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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional who is conducting an ADHD evaluation will ask you and people close to you, such as a spouse, sibling or friend for adults -- about symptoms. This can provide insight that questionnaires are not able to provide.
It's more difficult to determine ADHD in adults, since the guidelines for diagnosis are designed for children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in 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 openly and openly about his issues and how they affect his daily life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they have difficulty paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take rid of symptoms and lead a an enjoyable life.
The examiner will inquire of the person about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at minimum two major environments, such as work or school. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or intellectual disabilities.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather information regarding the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Doctors may ask for permission, based on the circumstance, to speak with family members or friends who could provide valuable information and help. adhd in adults diagnosis may ask for the names and contact information of the spouse, parents, or siblings in order to speak with them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is often part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator may conduct a neurological examination to determine if there's any indication of injury or damage to the brain that would explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend urine and blood tests to determine if there are other conditions that may hinder treatment. For instance depression, depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that are present in different environments, such as at school, home or at work. They must also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will then assess the extent to which your symptoms impact your daily 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 follow guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will assess the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will consist of an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, and medical history. They will also ask you about the impact of your child's behavior on their mood, behavior and work.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate about 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. They must exhibit these symptoms for an extended period of time and have them significantly interfere with their daily functioning at school, at home, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could request other tests to determine extent of your your child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests can help rule out the cause of the same symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
To find an expert to assess the child's ADHD, you can start by asking your family doctor for the referral. 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 insurance plan. Another option is to reach out to an organization that supports local residents and ask for recommendations. You can also try calling the hospital of a university or medical or graduate school for a list of professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious issues at work and at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve performance and lessen symptoms. People with ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle, such as altering their sleep schedules using daily planners, or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD needs to be evaluated by their primary care physician or a mental health professional. During this in-person interview the professional will discuss subjects like the development of the disorder of the person's family and lifestyle, and current symptoms and problems. The practitioner will ask about the person's performance, productivity, and if they are having issues with impulsive or focus-focused actions. They'll be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they started and how much stress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator could speak to other people who are involved in the patient's everyday life, including spouses, parents siblings teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires can't provide for example, the way that a person may stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated by various behavioral therapies and drugs. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress impulsive behavior and allow people to pay more attention and follow directions. They can be administered by mouth or intravenously, and are generally well-tolerated.
In addition to medication, therapy can help people with ADHD discover strategies to compensate for their issues. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and offer support and guidance when dealing with the impact ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Therapy for families and marriage is a great method to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach strategies for dealing with stress and assist in resolving conflicts that might occur.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will inquire with your child about their symptoms at school, at home and in other places. They may also use questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They might also request a family history. They will search for other conditions that may explain the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. 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 diagnose ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. The doctor treating your child is following guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years old. It is difficult to determine ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may change with time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must show six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed with ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD the child should be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they compare with other children their own age.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medication are available to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs aid in boosting and balance levels of specific brain chemicals. Other medications that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine as well as some antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant medication because of health issues or severe adverse reactions. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.