ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will ask you and your family members close to you -- a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires can't.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adulthood is trickier because the diagnostic guidelines are geared toward children. It's crucial to locate an ADHD specialist who will take the time to assess you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his issues and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit that they struggle with 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.
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The evaluator will ask the person to share their medical history and personal life from childhood up to now. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological Association's guidelines for treating this 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 impairments in at least two important contexts, such as work or school. The evaluator must also rule out other disorders which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety, depression, or intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a physician may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors can ask permission depending on the situation to reach out to family members or friends who may offer valuable advice and support. For example, they might request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, since it can help rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator might conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any sign of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of any other conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will look at symptoms that occur in different environments, such as at work, at home, or school. The symptoms must also persist for a prolonged period of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms impact 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.
To diagnose children, doctors must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will discuss the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct a clinical interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric background. You will be asked questions about your child's mood, behavior, and performance.
For adults, it is difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V is designed to help diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria still apply in 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 period of time and interfere with the daily activities at school, work, or home.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might request other tests to determine severity of your 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 depressive or learning disabilities.
The suggestion of asking your family physician to recommend you to a specialist who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is the best place to begin. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to find out if professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered by your policy. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit recommendations. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment can also call the medical school or university hospital to get the list of specialists who provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or in school and may cause issues with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle, such as changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care physician, a mental health professional or both to receive an evaluation. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss subjects like development, family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and issues. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they have problems with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are involved in the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches daycare providers, or friends. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as how the person often stops tasks mid-way or forgets things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by the use of a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost blood flow to the brain and decrease actions that are impulsive which allows people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD learn strategies to deal with their challenges. Therapists can teach people techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, as well as provide assistance and advice in dealing with the impact of ADHD symptoms on home and work life. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships, as well as teaching coping skills for conflict and discord that could be triggered in these situations.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD, they must evaluate several things. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They may also use questionnaires and scales specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also check for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they impact your child's daily life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like the blood test 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 were designed for children 4 to 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD can change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit 6 or more of the symptoms that are listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is recommended that they be questioned by a person who knows them well. This includes teachers as well as coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also inquire what the effects of their ailments are on their daily functioning, and how they compare to other children of their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most common stimulants prescribed are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are two medications that can help treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for people who cannot take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe side effects. Medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.
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