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 your spouse, sibling or a friend for adults -- about the symptoms. This may provide information that questionnaires cannot.
It's harder to identify ADHD in adults, as the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It is essential to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes his or her time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
For an ADHD evaluation, the first step is for the patient to be honest and open about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Some adults do not want to admit that they struggle with paying attention, following directions or organizing tasks, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the best method to take control of the symptoms and live a happier and healthier lives.
The person being evaluated is asked to tell them about their medical and personal history, from childhood until now. The evaluator also reviews the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for clinical care for the condition 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 school or at work. In addition, the person evaluating must rule out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or an intellectual impairment.
A doctor may also use ADHD symptom checklists or behavioral rating scales as well as an interview to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that measure executive functioning, spatial and visual reasoning, and working memory can help in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the specific situation, doctors often ask for permission to contact people close to the person who can offer valuable advice and help. For example, they might request the names of spouses, parents or siblings to interview them about the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical exam is usually included in an ADHD assessment. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD. The evaluator can also perform an examination of the brain to determine if there are symptoms of brain damage or injury which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator could also suggest blood and urine tests to check for the presence of any other conditions that may hinder treatment, like depression or alcohol and addiction.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing ADHD the doctor will look for symptoms that can be observed in various settings, like at school, home, or work. They should also last for a significant amount of time. The doctor will then assess how much your symptoms affect your 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.
To diagnose children, doctors adhere to guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). They will examine the child's symptoms and how they affect their lives. They may also conduct an interview for a clinical nature. The interview will comprise a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood, behavior, and productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward diagnosing children, and there is some controversy over whether these criteria apply 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 daily functioning at work, school or home.
Your doctor might also recommend other tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or that of your child. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests can help identify an illness that causes similar symptoms, for example, depression or learning disabilities.
To find an expert to assess the child's ADHD begin by asking your family physician for the referral. You can also call your insurance provider to see whether there are any specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also reach out to an organization in your area and request recommendations. You can also contact a medical school or university-based hospital to request the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
The symptoms of ADHD can cause significant problems at school and at work and can affect relationships. Diagnosed with ADHD, taking medication and improving your performance can reduce symptoms. People suffering from ADHD might also have to adjust their lifestyle like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or ad hoc exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD must see his or her primary care doctor, an expert in mental health or both for an assessment. In this in-person consultation the doctor will discuss topics including development, family and lifestyle history and present symptoms and concerns. The doctor will inquire about the person's performance productivity, as well as if they are struggling with impulsive or focusing actions. They will inquire about the duration of the symptoms, when and where they started, and how much distress they cause.
The evaluator might want to talk to other people who are who are part of the patient's daily life, including parents, spouses siblings, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, or even friends. They can provide insights that questionnaires don't uncover like the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
Many behavioral therapies and medications treat ADHD. The medications may include stimulants such as amphetamine, or nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine and dexamfetamine. These drugs increase the flow of blood to the brain and suppress the impulse to act which allows people to pay attention and follow instructions. They can be taken by mouth or intravenously, and are usually well tolerated.
Alongside medication therapy can also help those with ADHD discover strategies to overcome their issues. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, manage their appointments and provide 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 way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach how to manage stress and resolve conflicts that might arise.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD A health professional will take into consideration many factors. They will ask your child about his or her symptoms at school, at home and in other locations. They may also employ scales and questionnaires that are specifically designed for ADHD. They may also ask for an information about the family history. They will search for other conditions that may cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also assess how severe the symptoms are and if they interfere with your child's life.
There isn't a physical test for ADHD, like blood tests or an X-ray. Your child's healthcare provider follows guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are intended for children aged between 4 and 18. 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 display 6 or more of the symptoms that are listed in the diagnostic guidelines. 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 conducts an interview. This includes their teachers, religious leaders, coaches and other caregivers. They should also be informed about the effects of their symptoms on their daily functioning and how they compare to other children their age.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant medications that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine, as well as antipsychotics. They work slower than stimulants, but they are beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side effects. adhd adult diagnosis uk ADHD Diagnosis can be combined alongside other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral treatment.