ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their medical and personal history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over 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. The symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two major environments, such as school or at work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual disability.
A doctor could also utilize ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission based on the circumstances to speak with family members or friends who can provide valuable information and help. For instance, they may ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid problems 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 brain damage or injury that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to determine the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that manifest in various situations, such as at home, school, or work. They should also last for a significant amount of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms impact 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.
Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will examine the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their daily mood, behaviors and work.
For adults, it is more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children, but there is some disagreement about whether these 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. They must have these symptoms for an extended time period and must be able to interfere with their daily life at school, at home or at work.
Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. These could 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.
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 by your plan. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and request recommendations. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to request the names of specialists who perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also need to alter their lifestyles like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they began, and how much distress or problems they create.
The evaluator will likely need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover for example, the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, and what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medication may contain stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and decrease the impulse to act which allows people to pay attention and follow directions. They can be administered either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to compensate for the difficulties they encounter. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on family and work. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships and also teach coping skills for conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional needs to consider several factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They will also use questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also request an information about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's life.
There is no physical test that can confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The healthcare provider for your child follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD may change with 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 more than 6 symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD getting an adhd diagnosis it is essential that someone familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant medications due to health problems or severe side effects. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.