ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you and the people closest to you -- your spouse or sibling in the case of an adultabout your symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires cannot.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time when evaluating you.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to discuss openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following instructions or managing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide details about their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Society'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 led to significant impairments in at least two important settings, such as work or school. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to gather information about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable insight and support. For instance, they could seek out the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to interview them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD assessment. It helps rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator might also conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that could interfere with treatment, such as depression or alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different situations, such as at school, home or at work. They must be present for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will evaluate how these symptoms interfere with your day-to-day 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 employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will review the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their daily mood, behaviors and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate about whether the criteria still apply 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. These symptoms must be present for a long time and must interfere with daily functioning at work, school or at home.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor may order other tests to determine severity of the child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests may help determine if a condition is causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can assess your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is a good place to start. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. You can also reach out to a local group of support and ask for suggestions. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to obtain the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and affect relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleep schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. In this interview the doctor will discuss topics including the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They'll be interested in finding out how the symptoms have lasted on, the location and time they first began and how much stress or problems they cause.
The evaluator may need to talk to other people in the life of the patient, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things, and what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and suppress the impulse to act that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally and are generally well-tolerated.
Alongside medication Therapy can help those with ADHD learn strategies to deal with their difficulties. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives, track their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder of relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can arise in these situations.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD the doctor must look at various aspects. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and in other locations. They will also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an information about the family history. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To get a diagnosis the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. adult adhd diagnosis uk are aimed at 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 exhibit six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be questioned about how their symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most common treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also drugs that treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due to severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.