ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and the people closest to you such as your spouse, sibling, or friend in the case of an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This can provide insight that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults, since the diagnostic guidelines are specifically developed for children. It is important to find a specialist with the field who takes the time when evaluating you.
Symptoms
For an ADHD assessment, the first step is for the patient to talk openly and honestly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults do not want to admit they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of the symptoms and live a a more fulfilling life.
The evaluator will ask the person to provide information about their personal and medical history from childhood until the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines 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 situations, like school or work. In addition, the evaluator must rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety, depression or an intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information about the severity of 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 circumstances to contact family members or friends who could offer valuable advice and support. They might ask for the names and contact details of the spouse, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems both at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also perform an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any symptoms of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that might hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or addiction.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that are present in different environments, such as at school, home, or work. The symptoms must also persist for a long period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms impact your daily routine. 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 your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will discuss 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.
For adults, it is trickier to make an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate over 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. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged period of time and interfere with everyday functioning at work, school or home.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or those of your child. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help rule out a condition that is causing similar symptoms, such as learning disabilities or depression.
To find an expert to assess your child's ADHD begin by asking your doctor for the referral. You can also contact your insurance company to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your plan. Another option is to reach out to a local support group and request recommendations. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to request the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
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Treatment
The signs of ADHD can lead to serious issues at school and work and can affect relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. People with ADHD also may need to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting the time of their sleep and using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary healthcare provider or an expert in mental health. During this in-person interview the doctor will discuss issues such as the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they are struggling with impulsive behavior or focus. They'll be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have been going on, when and where they began, and the amount of distress or issues they cause.
The evaluator is likely to need to talk to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot, such as how the person often stops tasks halfway or forgets things and what types of situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated with the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and decrease actions that are impulsive that allow people to concentrate and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to overcome the challenges they experience. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, track their appointments and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effect ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder of relationships and also teach how to handle conflict and disagreement that may occur in these situations.
Medication
To allow a health professional to diagnose ADHD, they must evaluate many things. They will ask your child about their symptoms at school, at home and other places. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will search for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they affect your child's daily routine.
There is no physical test to confirm ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To diagnose ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD 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 display six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines in order 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 evaluated for ADHD, it's important that someone who is familiar with them conducts an interview. This includes teachers and 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 of their age.
https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment for ADHD is medication. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They are less potent than stimulants, but they can be beneficial for people who are unable to take stimulants due too severe side effects or health issues. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.
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