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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who's evaluating ADHD will ask you and those closest to you (your spouse, sibling, or friend when you're an adultabout the symptoms you experience. This often provides information that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, because the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's important to find a specialist in the field who takes the time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to have the patient openly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person to share their medical history and personal life, from childhood until now. The evaluator 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 least two significant situations, like school or at work. The evaluator must be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may request permission, based on the circumstance, to reach out to family members or friends who may offer valuable insight and help. For example, they might ask for the names of spouses, parents or siblings to speak with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually part of an ADHD evaluation, as it can help identify other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid issues and seizures may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator could also conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator might also recommend blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression, alcohol or drug abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the doctor will be looking for signs that are present in different situations, such as at home, school, or work. They should also last for a lengthy amount of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms interfere with 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 must follow the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will cover your child's medical history, family history, and psychiatric history. They will also ask you about how your child's behavior impacts their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria still 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 home.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might conduct other tests to determine extent of your your child's symptoms. These could include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help identify conditions that could be causing the same symptoms like learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
To find a specialist to evaluate your or the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are any specialists covered by your policy who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and solicit recommendations. You can also call the medical school or university hospital to get the list of specialists who provide ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
The signs of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and work, and interfere with relationships. Finding a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also need to adjust their lifestyle for example, changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should see their primary care provider, a mental health professional or both to get an assessment. During this in-person interview the professional will discuss issues such as development of the person's family and lifestyle and present symptoms and problems. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance and productivity, as well as whether they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator may want to talk to other people who are who are involved in the patient's everyday life, such as parents, spouses siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks mid-way or forgets things and what types of situations cause symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications are used to treat ADHD. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress the impulse to act that allow people to be attentive and follow directions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously and generally are well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to compensate for the difficulties they face. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and keep track of appointments, and offer assistance and advice in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. Family and marriage therapy can help with issues caused by the disorder in relationships and teach coping skills for conflict and discord that could arise in these situations.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, at school, and in other settings. They may also use scales and questionnaires that here are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask about the history of their family. They may also search for other conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms, like learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also determine how severe the symptoms are and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare provider for your child will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years old. It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also stipulate 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 interviews them. This includes teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily life, and how they compare with other children their own age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These medications help to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications because of health issues or severe adverse effects. They can be combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral treatment.