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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and those around you -- such as your spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires can't.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is trickier since the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It is important to find a specialist in the field who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the initial step is to allow the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the 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 method to take control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines 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 settings, such as school or work. Additionally, the examiner must rule out other disorders that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or an intellectual disability.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to collect information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person who can provide valuable information 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 the workplace.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In certain instances thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are signs of brain damage or injury that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are any other conditions that might interfere with treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different situations, like at home, work, or school. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much 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.
To diagnose children, doctors follow guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). 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 consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior, and productivity.
For adults, it is more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help 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 have these symptoms for a prolonged duration of time, and they must significantly interfere with their daily activities at school, home, or work.
Apart from conducting I Am Psychiatry , your doctor may order other tests to determine the severity of your child's symptoms. This could include tests for blood or EEG test. Other tests may help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
To find a specialist to evaluate your or your child's ADHD you can begin by asking your family physician for an appointment. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for suggestions. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who perform ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can help decrease symptoms. People suffering from ADHD may also have to make lifestyle changes, such as adjusting sleeping schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both to receive an evaluation. During the in-person interview the practitioner will talk about topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when they began, and from where, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. 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, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by the use of a variety of treatments and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for the challenges they encounter. Therapists can help individuals learn how to organize their lives, manage their appointments and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach how to handle conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.
Medication
To allow a medical professional to identify ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also ask about the history of their family. They will search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they interfere with your child's daily life.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are designed for children aged 4-18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. 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 exhibit at least six of the symptoms listed in the guidelines to be classified as having ADHD. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
Medication is the most common treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulant and nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications help to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and Atomoxetine are medications that can help treat ADHD. They are not as potent as stimulants but can be useful for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.