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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 your spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This is often a way to gain information that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the diagnostic guidelines are specifically created for children. It is important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
To conduct an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit they are having trouble paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care 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 least two important environments, such as work or school. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in addition to an interview to gather data on the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning abilities, and spatial and visual reasoning can be useful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission based on the circumstances to reach out to family members or friends who could provide valuable information and help. For instance, they could ask for the names of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help identify other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that resemble like ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator can also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that may affect treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for signs that are present in different settings, like at home, school, or work. The symptoms should also last for a long period of time. The doctor will assess how much these 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.
Doctors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will examine your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will include your child's medical background, family history, and psychiatric history. You will be asked questions about your child's mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
It is more difficult to diagnose adults. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply in adulthood. To meet diagnose adhd in adults 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 a prolonged time period and have them significantly hinder their daily activities at school, home, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could conduct other tests to determine the extent of your or the child's symptoms. This may include blood tests or an EEG. Other tests can help identify a condition that is causing similar symptoms, for example, learning disabilities or depression.
To find a specialist to assess the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for a referral. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and request recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to get the list of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to change their lifestyle like adjusting their sleep schedules, using a daily planner, or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD should be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional. In the interview in person an expert will discuss issues like development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are having issues with impulsive or focusing actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator will likely need to talk to other people in the patient's life, for example, parents, spouses or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires cannot, such as how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things and what types of situations cause symptoms.
ADHD is treated with a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and decrease impulsive actions, allowing people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are usually well tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD come up with strategies to compensate for the challenges they face. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms can have on work and home life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help with issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may be triggered in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD A health care professional must consider several factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They may also search 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 are affecting your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. This is because a person's 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 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 six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be evaluated by someone who knows them well. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be informed about the effects of their symptoms on their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two drugs that treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants, but they can be beneficial for those who are unable to use stimulants due to severe side effects or health issues. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.