ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional conducting an ADHD assessment will question you and your family members close to you, such as a spouse, sibling, or friend for adults -- about their symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
It's harder to determine ADHD in adults, because the guidelines for diagnosis are developed for children. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes the time in evaluating your case.
Symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD assessment is to let the patient talk honestly and openly about the symptoms and how they impact his life. Adults may not want to admit they have trouble paying attention, following directions or organising tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and lead a more enjoyable life.
The person being evaluated is asked to share their personal and medical history from childhood to the present. The evaluator will also go over the American Psychological 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 led to significant impairment in at least two important environments, such as school or at work. The evaluator should also rule out other disorders which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression, anxiety or intellectual disabilities.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect details about the severity of the symptoms. Psychological tests that assess executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Depending on the situation doctors will often request permission to speak with people close to the person who could provide valuable insight and support. They may request the names and contact numbers of parents, spouses or siblings to interview them regarding the individual's issues at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically included in an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In some instances thyroid problems and seizures can be a cause of ADHD. The evaluator may also conduct an examination of the neurological system to determine if there are any signs of brain injury or damage which could cause the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest urine and blood tests to determine if there are any other conditions that may affect treatment. For instance depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be able to examine symptoms that can be seen in different settings, like at work, home, or school. They should also last for a lengthy period of time. The doctor will determine the extent to which your symptoms affect your everyday activities. If adult adhd diagnosis uk 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 evaluate the symptoms of your child and how they impact their lives. They may also conduct an interview. The interview will include a review of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked questions about your child's daily mood and behavior, as well as productivity.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted toward diagnosing children, and there is some debate 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 long period of time and interfere with everyday functioning 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 the blood test or an EEG test. Other tests may help determine if a condition is producing the same symptoms as learning disabilities or depressive disorders.
Asking your family doctor to recommend 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 determine if specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults are covered under your policy. Another option is to contact an organization that supports local residents and request suggestions. You can also try calling a university-based hospital or a medical or graduate school for the names of specialists who conduct ADHD assessments.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious issues at work and in school and may cause issues with relationships. If you are diagnosed with ADHD taking medication and enhancing your performance can reduce symptoms. People with ADHD may also need to make lifestyle adjustments like changing their sleeping schedules, using daily planners or increasing exercise.
Anyone suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care doctor, an expert in mental health or both to get an assessment. In the interview in person the practitioner will talk about topics such as the development of the disorder, family history, lifestyle and current symptoms. The practitioner will ask questions about the person's performance, behavior and productivity and whether they are struggling with impulsive or focused actions. They will want to know about how long the symptoms have gone on, the location and time they first began and how much distress or problems they can cause.
The evaluator is likely to be looking to speak to other people in the patient's life, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults and teachers, coaches or daycare providers for children. These people often provide insight that questionnaires can't provide, such as the reasons why a person might stop tasks in the middle or is unable to remember things, or what circumstances trigger symptoms.
ADHD is treated using a variety of behavioral therapies and drugs. Some medications include stimulants such as amphetamine as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs increase blood flow to the brain and reduce the impulse to act that allow people to concentrate and follow directions. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can be taken by mouth or intravenously and generally are well-tolerated.
Therapy can help those with ADHD come up with strategies to overcome the difficulties they face. Therapists can assist people in learning how to organize their lives, keep track of appointments, and provide assistance and guidance in dealing with the effects ADHD symptoms have on their work and home life. Family and marriage therapy can help address problems caused by the disorder in relationships and teach strategies for dealing with conflict and discord that could occur in these situations.
Medication
To diagnose ADHD the medical professional needs to consider various factors. They will inquire with your child about his or her symptoms at school, home and other places. They will also use scales or questionnaires specifically designed for ADHD. They might also inquire about family history. They will search for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, like mood disorders or learning disabilities. They will also evaluate the severity of the symptoms and whether they are affecting your child's everyday life.
There is no physical test for ADHD such as a blood test or an X-ray. To diagnose ADHD your child's doctor will be following the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are for children aged between 4 and 18. It is harder to diagnose ADHD in adults. The symptoms of ADHD may change over time. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must exhibit six or more of the symptoms described in the guidelines in order to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must have been present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being evaluated for ADHD It is crucial that someone who is familiar with them interview them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. They should also be asked about how the symptoms affect their daily lives and how they compare to other children their age.
The most common treatment for ADHD is medication. There are stimulant as well as nonstimulant drugs that can be prescribed to reduce ADHD symptoms. The most common stimulants prescribed are amphetamine, methylphenidate and other stimulants. These drugs help boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals. Antipsychotics and atomoxetine are also medications that can treat ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants, however they can be helpful for those who are unable to take stimulant medication because of health issues or severe side effects. The use of medications can be in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.