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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will interview you and those closest to you -- your spouse or sibling in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about his symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain rid of symptoms and lead a a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator will ask the person to tell them about their medical and personal history, from childhood until now. adhd diagnoses IamPsychiatry 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 led to significant impairments in at minimum two crucial contexts, such as school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out any other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a physician may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, to speak with family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and help. They may ask for the names and contact information of the spouse, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical examination is often part of an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator can 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 could interfere with treatment. For example depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various environments, such as at home, school, or work. They should also last for a lengthy amount of time. The doctor will then assess 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood, behavior, and performance.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared towards diagnosing children, but there is some disagreement about whether these criteria apply to 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 time and must interfere with the daily activities at school, work or at home.
Your doctor may also order additional tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help to rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to an expert who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire if there are professionals covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact an organization in your area and request recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get the list of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and at work and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to make lifestyle adjustments, such as changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should see his or her primary care doctor, a mental health professional or both to get an assessment. During the in-person interview an expert will discuss topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive behavior or focus. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as the way that a person may stop tasks halfway or forgets things, and what situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, suppress impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay more attention and follow directions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medication Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work life. Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing issues caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could arise in these situations.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD, a health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will inquire about your child's behavior at home, in school, and in other settings. They may also employ questionnaires and scales that are specific to ADHD. They may also request a family history. They will also look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. To get a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children between 4 and 18 years old. 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 six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily activities and how they perform with other children their own age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are slower than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who cannot take stimulant drugs due to health issues or serious adverse reactions. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.