ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and people close to you -- a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, since diagnostic guidelines are developed for children. It is essential to find an ADHD professional who will take the time to evaluate your situation.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they impact his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical and personal history from childhood up to 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at minimum two major situations, like work or school. The evaluator should also rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who can offer valuable insight and help. For instance, they could 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 often part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are any indications of brain damage or injury that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also recommend urine and blood tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different situations, like at work, at home or at school. The symptoms should also last for a long 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 adhere to guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also inquire about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work.
For adults, it's trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate about 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. They must be suffering from these symptoms for a long period of time, and they must significantly interfere with their daily life at home, school, or work.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition the clinical interview to determine the severity and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. Another option is to contact a local support group and request suggestions. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to obtain the list of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school, and interfere with relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must see their primary adhd diagnosis adult uk care doctor, an expert in mental health or both for an assessment. During the in-person interview, a practitioner will discuss topics such as the development of the person, their family history, lifestyle and the current symptoms. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to 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 and daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires cannot, such as the way that a person may stop tasks mid-way or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant medications like dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood flow to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay focus and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and they generally are well-tolerated.
Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD learn strategies to compensate for their difficulties. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Marriage and family therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder of relationships, as well as teaching coping skills for conflict and discord that can occur in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD, a health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and other places. They may also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about the family history. They may also search for other conditions which could cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can confirm ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged 4 to 18. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD can change with time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be interviewed by someone who knows them well. This includes their teachers and religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what their symptoms impact their daily life, and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to treat ADHD. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health problems. Medications can be used in combination with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.