ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you (your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -- about your symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD professional who is willing to evaluate you.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Many adults are reluctant to admit they are having trouble paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.
The evaluator asks the person to share their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for the disorder, which are found 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 important environments, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person in order to offer valuable advice and help. For example, they might request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems 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. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. The evaluator could also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are any signs of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For example, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different settings, like at home, work or at school. The symptoms must also persist for a long time. Then, the doctor will assess how much these symptoms impact your day-to-day 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 the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior and productivity.
For adults, it is trickier to make a diagnosis. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for 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 duration and affect the daily activities at school, work or home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might order other tests to determine severity of the child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests can be used to rule out an illness that causes similar symptoms, such as 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 an excellent place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. You can also contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work and affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care provider, an expert in mental health or both to receive an evaluation. In diagnosing adhd in-person consultation, the practitioner will cover topics including the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and suppress the impulse to act that allow people to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medication therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to overcome their issues. Therapists can help people learn how to manage their lives, manage their appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships, as well as teaching coping skills for conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must consider various factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also request an information about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children 4 to 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to recognize. 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, a child must have more than 6 symptoms as described in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant drugs due to health issues or serious adverse reactions. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.