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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional who is evaluating ADHD will interview you and the people closest to you -- your spouse or sibling in the case of an adult- about your symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are created for children. It's crucial to find an ADHD specialist who is willing to assess you.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD assessment, the initial step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about symptoms and how they affect his life. Adults may not want admit that they struggle with paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical history and personal life, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also go over 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 impairment in at minimum two major situations, like work or school. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning skills, and spatial and visual reasoning are useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and help. For example, they might ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD assessment. It could help rule out other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of other conditions that could interfere with treatment, like depression, alcohol or substance abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different environments, such as at work, at home, or school. They should also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will determine how much your symptoms affect your everyday activities. 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 child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply in adulthood. 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 prolonged duration and affect daily functioning at school, work or home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may conduct other tests to determine extent of your or your child's symptoms. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests may help rule out conditions that are causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
The suggestion of asking your family physician 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 provider to inquire whether there are specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and solicit suggestions. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to request a list of professionals that provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles like adjusting their sleeping schedules or using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see the primary care physician or a mental health professional or both for an evaluation. During this in-person interview, the practitioner will cover issues such as the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle, and current symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They'll want to know about how long the symptoms have gone on, the location and time they first began and the amount of distress or issues they create.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as spouses, parents, siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or family members. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot for example, the reasons why a person might stop tasks halfway or forgets things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many different behavioral therapies and medications help treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay focus and follow instructions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their issues. Therapists can help individuals learn how to manage their lives, keep track of appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Therapy for families and marriage 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
For an expert to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate several things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They may also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they impact your child's life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis your child's doctor will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is because the symptoms can change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must show at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone familiar with them interviews them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they perform to other children of their age.
The most commonly used medication is a method of treating ADHD. There are adhd diagnosing and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to decrease ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, however they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant medications because of health issues or severe adverse reactions. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.