ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you such as your spouse or sibling if you're an adult -- about your symptoms. This is often a way to gain insight that questionnaires can't uncover.
how is adhd diagnosed in adults ADHD Diagnosis of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier, as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It is essential to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to have the patient be honest and open about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The evaluator will ask the individual about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association'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 impairment in at minimum two major situations, like work or school. The evaluator must also rule out any other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission based on the circumstances to contact family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. For instance, they may seek out the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases, thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are symptoms of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that manifest in various situations, such as at school, home, or work. They must also last for a significant period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms affect 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 guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess your child's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply 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 daily functioning at work, school or at home.
Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or the child's. These might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing the same symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. You can also reach out to a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also call a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain a list of professionals that conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and affect relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary care provider or a mental health professional. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss topics including development of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, where and when they began, and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk 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. They can provide information that questionnaires are unable to provide, such as the fact that the patient often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They may also be able to reveal the triggers for symptoms.
ADHD is treated using the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help people with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
For an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will ask about your child's behavior at home, in school and in other places. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also request an information about the family history. They will look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines were designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. This is due to the fact that 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 display at least 6 of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. 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 is familiar with them. This includes their teachers as well as religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they perform with other children their own age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are drugs that treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they are beneficial for people who are unable to use stimulant drugs due to health problems or serious adverse reactions. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.