ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and those around you -- a spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, because diagnostic guidelines are designed for children. It is crucial to find an ADHD professional who will take the time to assess you.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient openly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Adults may not want admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting a precise diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and live a happier life.
The examiner will inquire of the person to provide information about their medical and personal history from childhood to present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the disorder, which are found 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 school or at work. The evaluator should also rule out other disorders that can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, or intellectual disabilities.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales in conjunction with an interview to gather data regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation doctors may ask for 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 parents, spouses, or siblings in order to talk with them about the person's challenges at home and at work.
A physical examination is often part of an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can trigger symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are signs of brain injury or damage that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that may interfere with treatment. For example depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that occur in different settings, like at work, home, or school. The symptoms must last for a long time. The doctor will assess how much these symptoms affect 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 utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will evaluate your child's symptoms, and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include a review of your child's medical, family, and psychiatric history. They will also ask questions about the impact of your child's behavior on 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 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. They must have these symptoms for an extended duration of time and must be able to interfere with their daily functioning at school, at home or at work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might request additional tests to determine the severity of the child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out the cause of similar symptoms, such as learning disabilities or depression.
To find an expert to evaluate your your child's ADHD begin by asking your family doctor for an appointment. You can also contact your insurance provider to inquire whether there are specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and solicit recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to request the names of specialists who provide ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve performance and lessen symptoms. People suffering from ADHD also may need to make lifestyle changes like adjusting their sleeping schedules and using a daily planner, or increasing their exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with his or her primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both to receive an evaluation. During the in-person consultation, a practitioner will discuss subjects like development, family history, lifestyle, and the current symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the person's behavior, performance and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They'll be interested in finding out how long the symptoms have been going on, where and when they first began and how much distress or problems they cause.
The evaluator might want to speak to other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including parents, spouses, siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. These people can provide insights that questionnaires cannot, such as the fact that a person often forgets or stops work during the course of a task. They can also provide insight into the triggers for symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines are used to treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs boost the flow of blood to the brain and reduce the impulse to act which allows people to be attentive and follow directions. The drugs can be taken intravenously or orally, and they are generally well tolerated.
Alongside medication Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their issues. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to manage their lives and keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work. how to get diagnosed with adhd ireland and family therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder that affects relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that can be triggered in these situations.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, in schools, and elsewhere. They may also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also request an history of the family. They will look for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, such as 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 for ADHD such as the blood test or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are for children aged 4 to 18. 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, a child must exhibit at least 6 of the symptoms listed in the guidelines for diagnosis. The guidelines also state that the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being tested for ADHD, it's important that someone familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what their symptoms impact their daily life and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious adverse reactions. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.