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 the child must exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be interviewed by someone who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemical. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to health problems or severe adverse effects. They can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.