ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A medical professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This will provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are created for children. It's important to find a specialist with the condition who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults might not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator will ask the person about their medical and personal history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines for 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 impairment in at minimum two major environments, such as work or school. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or an intellectual impairment.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to gather details about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may help identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation, doctors often ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable insight and help. They might ask for the names and contact information of the spouse, parents or siblings to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical examination is often part of an ADHD evaluation. It helps rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some cases thyroid issues and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to see whether there is any indication of damage or injury to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that might affect treatment. For instance depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various environments, such as at school, home or at work. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk should be present for a long period of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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.
Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will evaluate the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will include an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. They will also ask questions about how your child's behavior affects their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is designed towards diagnosing children. However, there is some controversy over whether these criteria are still applicable 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.
Your doctor may also order other tests in addition to an interview with you to determine the extent and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests can help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to an expert who can assess your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent 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 under your insurance plan. You can also reach out to a local group of support and request recommendations. You can also contact an academic medical center or university hospital to request the names of specialists who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. Being diagnosed and taking medication can help improve functioning and reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD may also have to change their lifestyle for example, adjusting the time of their sleep and using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with their primary care provider, an expert in mental health or both for an evaluation. In this in-person consultation the professional will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history as well as current symptoms and concerns. The practitioner will ask questions about the patient's behavior, performance and productivity and whether they have issues with impulsive actions or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they started, and the level of distress they cause.
The evaluator may need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life like parents, spouses, or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can provide insights that questionnaires cannot give, such as the fact that the person frequently forgets or stops tasks in mid-stream. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.
ADHD is treated using a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications such as dexamfetamine and atomoxetine. These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, reduce impulsive behavior and allow people to pay focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well tolerated.
In addition to medications Therapy can help those with ADHD develop strategies to compensate for their challenges. Therapists can assist people in learning how to manage their lives, manage their appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on work and family life. Marriage and family therapy is a fantastic way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD, a health care professional must consider various factors. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, home and other places. They will also use scales and questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also look for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's daily life.
There is no physical test that can diagnose ADHD. This includes blood tests and X-rays. To get a diagnosis your child's doctor will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children 4 to 18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to identify. The symptoms of ADHD may change as time passes. 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 as having ADHD. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD it is essential that someone familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers. They should also be informed about how the symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most commonly used medication is a form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most frequently prescribed. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that are used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant medication due to health issues or serious adverse reactions. These medications can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.