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ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and the people closest to you (your spouse, sibling, or friend if you're an adult -about the symptoms you experience. This can provide insight that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It's important to find a specialist in the field who takes the time when evaluating you.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient openly and openly about the symptoms and how they affect his life. Some adults are reluctant to admit they struggle with paying attention and following directions or organising tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best way to gain rid of symptoms and lead a happier and healthier lives.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical history and personal life, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for the treatment of 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 least two important settings, such as school or work. The evaluator should be able to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual impairment.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptoms checklists or rating scales in addition to an interview to collect information about the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory skills and visual and spatial reasoning can be helpful in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to talk with those close to the person in order to provide valuable insight and help. For instance, they could request the names of parents, spouses, or siblings to talk with them about the person's problems at home and at work.
A physical exam is typically part of an ADHD assessment, since it can help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct a neurological examination to determine if there is any evidence of injury or damage to the brain that could explain the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to evaluate for the presence of other medical conditions that may hinder treatment, such as depression or alcohol and substance abuse.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing ADHD the 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 period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms affect 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.
Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition to diagnose children. They will assess the child's symptoms and how they impact their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will discuss your child's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior as well as their productivity.
For adults, it's more difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards diagnosing children. However, there is some controversy over whether these criteria apply 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 have these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, and they must significantly affect their daily life at school, home, or work.
Besides conducting a clinical interview, your doctor might request other tests to determine the extent of your or your child's symptoms. This might include a blood test or an EEG. Other tests may help rule out conditions that are producing the same symptoms as depressive or learning disabilities.
Asking your family doctor to refer you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or that of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance company to find out whether there are any specialists covered under your plan who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Another option is to contact a local support group and solicit suggestions. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to obtain a list of professionals that provide ADHD assessments.
Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD can cause serious problems in work and school and affect relationships. If you're diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your functioning can help reduce symptoms. Patients with ADHD also may need to alter their lifestyles for example, adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing their exercise.
A person with ADHD must be assessed by their primary care physician or an expert in mental health. In this interview the professional will discuss topics including the development of the disorder as well as family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and problems. The doctor will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior and productivity, and if they have issues with impulsive or focused actions. They will be interested in knowing how the symptoms have lasted on, when and where they started and how much distress or problems they cause.
The evaluator will likely need to talk to other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults as well as coaches, teachers, daycare providers or friends for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires cannot, such as the fact that the person often forgets or stops work in mid-stream. They can also reveal what triggers symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medicines help treat ADHD. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood circulation to the brain, suppress more info the impulsive behavior of people and enable them to pay attention and follow directions. These drugs can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and they are generally well-tolerated.
Alongside medication Therapy can help those with ADHD discover strategies to deal with their difficulties. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and provide support and guidance when dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on their work and family life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great way to tackle the issues caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also teach how to manage stress and resolve conflict that may arise.
Medication
For a medical professional to identify ADHD it is necessary to evaluate various aspects. They will ask about your child's symptoms at home, in school and in other places. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They will search for other conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess the severity of the symptoms and if they are affecting your child's daily routine.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like the blood test or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years old. Adults are more difficult to identify. This is due to the fact that a person's symptoms 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 the child must have 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the diagnostic guidelines. The guidelines also stipulate that the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD, they should be questioned by a person who is familiar with them. This includes their teachers and coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. It is also important to inquire how their symptoms affect their daily functioning and how they perform to other children their age.
Medication is the most popular method of treating ADHD. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medication can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly 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 some antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, however they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious side effects. The medications can be used alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.