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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members (your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -- about your symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults, as diagnostic guidelines are developed for children. It is important to find a specialist in the condition who takes their time in evaluating your case.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in an ADHD assessment is to let the patient speak honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Some adults do not want to admit that they are having trouble paying attention to directions, or organising tasks, but getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to get control of symptoms and live happier and healthier lives.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical history and personal life from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association's clinical guidelines 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. Symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings, such as school or work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor can also employ ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales as well as an interview to gather data about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory may aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who can offer valuable advice and help. They may request the names and contact information of parents, spouses or siblings to talk with them about the individual's issues at home and at the workplace.
A physical examination is often included in an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other disorders out that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the brain to determine if there are symptoms of brain injury or damage that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator could also recommend blood and urinary tests to determine if there are other conditions that could affect treatment. For instance, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
In determining ADHD, your doctor will be looking for signs that are present in different environments, such as at home, school or at work. They should be present for a long amount of time. The doctor will then determine the extent to which your symptoms interfere with 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 guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will review your child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview with a clinical psychologist. The interview will consist of a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical 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 is a diagnostic tool designed for children. There is some debate over 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 be suffering from these symptoms for an extended period of time, and they must significantly affect their daily activities at school, home or at work.
In addition to conducting a clinical interview, your doctor could request other tests to determine extent of your the child's symptoms. This could include a blood or EEG test. Other tests may help rule out conditions that are causing the same symptoms like depression or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to refer you to an expert who will evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire if experts who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your insurance plan. Another option is to contact a local support group and ask for recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to get a list of professionals that provide ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can lead to serious problems at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and taking medication to improve your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle for example, 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 an expert in mental health. During this in-person interview, the practitioner will cover issues such as development of the person's family and lifestyle as well as current symptoms and issues. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive behavior or focus. They will ask about the duration of the symptoms, their frequency, when and where they began and the amount of distress they cause.
The evaluator is likely to be looking to speak to other people in the life of the patient, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults as well as teachers, coaches, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires don't uncover, such as how the person often stops tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things and what types of situations trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated using a variety of treatments and medications. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and suppress impulsive actions, allowing people to be attentive and follow instructions. They can be taken either orally or intravenously and are generally well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD create strategies to compensate for the challenges they experience. Therapists can assist people with learning techniques to organize their lives and track their appointments, as well as provide assistance and guidance when dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on family and work life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflicts that might occur.
Medication
To determine if your child has ADHD A health professional will take into consideration various factors. They will ask your child about website their symptoms at school, at home and other places. They will also use scales and questionnaires that are specific to ADHD. They may also ask for a family history. They will also look for other conditions that could explain the symptoms such as mood disorders and learning disabilities. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test for ADHD, like the blood test or an X-ray. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will follow guidelines that were developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are designed for children between 4 and 18 years old. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD can 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 have 6 or more of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must be present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD the child should be questioned by a person who knows them well. Included in this are their coaches, teachers, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them how their symptoms affect their daily activities and how they compare to other children of their age.
Medication is the most common treatment option for ADHD. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These medications balance and boost levels of certain brain chemical. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are not as potent as stimulants, but are useful for those who cannot take stimulants due too severe adverse effects or health issues. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy.